Rainbow Lakes TH

Overview

  This trailhead is located on the eastern slopes of the Park Range in the Routt National Forest of Colorado. It provides access to the southeastern portion of the 159,935 acre Mount Zirkel Wilderness via trail#1130, the Rainbow Lake Trail.
Trail#1130 intersects the Grizzly Helena Trail (#1126) and a short spur trail to Roxy Ann Lake (#1179) before terminating at it’s junction with the Wyoming Trail (#1101), which is the Continental Divide Trail through the Park Range.
Access is seasonal-usually very late spring/early summer through September. The dirt road to the TH is passable for most vehicles. The last portion of the road passes through an area of summer cabins.
Facilities-Small, unpaved parking lot which will accomodate about a dozen vehicles ~ no restrooms / no water.

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.

Destinations

    Though not a major climbing area, notable peaks in the area would include:
Mount Ethel-11,924
Lost Ranger Peak-11,932
The Dome-11,739

Other destinations reached from the TH are:
Rainbow Lakes-3 miles
Slide Lakes-6.3 miles
Continental Divide Trail-8.7 miles
Roxy Ann Lake-9.8 miles

Camping & Services

No designated camping at TH. Nearest available would be at the Delaney Butte State Wildlife Area approximately 10 miles east. Camping is also avsailable at Hidden Lakes and Teal Lake campgrounds approximately 8 miles due south, as the crow flies.
Limited services available in Walden.

Books & Maps

Books
Backcountry Adventure Guide to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness-Raymond Ave

Maps
Routt National Forest

Topos:
Mount Ethel
Pitchpine Mountain

Red Tape

No fees charged at this time for access.

Mount Zirkel Wilderness Regulations

Images

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