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.
General Information
View an area map here.
Motorized equipment and mechanized transportation are prohibited. 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). Dispersed camping is prohibited within ¼ mile of either side of Rainbow Lakes Road. Fishing and hunting: permitted in accordance with regulations established by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Day-use fees can be paid via cash or check. Visitors with an Interagency America the Beautiful pass should display their pass on the dashboard or rearview mirror. Those using a digital pass should display a printed copy of their pass.
This trailhead accesses the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 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.
Groups larger than 7 people or stock combined require a Large Group Day Use Permit.
Groups larger than 12 are prohibited.
Day Use: $10 per vehicle per day
Dogs must be on a hand-held leash.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 40.00949833
Longitude: -105.5690483
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.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Processed weed-free feed is required for stock.
