The Rainbow Trail is one of Colorado's oldest long-distance trails, a 100+ mile route along the eastern flank of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains from Poncha Pass south to Music Pass near Great Sand Dunes National Park. The newly formed U.S. Forest Service built it in 1912 to reach grazing allotments in the Sangre de Cristos. The trail arcs along the range at an average elevation of 9,000 feet, and that rainbow-like curve is where the name comes from.
This is a trail for backpackers who want a quieter alternative to the Colorado Trail. It rambles through ponderosa forests and alpine meadows, crosses mountain creeks (with bridges over the larger waterways), and keeps the jagged Sangre de Cristo peaks in view to the west for most of its length. The trail skirts the boundary of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, and numerous side trails climb into the high country. Water is adequate but takes planning: some creek beds run dry depending on the season, so expect to carry more than usual. Wildlife is abundant, and proper food storage is essential.
The Rainbow Trail is a multi-use route. Hikers, mountain bikers, and motorcyclists share most sections, though motorized users are prohibited in wilderness areas. Thru-hikers typically finish in 5-7 days, and the trail's many access points also make it a good candidate for section hiking weekends.
No permits are required for backpacking the Rainbow Trail. The trail travels through Pike-San Isabel National Forest, where dispersed camping is allowed outside developed campgrounds as long as you don't cause resource damage and follow these rules:
Bear Country Requirements: The Rainbow Trail is in active bear habitat. Bear canisters are not mandatory, but you must store all food and scented items in a bear-resistant manner. Bear bags, bear boxes, and storage in hard-sided vehicles are acceptable methods. Pop-up campers, tents, and open-top vehicles do not qualify as bear-safe storage.
Fire Restrictions: Check current conditions before departure. During periods of high fire danger, campfires may be prohibited outside developed recreation sites. Fire restrictions vary by ranger district (Salida and San Carlos districts manage most of the Rainbow Trail). Current fire status is available through the Pike-San Isabel National Forest website.
Wilderness Areas: Where the trail borders the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, standard wilderness regulations apply: no motorized equipment, no mountain bikes, and Leave No Trace principles in effect.
July through September is the most reliable window, with July the busiest month. The trail is typically snow-free by late June, though higher sections and north-facing slopes can hold snow into early July after a heavy winter snowpack.
Peak wildflower season runs from late June through August, and the meadows fill with color after good summer rainfall. Alpine blooms peak in July and early August.
Fall colors arrive in late September through early October as the aspens turn golden against the evergreen forest. This is an excellent shoulder season with fewer people on the trail, though nights get cold and early season snowstorms are possible, especially above 10,000 feet on side trails.
Spring (May-June): Snow lingers at higher elevations, and many trailheads require 4WD because the roads turn to mud. Creek crossings run high with snowmelt. Some sections may be passable for experienced spring hikers, particularly the lower elevation stretches near Salida.
Winter: The trail sees occasional snowshoe use but is not maintained for winter travel, and many trailhead access roads close seasonally (Music Pass Road, for one). Avalanche hazard exists on adjacent peaks.
Monsoon season (mid-July through mid-August) brings daily afternoon thunderstorms. Expect rain for 1-2 hours most afternoons, typically between noon and 3pm. The main hazard is lightning rather than the rain itself. Plan to camp in protected locations by early afternoon and stay off exposed ridgelines when storms build.
Water is adequate but not abundant, so plan to carry 2-3 liters between sources. The trail crosses six major creeks with bridges, plus numerous smaller drainages. Backpackers report water is "plentiful in just enough places," but expect some dry creek beds, especially in late summer and fall. One specific piece of advice from trip reports: fill up at the first streams around mile 1.5 on certain sections, because the next accessible water may not appear until mile 4.5 or beyond.
Water reliability by season: - Spring/early summer: All sources running strong, sometimes dangerously high during peak snowmelt - Mid-summer: Most sources reliable, though smaller tributaries may slow to trickles - Late summer/fall: Many smaller drainages dry; plan for longer water carries between reliable creek crossings
Always treat water from streams and lakes. Wildlife concentrates near scarce water sources, which raises the contamination risk.
Resupply options:
Salida (mile 12-20 depending on route): Full-service town with a Safeway grocery, Walmart (a few miles outside town), an outdoor outfitter, post office, restaurants, hotels, and a laundromat. Salida sits approximately 15 miles east of where the trail crosses US Highway 50. This is the primary mid-trail resupply for northbound or southbound thru-hikers.
Poncha Springs: On the western outskirts of Salida near the northern terminus. Lodging is cheaper than in Salida, and there are full grocery and hardware stores.
Westcliffe (near southern terminus): Full services in this small mountain town, though it is not directly on the trail. Reachable via the Music Pass Road trailhead area.
Coaldale and Cotopaxi: Small mountain communities between Salida and Hayden Creek with basic accommodations but limited resupply options.
No commercial mail drop services are prominently advertised for the Rainbow Trail. Thru-hikers typically resupply in Salida, or carry food for the whole trip if they can finish in under 7 days.
