Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest
Rainbow Lakes Trail #918

The Rainbow Lakes Trail is an easy trail about 1 mile long (one way), is heavily used from June through October (open year round).

Elevations:

• Trailhead: 10,000'
• Rainbow Lake: 10,250'

USGS Maps: Ward and Monarch Lake Quads

Trailhead Location: About seven miles north of Nederland, on Highway 72, turn west onto Rainbow Lakes Road (County Road 116, and National Forest System Road (NFSR) 298). Look for the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station sign. Drive past the Sourdough Trailhead, and after about one mile turn left (south) to stay on NFSR 298, following signs for Rainbow Lakes Campground. This is a rough, native-surfaced road and it's about five miles from Highway 72 to the trailhead. High clearance vehicles are recommended but passenger cars and other vehicles, driven slowly, should have no problem on the road. Trailhead parking is at the west end of the Rainbow Lakes Campground.

Trail Information: Rainbow Lakes Trail #918, heads west from the trailhead and soon enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The trail is an easy hike up to the Rainbow Lakes (elevation 10,200 feet), a series of small lakes and beaver ponds.

Backcountry camping in the Indian Peaks Wilderness is by permit only. Camping is also available at the Rainbow Lakes Campground. Contact the Boulder Ranger District (303-541-2500) for information.