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Crosier Mountain Rainbow (#981)
Crosier Mountain can be approached from three trailheads on the south side of County Road 43. The first is Garden Gate (#931) trailhead located 2.2 miles from Drake. Rainbow (#981) trailhead is 5.5 miles from Drake, where you'll find a gravel cut on the south side of the road. A trail sign sits just above the hill from a gate. The third, Glen Haven (#931-2) trailhead, is located behind the stables at the west end of the community of Glen Haven. Although the Rainbow trail is shorter, it is steeper and is the least used of the three approaches. At two miles it joins the trail from Glen Haven. The views from Crosier Mountain are beautiful. Bring your own water since this trail is dry. Crosier Mountain Rainbow trailhead accommodates approximately 10 vehicles.
You can find more information on the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers website. Download trail summary here.
At a Glance
| Usage: | Light-Medium |
|---|---|
| Restrictions: | Trail Regulations: No motorized equipment. Certified weed-free hay is required for stock. |
| Closest Towns: | Glen Haven, Estes Park |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Practice Leave No Trace principles. |
General Information
Directions: Travel 8 miles past the Dam Store on U.S. Highway 34 up Big Thompson Canyon west of Loveland to Drake, and turn right on County Road 43, Glen Haven Road. Crosier Mountain can be approached from three trailheads on the south side of CR 43. The first is Garden Gate Trailhead located 2.2 miles from Drake. Rainbow trailhead is 5.5 miles from Drake, and the third is located behind the stables at the west end of the community of Glen Haven.Activities
Mountain Biking
Mountain BikingDay Hiking
There are three access points heading to Crosier Mountain, The Rainbow Trail is steep and has several switchbacks as it climbs 1.8 miles and joins the Crosier Mountain Glen Haven trail coming in from the west. You will pass through a mature aspen grove on the way up, and have fine views of the surrounding countryside. At the junction, look for an old cabin downhill and to the left of the trail. You will continue up through a lodgepole pine forest and again the trail intersects, this time with the Crosier Mountain Summit Trail. The panoramic views from the summit will make the climb well worth the effort. Carry a map, compass, and plenty of water, no water available on this trail. Crosier Mountain Rainbow trailhead accommodates approximately 10 vehicles.
| Fire Information | Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Campfires must be at least 100 feet from water and trails. You may collect dead and down wood; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood. Please attend to campfires at all times. Touch any remaining coals with the bare hand to insure campfire is cold and dead out. Remember, if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave! |
| Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
|---|
Backpacking
Crosier Mountain Rainbow trailhead accommodates approximately 10 vehicles.| Fire Information | Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Campfires must be at least 100 feet from water and trails. You may collect dead and down wood; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood. Please attend to campfires at all times. Touch any remaining coals with the bare hand to insure campfire is cold and dead out. Remember, if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave! |
| Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
|---|
Horse Riding
Crosier Mountain Rainbow trailhead accommodates approximately 10 vehicles.| Size Restrictions | no |
| Corrals | no |
| Loading Ramp | no |
| Hitching Rails | no |
| Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
|---|