Rainbow Trail (#1336) at Bear Creek trailhead
This trailhead is located east of Salida, off of County Road 101 and accesses the Rainbow Trail (#1336) which travels east from the Poncha Springs area along the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The Rainbow Trail is over 100 miles in length and travels south from the Salida area into the Wet Mountain valley and terminates near the Great Sand Dunes National Park. This trail is open to motorcycles, mountain bikers, horse and foot traffic but closed to ATV's and 4-wheeled vehicles.
General Information
The Rainbow Trail travels east and west from the Bear Creek trailhead and skirts the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness area. The wilderness is located just a short distance, south, of the Rainbow Trail. Recreationists should be aware that motorized and mechanized (bicycles) vehicles are not permitted in the Wilderness area. This is a popular trail for mountain biking, motorcycles and day hikers with July being the busiest season for recreation uses.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.43706561
Longitude: -105.95501277
Directions
From Salida, Colorado, travel east on Colorado Highway 50 for 2 miles. Watch for County Road 101 on the right. Turn right onto CR 101 and travel south on this road for 3.5 miles, crossing a cattle guard near the boundary to the National Forest. The last 1.5 miles to the trailhead are rough and will require a high clearance or 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.