The Rainbow Trail runs along the ridge for 5.7 miles one-way from the Methodist Mountain trailhead to the Bear Creek Trailhead.
Loop Description:
From beautiful downtown Salida head east on US Hwy 50, gently descending on a good shoulder for 3.7 quick miles. Turn right (south) onto CR 101 and begin climbing on a well maintained dirt road. Pass a large pullout, cross a cattle guard and enter USFS lands after 3.2 miles. At the cattle guard, CR 101 turns into FR 101; the road becomes rugged and the climbing becomes fierce. Continue on FR 101 for 2.7 miles, staying straight at all intersections, crossing Bear Creek and finally reaching the Rainbow Trail Trailhead. Turn right onto the Rainbow Trail and start enjoying some fine singletrack. The trail climbs out of and descends into several small drainages maintaining an elevation of ≈ 9,000 feet. After 6 miles of terrific singletrack, you reach a trailhead at the junction of the Rainbow Trail and FR 108. Turn right and descend on the rugged and steep FR 108. After 1.6 miles your route turns into a graded and improved CR 107. Shortly after CR 107 turns into pavement and continues to descend for 3 miles, turn on the afterburners! Finally you reach US Hwy 50.
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