Rainbow Lakes (#918)
Rainbow Lakes Trail heads west from the Rainbow Lakes Trailhead located before the Rainbow Lakes Campground. It soon enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The trail is an easy, short hike up to the Rainbow Lakes, a series of small lakes and beaver ponds.
General Information
View a trail map here.
Camping permits required for all overnight trips between June 1 and September 15. Overnight permits cost $5 per group, per trip from June 1 through September 15.
Organized groups are required to have a permit for both camping and day-hiking year round. Day-hiking permits are free.
Motorized equipment and mechanized transportation are prohibited.
Pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times.
Campfires are prohibited year round.
Campsites must be at least 100 feet away from water and trail.
Group size is limited to 12 (people and livestock combined).
Processed weed-free feed is required for stock.
Dogs must be on a hand-held leash.
Getting There
Elevation
10,250 feet at highest Rainbow Lake
Directions
From Nederland, head north on Colorado Highway 72 for approximately seven miles. Look for the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station sign and turn west onto National Forest System Road 298.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Certified weed-free hay is required.
