Rainbow Trail, Sangre de Cristo Wilderness
This long trail (USFS #1336) runs along the eastern base of the Sangre de Cristo range. Along its length, hikers can access numerous 14,000'ers, including Kit Carson (14,165') and Crestone Peak (14,294'), and over a dozen alpine lakes.
There are several Rainbow Trails throughout Colorado. This trail spans trail four counties – Saguache, Chaffee, Fremont and Custer – and ends at the Huerfano County border.
The trail begins in the north off US-285 near Poncha Pass and skirts the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness heading south toward Great Sand Dunes National Reserve. When described on sites such as AllTrails, hikes on this trail usually describe a section without referencing the whole. Stats below are for the entire trail.
- Suitable Activities: Backcountry Nordic Skiing, Backpacking, Biking, Camping, Hiking, Snowshoeing
- Seasons: Year-round
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Avalanche Terrain Rating Challenging View avalanche forecast.
- Length: 105.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 3,250 ft
- 10,253 ft
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Land Manager:
Land Manager Varies
Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area, Salida Ranger District (PSINF)
- Parking Permit Required: Other
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- CoTrex
- AllTrails
This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.
- Rainbow Trail - Crystal Trail via Rainbow Trail from Grape Creek TH
- Rainbow Trail - Alvarado Campground to Gibson Creek
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