Rainbow Lake Road

Beginning near Blue Mesa Reservoir on Highway 50, Rainbow Lake Road is a relatively easy out-and-back trail that climbs to an elevation of over 11,000 feet above sea level. It is a gravel road with sections that are washboard and have protruding rocks, which can make the drive pretty bumpy. 

The 13-mile trail crosses multiple land management agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, Colorado State Land, and the Gunnison National Forest, all of which have signage. It passes through low shrublands, dense stands of Aspen trees, and healthy Pine and Spruce forests. Between the 12th and 13th mile markers, there is a large unnamed pond and a spur trail (724.2A) that leads to Rainbow Lake, which is known for exceptional fishing.

Several spur trails and pull-offs lead to campsites, some suitable for a single rig and others wide open enough for an entire convoy. The Rainbow Lake spur offers spacious shoreline camping right on the lake. However, the parcel of Colorado State Land does not allow camping or campfires.

At the northernmost point is the Rainbow Lake Trailhead for a strenuous 10-mile hike into the West Elk Wilderness.

Rainbow Lake Road is closed to motorized vehicles from March through mid-May for wildlife protection and spring mud.