Rainbow Lakes Trailhead

Located east of the Rainbow Lakes Campground, this newly constructed trailhead provides access to the Rainbow Lakes and Arapaho Glacier Trails inside the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Vehicle access to this trailhead is seasonal. For current information on road openings and closures, check the Road Status Table.
View an area map here.
At a Glance
Permit Info: | This trailhead accesses the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area:
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Usage: | Heavy |
Restrictions: | Indian Peak Wilderness restrictions apply:
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Closest Towns: | Nederland, Colorado |
Water: | No |
Restroom: | Vault toilets at trailhead |
Operated By: | U.S. Forest Service |
General Information
Accessibility:The Rainbow Lakes Road is closed in winter near the Sourdough Trailhead and CU Mountain Research Station. The road is open when conditions permit: most often in June. Hiking conditions are best from July through September.
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. This route is gated during the winter. This road is a five-mile, native-surfaced road. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.