Rainbow Lake Bear Spring Gulch - Level 1 (optional 3)
This route heads north from US 50 on the Blue Mesa Reservoir side of Gunnison County and climbs into the Gunnison National Forest toward the southern edge of the West Elk Wilderness. The Rainbow Lake Road, Forest Service Road 724, is the main access, and the route is built around it and the side roads off it.
The setting changes a lot on the way up. You start in open sagebrush country near the reservoir and end in high forest and meadow country. It suits a relaxed day of driving with stops to look around, and the upper end is a good place to turn around and come back down.
Trail Summary
- LocationGunnison County, Colorado
- Distance40.0 miles
- DifficultyLevel 1, with an optional Level 3
- Elevation7,535 ft to 11,074 ft with a 3,539 ft change
- Travel Time3 hours 43 minutes
Difficulty
Suitable for high clearance 2WD
The driver rates this route Level 1, which is Easy and suitable for high clearance 2WD. Stock equipment is enough and no special gear is needed. Expect a dirt or rocky road with gentle grades, where the challenges are things like rocks, dips or ruts under about 5 inches. Most 4WD and high clearance 2WD vehicles can drive it, and the road is typically wide enough for two vehicles. Past the Rainbow Lake Road the driver also marked the route at Level 3, which is Moderate and best suited to a high clearance 4x4. That line has more rock or uneven surface, with obstacles up to about 12 inches such as ledges, drops, climbs or shallow water crossings, and it can be steep or loose. Careful tire placement may be needed, and the road is usually one vehicle wide with places to pass. You can take the harder line or stay on the easier one. The driver's log has no notes on specific obstacles.
Terrain
The route climbs from the sagebrush and grassland near Blue Mesa Reservoir through montane shrub and aspen groves, then into mixed conifer and spruce-fir forest. The main Forest Service road is described as well maintained gravel and dirt. Higher up, the surface is more typical of backcountry forest roads, with dips, rocks and ruts that vary with recent weather and grading. The upper end opens into a high basin with meadows and views toward the West Elk Mountains.
Highlights
Rainbow Lake is a small trout lake in a high basin near the wilderness boundary, so anglers may want to bring a rod. The Rainbow Lake trailhead at the end of the road gives access to Trail #449 in the West Elk Wilderness, which is closed to motor vehicles. Several primitive at-large camp spots are reported along the drive in. The road passes through many habitat types in a short distance, which makes it a known birding route in summer.
Trail GPS File
Map
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