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Recreation Region: Mount Zirkel/Park Range Area

Rainbow Lake Trailhead

Designated trailhead with access to trails that lie within the Mt Zirkel Wilderness. Please refer to the Wilderness Regulations. The wilderness is closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles. This 8.8 mile trail is easy to travel up to Rainbow Lake. From there it becomes harder to follow and is not well maintained. Water is available along most of this trail, but campsites are limited. No motorized vehicles are allowed west of Trail #1126.  No developed facilities. Setting is managed forest area. Timberline is at approximately 10,500 feet elevation.

 

General Information

Review wilderness regulations before recreating in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness.

No fees are required for this site

Free

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 40.65835

Longitude: -106.58009

Directions

From Walden, drive west on Hwy 14 approximately 1/4 mile and take County Road 12W heading west. Drive approximately 5 miles and take Count Road 18 heading west for approximately 4 miles. Turn left on County Road 5 heading south. After driving approximately 1 1/2 miles take County Road 22 on the right turn heading west where the road will merge into County Road 22A taking you 6 miles to the Rainbow Lakes Trailhead. Use caution and courtesy on this narrow public road through private lands.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Hiking Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)

OHV Trail RidingOHV Trail Riding

Last updated April 8th, 2025