Rainbow Gulch Trailhead

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. The Rainbow Trail travels northeast from the junction and stays to the south of FDR 201. The trail meanders through aspen groves and stands of Douglas fir. This trail is popular with a variety of users. Expect and respect other users!