Name: Little Rainbow
Rating: 3.8

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Plan in onX Backcountry

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Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Description

Ride or shuttle up to the 110 trailhead. Check out the map to view other trails on the Methodist side of the valley. Connector trails include Skull, Race Track, Dead Bird, and Double Rainbow. The Little Rainbow also crosses County Road 108 which is a good bail out point if anyone is worn out.

The trail weaves in and out of drainages through desert pion trees and yucca.

Little Rainbow is possibly the best beginner mountain bike trail in the valley. It is a great way to introduce people to the sport of mountain biking without risking life and limb. More advanced riders can practice riding smooth and fast.

Locals will often ride from town up 110, then head East on the Little Rainbow, and then down Lost, Dead Bird, or Race Track. All three lead down to the "Burmac trailhead" where you can meet your shuttle car if shuttling. To loop back to downtown Salida, head East along Highway 50 (there is an established trail on the side of the highway) to 102, cross the bridge over the Arkansas and take a left at the black rocked road that follows the railroad tracks northward to the F street bridge.

If you are after a good workout, do the trail in reverse. You may encounter bikers, hikers, and horseback riders traveling either direction so ride courteously.

The Little Rainbow can be a fun way to end a ride for riders taking the Rainbow Trail - Methodist section. Look for Sand Gulch and the Double Rainbow (otherwise known as the Little Rainbow Extension) or County Road 108 as options to get down from the Methodist section of the Rainbow Trail.