| About San Isabel National Forest |
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| Rainbow Trail #1336 Segment: Big Cottonwood Creek to Stout Creek |
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USGS Maps:
Coaldale, Howard
Difficulty:
Moderate
Elevation Gain:
1,240 Feet
Ending Elevation:
8,560 Feet
Length:
13.5 Miles
Recommended Season:
Summer
Trail Number:
#1336
Beginning Elevation:
7,320 Feet
Reservation:
No
Season:
Late May - September
From Coaldale, Kerr Gulch Access: Traveling east on Highway 50 from Salida turn right on Kerr Gulch Road, BLM 6110. The turn is approximately 4 miles northwest of Coaldale. Drive about 4 miles to BLM Road 6117. Follow Road 6117 1 mile to the trailhead. This access is recommended for high clearance vehicles and dry weather only.
Location Information
This segment of the Rainbow Trail extends 13.5 miles from Big Cottonwood Creek to Stout Creek south of Salida. This part of the trail passes through Hayden Creek, which has 2 developed campgrounds. Both campgrounds have toilets, fireplaces and tables (See Salida Campgrounds for more details.) Big Cottonwood Creek does not have developed campground although there are good undeveloped sites. Hayden Pass, west of Hayden Creek, was a short cut to the San Luis Valley during the 1800's. It is now a popular 4 WD road over the Sangre de Christo Range. Although steep, narrow and rough, it offers excellent views of the area. The area west of the Rainbow Trail is Wilderness and motorized vehicles are not permitted within it. This section of the Rainbow Trail offers excellent views of the Arkansas River Valley and surrounding terrain.
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