Lightning exposure: The trail generally stays below treeline at 9,000 feet, but several connecting trails climb to exposed ridges and 13,000+ foot peaks. During monsoon season (mid-July to mid-August), afternoon thunderstorms are nearly daily. Follow the "treeline by noon" rule if climbing peaks, and even on the Rainbow Trail itself, avoid ridge crossings in the afternoon when storms build. Lightning risk drops significantly in September.
Creek crossings: The six major creeks have bridges, but smaller drainages require rock-hopping or wading. During peak snowmelt (late May through June), even bridged crossings can be treacherous with high water. By late summer, when many smaller tributaries go dry, crossings pose little danger.
Navigation: The trail is generally easy to follow but "isn't well marked" according to multiple trip reports. Download maps and GPS tracks before departure. The trail intersects many side trails, so pay attention at junctions, especially where motorized routes diverge.
Bear activity: Black bears are common, and proper food storage is mandatory. Camp away from water sources where wildlife concentrates, especially during dry periods when water is scarce.
Terrain: The trail surface varies from smooth forest floor to rocky, cobbled sections with roots. Footing takes attention in the rugged stretches. The full distance is rated as highly challenging, though individual sections vary significantly in difficulty.
Motorized users: The Rainbow Trail allows motorcycles on most sections (motorized use is prohibited in designated wilderness). Be prepared to encounter dirt bikes, especially on summer weekends. Motorcycles must stay on designated routes and are far less common than hikers and mountain bikers.
Wildfire: Colorado's increasing wildfire activity means possible closures during fire season. Check the COTREX app or Pike-San Isabel National Forest alerts for current closures before departure. Recent fire mitigation projects in some areas have thinned the forest to reduce future fire risk.
No recent major reroutes reported, though always verify current conditions, since fire damage can force temporary closures or detours.
Airports: - Colorado Springs (COS): 80-107 miles depending on trailhead, 2-2.5 hour drive to most access points - Denver International (DEN): 115-165 miles, 2.5-3 hours to northern trailheads, longer to southern access - Pueblo Memorial (PUB): 62 miles from Westcliffe/southern terminus
Rental cars are available at all three airports. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for some trailheads.
Northern Terminus (Poncha Pass area): From Salida, take US Highway 285 northwest toward Poncha Pass. The Rainbow Trail trailhead is just past Mears Junction, with parking on the west side of Highway 285. This section is accessible by 2WD vehicles.
Hayden Creek access (mid-trail, popular section hiking start): From Coaldale on US 50 (southeast of Salida), turn southwest on County Road 6 and drive approximately 4.5 miles. Road conditions are generally good but deteriorate in wet weather. 2WD vehicles can typically reach this trailhead when it's dry.
Southern Terminus (Music Pass): From Westcliffe, take Highway 69 south for 4.5 miles and turn west at the Music Pass/South Colony Lakes sign. Critical: 2WD vehicles must park where the Rainbow Trail crosses Music Pass Road (adding 2.5 miles each way to any hike). 4WD vehicles can continue another 2.5 rough miles to Music Pass Trailhead; the last 2 miles require high clearance. Music Pass Road closes seasonally and typically opens June 1.
Bear Creek Trailhead (northern section near Salida): Accessed via County Road 101. The last 2 miles require high-clearance vehicles. Road conditions worsen in wet weather.
Shuttle logistics: No commercial shuttle services are prominently advertised for the Rainbow Trail. Thru-hikers typically arrange their own vehicle shuttles or coordinate with hiking partners. The 100+ mile distance between the northern and southern termini makes for a long shuttle drive (3+ hours). Uber and Lyft availability is extremely limited in this rural area.
Parking: Most trailheads have free parking, and no permits are required to park. Verify that trailhead roads are open before departure, especially in spring when mud and snow can close access roads.
Section hiking strategy: The Rainbow Trail's many access points make it well suited to section hiking. Popular sections include Hayden Creek to Bear Creek (12.5 miles) and the Music Pass area for access to Great Sand Dunes backcountry. Plan sections around available water sources.
Camp selection: Since you must camp 100+ feet from water, and wildlife concentrates at water sources during dry periods, identify camping areas on maps before departure. Flat spots exist in meadows and forest clearings, but the terrain can be sloped in places.
Timing for thru-hikers: Most backpackers finish the trail in 5-7 days. Starting at the northern terminus (Poncha Pass) and heading south puts the afternoon sun at your back, though prevailing weather patterns move west to east.
Side trip opportunities: The trail intersects numerous paths into the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, including routes to Music Mountain, Spread Eagle Peak, and other 13ers. Cottonwood Trail, Comanche Trail, Goodwin Trail, and Venable Trail all connect from the Rainbow Trail into the high country.
Wildflower timing: For the best blooms, aim for late June through early August following good rainfall. The meadows are at their most colorful in July.
Fastest Known Time: Ultra-runners have finished the trail in under 2.5 days (one FKT is 2 days, 7 hours, 27 minutes for 108 miles), which says a lot about how runnable many sections are.
Combination routes: The Rainbow Trail can be combined with the Colorado Trail for a 325-mile traverse from Westcliffe to Durango, one of Colorado's longest backpacking link-ups.
Current conditions: Check the Pike-San Isabel National Forest website or call the Salida Ranger District before departure for fire restrictions, trail conditions, and seasonal closures. The COTREX app provides real-time trail alerts, including wildfire information.
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