Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Coaldale, Colorado
Coaldale sits in the Arkansas River Valley along Highway 50, wedged between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and the rolling terrain climbing toward the Wet Mountains. It's a small town, but it punches above its weight as a trailhead hub.
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Coaldale sits in the Arkansas River Valley along Highway 50, wedged between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and the rolling terrain climbing toward the Wet Mountains. It's a small town, but it punches above its weight as a trailhead hub. The Rainbow Trail is the backbone of hiking here, a long-distance route through the Sangre de Cristos that shows up repeatedly in the local trail network at varying difficulty levels, making it accessible whether you're looking for a mellow day out or a more committed moderate push. For those ready to work harder, Stout Creek Lakes Trail 1403 is rated hard and Bushnell Lakes Trail 1402 steps up to expert, both heading into the high country where you'll earn the elevation. Road-based routes like Big Cottonwood Road, South Prong Hayden Creek Road, and Kerr Gulch Road fill out the options for hikers who want quieter, lower-angle terrain without the technical demands of the alpine trails. With 15 active listings in and around Coaldale, there's enough variety to fill a long weekend at any fitness level. The key is knowing which trails match your experience and timing your visit around the mountain weather that rolls in fast on summer afternoons.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to hike around Coaldale?
Late June through September is the most reliable window. Snow can linger on the higher routes like Bushnell Lakes Trail 1402 and Stout Creek Lakes Trail 1403 well into June, so check conditions before heading up. By October the days shorten fast and early snow is possible, though lower-elevation road routes like Kerr Gulch Road and Big Cottonwood Road often stay hikeable into late fall.
Which trails are suitable for beginners or casual hikers?
The moderate sections of the Rainbow Trail are the most approachable options in the area, and the road-based routes like Big Cottonwood Road, South Prong Hayden Creek Road, and Fox Creek Drive offer low-stress terrain without significant technical demands. Save Stout Creek Lakes Trail 1403 (hard) and Bushnell Lakes Trail 1402 (expert) for when you have solid mountain hiking experience and the fitness to match.
What gear should I bring for the harder trails like Bushnell Lakes and Stout Creek Lakes?
Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, trekking poles, and layers are non-negotiable on the expert and hard-rated routes. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so start early and carry a rain shell. Bring more water than you think you need since the climbs into the Sangre de Cristos are dry and exposed in stretches.
Is the Rainbow Trail one continuous route or multiple separate hikes?
The Rainbow Trail is a long-distance trail that runs through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and around Coaldale it can be accessed at multiple points, which is why it appears several times in the local listing data at different difficulty ratings. You can hike short out-and-back segments or connect longer sections depending on your time and fitness.
What is the best time of day to start hikes in this area?
Start by 7 or 8 a.m. for any trail heading into the high country. Summer thunderstorms typically build by early afternoon, and being above treeline after noon on routes like Stout Creek Lakes or Bushnell Lakes puts you in a exposed position. Earlier starts also mean cooler temperatures on the climb and better odds of having the trail to yourself.
