Rainbow Lakes Trail
Description:
The
Rainbow Lakes Trail begins at the west end of the Rainbow Lakes Campground
at an elevation of 9,980 feet. There is parking for about six to eight vehicles.
The trail travels for about a mile through a dense spruce forest passing a
series of well stocked lakes. It is fairly level and easy to hike. The trail
passes to the right of four of the larger lakes. There are trails leading
to the shorelines. Most of the shores are lined with thick willows. The trail
ends on a pile of rocks between the two most westerly lakes. It takes about
a half hour to hike to the end of the trail.
This
trail is located in the Glacier Travel Zone of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Camping, day hiking, and packstock are permitted in this area but no open
campfires are allowed. Most people camp in the campground and hike to the
lakes.
Features:
| Length: |
.86 miles (1.4 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
9,980' - 10,250' |
| Elevation change: |
270 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 15 |
| Difficulty: |
Easy |
| Use: |
High |
| USGS maps: |
Ward |
| Trailheads: |
Rainbow Lakes |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash, no campfies |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (no bicycles in wilderness) |
| Suitable for horses: |
No |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Other Nearby Resources:
Directions:
Take
Highway 72 north from Nederland approximately 6.5 miles. Turn west on Forest
Road 298 at the sign for the CU Mountain Research Station. Travel about six
miles to the Rainbow Lakes Campground. The Rainbow Lakes Trailhead is located
at the west end of the campground.
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