The Rainbow Lake Trail is one of the most accessible and iconic hikes in the Whistler area. There are several cable and suspension bridges, 21 Mile Creek, a large waterfall, scenic old-growth forest, and views of Blackcomb before reaching the lake itself. Rainbow Lake Trail is a 1.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Frisco, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. This trail leads northward into the West Elk Wilderness and connects with Coal Mesa and Sun Park Trails. There are plenty of scenic spots (creek, waterfalls, and views) along the way. Beginning from the Rainbow Lake trailhead, this route is easier than the trail from Signal Point but the second half is still quite rocky in places. It leaves the Horserace Trail (yellow trail) about 1/2 mile from the trailhead. It soon enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This well marked and maintained trail ascends mostly through forest to the lake. This is the Rainbow Creek Trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking, bird watching, and fishing and is best used from June until August. The Rainbow Lake Trail is a popular hike and is moderately difficult, with an average completion time of around 6 hours. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. From the trailhead, the trail starts through a mixed forest with moderate to severe lodgepole pine … Maps: Little Soap Park, Big Soap Park, and West Elk Peak. This is a perfect hike for a hot summer day. Many trees and it was gorgeous in September. Once across the dam, turn east onto Soap Creek Road, FSR #721 and travel approximately 9 miles to the Soap Creek Campground. Rainbow Lake is a source of Whistler's drinking water and therefore, swimming in the lake and camping at the lake are NOT permitted. It provides access to the southeastern West Elk Wilderness via Rainbow Lake Trail, 449. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running and is accessible year-round. I wouldn't take elderly fills on it due to some strep spots, but it's really easy for anyone in decent shape. We recommend parking in the free parking area by 2nd Ave and S. Cabin Green. Walk past the sign and into the forest, along the Rainbow Lake Trail. Peak's Trail hike to Rainbow Lake. Little Rainbow Lake from the Rainbow Basin Trail in the Boise National Forest on July 27, 2019. 7 miles from the trailhead, Rainbow Lake stretches through the canyon for approximately 1 mile. Water is available along most of this trail, but campsites are limited. Rainbow Lake Trail is closed to motorized vehicles from May 1- November 30. Continue traversing through the burn area, enjoying picture-perfect vistas of the head of the lake before reaching another junction 1.2 miles from the lower trailhead. To get to Island and Rainbow Lakes (which remind hikers more of emeralds), follow it to the left. As the trail nears Rainbow Lake, a short spur on the right will take you to an overlook of the lake, which is more of a small pond. There is no water available and little signage along most of the route so use care following this trail. The Coal Mesa Trail #451 begins at the Soap Creek Campground and ends at the intersections with the Rainbow Lake Trail #449. This trail is in the West Elk Wilderness for most of its length and Wilderness Regulations apply. Elevation: 10,000 feet at the TH; 10,250 feet at highest Rainbow Lake. There is a bridge across Soap Creek and the trail enters the Wilderness about half a mile from the trailhead. Trail #1130 runs from the Rainbow Lake trailhead to its junction with the Wyoming Trail #1101 (Continental Divide Trail). This trail is in the West Elk Wilderness for most of its length and Wilderness Regulations apply. Map Information, Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gmug/recarea/?recid=33160. Camping is allowed at Hanging Lake, which is 1.5km beyond Rainbow Lake. The Rainbow Lakes Trail is a nice family-friendly hike that will - in a short amount of time - take you to four scenic mountain lakes. The route to Rainbow Lake is scenic. Rainbow Lake Trail is a 345 m less popular green singletrack trail located near Ephrata Washington. Rainbow Lake is a scenic alpine lake in Whistler. Right away there were a series of steep switchbacks with