Finding Machado Postpiles can be difficult. Starting at abandoned Camp Minkalo on the south side of Silver Lake there is no defined trail, although there are a number of "ducks" that lead you southward up the canyon. This hike is easy with only a few strenuous sections. It is about 4 miles round trip with 500 feet of elevation gain and 300 feet of gain in the last one-fourth mile taking you to 7900 feet elevation.

If you know where to look you can see and easily find the postpiles. Look for them when you are still at a relative high elevation compared to the creek, long before you cross the creek. After you cross the creek, you are so close to a mostly vertical wall of granite that you might miss the starting point leading you to the top of the postpiles. You let the force be with you and maintain your desire to be at the base of what you have just seen. Because of the creek, you cannot walk in a straight line.

There are two ways up: the fast way along the north edge of the outcrop which requires hopping on boulders, and the long switch back route that takes you to the south side of the outcrop. The switch back trail gives you the best views of the sides of Machado Postpiles and best compares to the view you find for Devil's Postpile located on the other side of the Sierra near Mammoth Lakes.