Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time 67% Off onX Backcountry

Rainbow Lakes

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.6 (13)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. Nederland
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A short, pleasant hike through pine forest past multiple alpine lakes. ”

Sarah Baker
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

Out and Back

10,260' 3,127 m

High

9,967' 3,038 m

Low

293' 89 m

Up

293' 89 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

11%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly This easy hike is great for kids! There are multiple lakes to stop along the way. It is also popular for first time backpackers who want to see what backpacking is all about.

Permits are required for overnight camping from June 1 - September 15.

Overview

This popular hike is easily accessible for all, especially families and beginner backpackers who are looking for an easily accessible target. The trail gently climbs to pass a few of the nine lakes and beaver ponds that are scattered around the area.

Description

The trail starts at the Rainbow Lakes Trailhead and immediately enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness as it starts the gentle climb towards Rainbow Lakes. The trail passes through dense forest as it skirts above the campground before passing the Arapaho Glacier Trail.

From there, it climbs along a small drainage on the way to the first of the Rainbow Lakes. Once at the first lake, the terrain gets rockier, but the trail doesn't deteriorate. Continue towards the multiple lakes and beaver ponds ahead through marshy meadows and a small creek crossing. Ahead, climb over a rock pile to get to the last lakes. The lake to the north of the trail presents awesome views towards the higher Indian Peaks.

A couple campsites are located around the last lakes at the end of the trail. Make sure to bring your fishing rod and license to enjoy the great angler territory.

Not all nine lakes are accessible by the main trail. Some people have made small paths to some of the other lakes which are not frequently visited.

Flora & Fauna

This area is popular for moose. Be careful, especially during mating season (fall) when the bulls are extra aggressive. The tall reeds and brush in the marshes can make moose hard to spot even when they're close (from personal experience, they have snuck up on me!).

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District

Shared By:

Sarah Baker
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 13 votes

#1

in Nederland

#753

Overall
  4.6 from 13 votes
5 Star
62%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Nederland

#158

in Colorado

#753

Overall
33 Views Last Month
16,200 Since Jul 28, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate
13%
13%
73%
0%
0%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Rainbow Lakes after an early winter storm.
Jul 28, 2017 near Nederland, CO
Anglers testing out Rainbow Lakes on a beautiful fall day.
Jul 28, 2017 near Nederland, CO
Clouds reflect on a perfectly still inky lake.
Sep 30, 2020 near Nederland, CO
Rainbow Lakes Trailhead Parking, Colorado
Mar 28, 2019 near Nederland, CO

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 29, 2023
Robbie Saunders
Mar 26, 2023
Kristen Lowery
Nov 13, 2022
Drew Safier
Oct 2, 2022
Gilad Solter
Hiked with the kids, awesome trail
Jun 29, 2021
Matt Culpepper
With Dad and Courtney (2.5/300) 2.5mi
Sep 20, 2020
JP Jones
Neat, last lake is the most impressive. Very heavily traveled with frequent social trails that can make way-finding confusing. 2.5mi — 1h 30m
Jul 25, 2020
Amy Navvab
Trailhead was empty when we got there 8am and full when we left at 10 3.7mi
Sep 26, 2019
Rachael Kern
Loved this hike, beautiful fall colors, hardly any other people, so peaceful. 2.5mi

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started