maybe a 500ft+ elevation gain. Rainbow Lake Trailhead lies north of Blue Mesa Reservoir on Rainbow Lake Road, Forest Road 724. There's a nice waterfall and creek at the bottom of the trail. It is a short walk down a paved bike path to the Rainbow Lake… My wife and I asked some local people about short hikes and this was recommended. Here you're faced with a decision. From Rainbow Lake Trail hikers can access West Elk Rim Trail,446, Sun Park Trail, 444, and Coal Mesa Trail, 451. To print: Right Click on the map, save image as, save to desktop, then open the image and print on … It is primarily a backpacker or advanced stock use trail, since it lies deep within the park and is accesed via several other trails. This trail is easy to travel up to Rainbow Lake. McAlester Pass and Rainbow Lake Loop is a 27.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Chelan, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Trail Descirption: Rainbow Lakes Trail heads west from the Rainbow Lakes Trailhead located before the Rainbow Lakes Campground. Length 9.0 mi Elevation gain 912 ft Route type Loop Hiking Nature trips Walking Bird watching Forest Lake Views Wildlife Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Date of experience: July 2018. This wide gravel trail crosses a muskeg then follows a small forested ridge to the shore of a small lake. All Rights Reserved. Rainbow Lake and Bee Branch Trail Loop is a 2.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Signal Mountain, Tennessee that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Coal Mesa Access:  T. Turn left off the main trail and descend 0.4 miles to Island Lake, or hang a right and drop a half mile to Rainbow Lake. There are views of surrounding mountains. Home | About Us | Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Statement | Oh, Ranger! Rainbow Lake is a beautiful trail, and it's pretty easy. Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest Rainbow Lake Trail, 449, begins at the Rainbow Lake Trailhead immediately outside of the southern West Elk Wilderness boundary. Eventually it intersects the Coal Creek Trail #452 before ending at the Rainbow Lake Trail. Travel west on Hwy 92 for approximately 1 mile, over Blue Mesa Dam. 4W., Section 32. It was about three fourths of a mile and pretty flat, interesting scenery and the lake was very pretty. Begin hiking on the Rainbow Loop Trail, then branch off and follow the Rainbow Lake Trail five miles in. 49N., R. Rainbow Lake is a 20 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Wise River, Montana that features a great forest setting and is rated as difficult. Map showing recreational areas. The "Red Trail" (orange markers) is called the Outlook Trail. Previous Next. The Rainbow Trail is a convenient and popular trail near Whistler Village that takes you to Rainbow Lake as well as the Rainbow-Sproatt Flank Trail, Rainbow Falls, Hanging Lake, Madeley Lake, Beverley Lake, Rainbow Mountain... and even Whistler Olympic Park if you are determined. Length 1.5 miElevation gain 150 ftRoute type Loop After the last side trail, the main trail passes directly by Little Rainbow Lake, lying at the basin’s low point of 7,790 feet. 2250 South Main St The trail is an easy, short hike up to the Rainbow Lakes, a series of small lakes and beaver ponds. The start of the Rainbow Falls Trail … From Bench Creek we turned toward Rainbow Lake. Madeley Lake Trail Map. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. This trail map shows the Madeley Lake trail to Hanging Lake as well as the Rainbow Lake Trail to Rainbow Lake and down to Whistler near Rainbow Park on Alta Lake. This trail will intersect with the Cow Creek Trail again before it climbs to a ridge that it follows for a distance offering excellent views. The lake, which is owned by the town of Signal Mountain as part of the 239-acre Rainbow Lake Wilderness, was originally constructed in 1916 by the owner of the Signal Mountain Hotel. The trail entered thicker forest as it got closer to the camp. (970) 874-6600, The Coal Mesa Trail #451 begins at the Soap Creek Campground and ends at the intersections with the Rainbow Lake Trail #449. It provides access to the southeastern West Elk Wilderness via Rainbow Lake Trail, 449. At the trailhead, there is a sign with information on the trails in this area. It then drops 1,829 feet to the West Elk Creek. Rainbow Lake Trail Located in Frisco, this hike offers easy access to an adorable beaver pond nestled between pine trees. After about 1.5 miles, the trail intersects with the Cow Creek Trail #453, the Coal Mesa Trail forks to the right and follows Coal Creek. The Rainbow Lake Trail starts at the parking area off Alta Lake Road, which has room for about 16 cars . Read more. