Montana · Hiking · Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness

Rainbow Creek

16.9 mi
round trip
1,681 ft
climb
9,669 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Rainbow Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Yellowstone Ranger District. It doesn't name Rainbow Creek, so check the source for the area it covers (13 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Yellowstone Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Rainbow Creek is a hard hike in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, part of the Yellowstone Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana. The route is an out-and-back of about 17 miles, with a total elevation gain of 1,681 feet, taking you from a low point of about 7,550 feet to a high of about 9,670 feet. The trail is on natural surface and is open to horses. Bikes are not allowed. The Forest Service manages the land, and the open season runs from June 1 to September 30. East Fork Boulder lies just 0.2 miles away, and Lake Columbine and Independence are both about 2 miles off. For an overnight base, Hicks Park campground is roughly 4.8 miles away.