Hiking the
Rainbow Trail:
This segment of the trail travels along the base of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are one of the longest mountain chains on Earth. They stretch from Poncha Pass, Colorado, in the north to Glorieta Pass, New Mexico, in the south. There are ten peaks over 14,000' high in the range, more than two dozen over 13,000'. Hikers can continue northwest to the Stout Creek Lakes trailhead. Camping is permitted at undeveloped sites along the trail. This section of the trail is open to motorcycles. Users are reminded to be respectful of others. ATV's are not permitted on this trail due to restrictions on the width and slope of the trail.
Specific Hiking and Trail Information for the Rainbow Trail
Best Seasons: Summer to Fall
Length of Trail: Over 10 miles
Elevation at Trailhead: 8880 feet
Range of elevation encoutered on the hike: 8880 to 8560 feet
Estimated Difficulty (Forest Service Estimate): Intermediate
Travel Information
Trailhead Directions: From Bear Creek: Travel approximately 2 miles east from Salida on Hwy 50. Watch carefully for the left turn onto CR 101. Take CR 101, south for 4.5 miles to the trailhead. A high clearance vehicle is required for the last 2 miles of the road. From Kerr Gulch: Traveling east from Howard, CO, turn right on BLM Road 6110(Kerr Gulch). Stay on this road for approximately 4 miles to BLM Road 6117. Take Road 6117 and travel for 1 mile to the trailhead. This road is accessible by high-clearance vehicles only. Road conditions can deteriorate during wet weather.
For more information on this hike
National Forest: Pike & San Isabel National Forests Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands
Local Office: Pike & San Isabel National Forests Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands
Address:
325 Rainbow Blvd.
Salida, CO, 81201
719-539-3591
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