The Rainbow Trail (RT) is an interesting continuous trail that spans about 100 miles. It stretches from the southern end of the Sawatch Range in the Poncha Pass Area eastward then southward along the east-facing slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains down to the Music Pass area. This route requires accessing the RT via Columbine Gulch near Salida. The sunny east-facing aspect of this route is often snow-free in early April.

To reach Columbine Gulch, from the intersection of Colorado 291 and U.S. 50 in Salida, drive southeast on U.S. 50 for about 4.75 miles to County Road 49, a.k.a. Forest Service Road 101. Continue south on FS 101 for about 6.5 miles to the parking area for Columbine Gulch. Up to this point it’s a decent dirt road, but beyond Columbine Trailhead the road deteriorates and requires high clearance.

In 2019 a lightning strike started the Decker Fire, which virtually ignited the slopes of Methodist Mountain just south of Salida. From the trailhead parking area remnants of the burn can be seen along FS 101, and at many points along the route up Columbine Gulch to the RT then westward towards Methodist Mountain into the heart of the burn. The area was closed for awhile and has now reopened, but signs of the burn are still present. A springtime bonus is an explosion of wildflowers deriving nutrients from the charred remains.

Locate signage near the parking area that marks the Columbine Trailhead. Hike westward then zigzag up the Gulch, connecting to the RT after about 2.25 miles. Turn right and hike northwest through a stretch that was relatively unscathed by the fire, but Methodist Mountain comes into view and the bare top of the 11,170-foot mountain reminds hikers of the historical blaze.

The relatively flat route contours along the ridge, transforming into a Tolkienesque landscape of charred pines while revealing panoramic views of the Sawatch Range, Salida and the Buffalo Peaks beyond. After about another 2.25 miles reach the intersection with Gutz Trail and continue for about another quarter mile to the turnaround point at Methodist Mountain Road, a.k.a. Forest Service Road 108. Find a spot with a nice view to enjoy some lunch, then retrace the route back to Columbine Gulch then down the gulch to the parking area.

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Joe LaFleur has lived in Woodland Park since 2016 and is a hiking enthusiast that hits the trails weekly. He has successfully summited over 150 unique 13ers and 14ers in Colorado. Contact Joe with questions or feedback at joe@betterbirdwatching.com. Hiking is great exercise but can be hazardous. Always be sure to plan well, check the weather, bring a printed map, tell someone where and when you are going and contact them when you return safely.

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BOX

PARK: San Isabel National Forest

BEST TIMES TO VISIT: April through November

TRAILS: Columbine Gulch, Rainbow Trail (No. 1336)

LENGTH: About 9.25 miles out and back, about 1,250 feet elevation gain

DIFFICULTY: Easy on terrain, moderate on distance

NOTES: Icy and snowy conditions in spring and fall may require microspikes and may inhibit access to roads and trails. For a helpful trail map visit salidamountaintrails.org and click on the Methodist Mountain maps.