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. Share. U.S.G.S. Delta, Colorado 81416 Directions from Gunnison: Drive approximately 14 miles west of Gunnison on Highway 50. The Rainbow Lake Alpine Trails are closed to the public after "a defensive encounter" between a grizzly bear and a group of hikers, the Resort Municipality of Whistler announced Oct. 2. The trailhead leaves at the Rainbow Lakes Campground, so if you want to plan a trip with the kids, this is a great activity to wear off all those s’mores you ate the night before. The trail continues up and along steep switchbacks before bringing you too the largest of the lakes yet, Rainbow Lake (7,800'). Helpful. The "Blue Trail" goes to Rainbow Lake. From there it becomes harder to follow and is not well maintained. The trail leveled off as you passed the Rainbow Meadows campsites. Rainbow Lake Trailhead - Rainbow Lake Trail #449 Soap Creek Trailhead - Coal Mesa Trail #451 Commissary Trailhead - Soap Creek Trail #443 , East Curecanti Trail #454 , Trail #456 Rainbow Lake is one of Whistler's most scenic and prestine alpine lakes as the 8km hiking trail follows 21 Mile Creek, past Rainbow Falls, and through Whistler's watershed. From the trailhead along Alta Lake Road, walk past the large map of the area and into the forest as you follow the route next to 21 Mile Creek. You'll continue a further mile along the south slopes of Pratt Mountain to a high point. There is a bridge across Soap Creek and the trail enters the Wilderness about half a mile from the trailhead. As we neared Rainbow Lake, the trail became steep. Parking Pass/Entry Fee Northwest Forest Pass. No motorized vehicles are allowed west of Trail #1126. Elevation: 7,740 feet. The trailhead is located near the south end of the campground. The Rainbow Lake Trail provides access to one of the park's steepest passes, Bowan Pass, as well as deep blue Rainbow Lake. Comments about Rainbow Lake. The trail gains 3,889 feet in elevation from the trailhead to Bonfisk Peak which is at 11,629 feet. Hike along the scenic Middle Creek passing Rainbow Lake Dam as you make your way to Edwards Point, one of the best views in the Chattanooga area. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions. The trailhead's elevation is 9,080 feet. A horse ramp and corrals are available adjacent to the Soap Creek Campground. Zillow has 22 homes for sale in Perrinton MI matching Rainbow Lake. Rainbow Lake Trailhead lies north of Blue Mesa Reservoir on Rainbow Lake Road, Forest Road 724. The trail follows the lake to the southern end where there is a large grass area that offers the ideal camp spot. Blog | Twitter! Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison Nat'l Forests. Your trail continues off to the left. Rainbow Lake Trail is closed to pack/saddle stock from April 1- … A backcountry permit is required to camp overnight in North Cascades National Park. The "Existing Trails" (Black) are the Horserace Trail (yellow markers) and the Rainbow Trail (blue markers). When you reach Forest Road 724 turn right, north, and drive 12 miles to the Rainbow Lake Trailhead. From Rainbow Lake Trail hikers can access West Elk Rim Trail,446, Sun Park Trail, 444, and Coal Mesa Trail, 451. Jade, Upper Brooks, Rainbow Lakes Loop is a 9 mile loop trail located near Dubois, Wyoming that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Trail Map. © 2008 - 2013 APN Media, LLC. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, horses, and backpacking and is best used from … Dogs are also able to use this trail. Another excellent multi-day hike option, Rainbow Creek is accessible from Highway 20 as well as Stehekin. From Gunnison, travel west on Highway 50 for approximately 25 miles to the intersection with Highway 92.