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.
Awesome!. As of June 5, 2015 tacky for the most part. But slippery and places.
| ThankFast, fun, flowy, singletrack. It's a shame the entire Rainbow doesn't ride like this. I have ridden this as a big loop combining the Salida Mountain Trails on Methodist Mountain for a loop. The full loop I would consider advanced but just this section is intermediate riding. I have pics and a full review at:
| Thankhttp://tomcatoutdoors.blogspot.com/2014/08/mountain-biking-triple-rainbow-route.html
The segment of this trail that I rode was just awesome! Flowy, fast, some rocks, gorgeous views, beautiful creeks, big pines--man was it fun! I didn't want to drop off onto the Columbine trail when I did, but of course that bomber descent back down the mountain was a ton of fun as well. You just can't go wrong up here!
Update: the section of this trail past the Columbine trail is fantastic as well. Definitely the best portion of the Rainbow Trail!
| Thank