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An alternate climb to the Rainbow Trail on singletrack instead of the road.


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Map Key

2.3

Miles

3.8

KM

Singletrack

8,831' 2,692 m

High

7,904' 2,409 m

Low

931' 284 m

Up

4' 1 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

After leaving the parking lot, the trail climbs through dusty, dry steeps and up some tight switchbacks. You really notice the change in elevation as the trees and dirt change. It's a tough climb up to the Rainbow Trail - Methodist. You'll be ready for a break once you hit it.

Aside from being a bit steep and loose in sections, the trail is not as technical or rocky as the Rainbow Trail - Methodist or other trails in the valley.

While there are some berms on some corners, the trail isn't what you'd call a flowy downhill trail - not to say that you can't go down it. Just keep control of your speed and watch for awkward turns.

You can make a short loop to the Bear Creek trailhead of the Rainbow Trail - Methodist and back to the parking lot on the road or vice versa.

If you're after a longer ride, head west towards 108. Several options are available to get down the mountain and back to down.

Contacts

Shared By:

Josh Jones

Trail Ratings

  3.6 from 9 votes

#20554

Overall
  3.6 from 9 votes
5 Star
11%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
56%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,743

in Colorado

#20,554

Overall
5 Views Last Month
1,538 Since Sep 16, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
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90%
10%
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Photos

View of Methodist Mountain.
Apr 17, 2022 near Salida, CO
Quite a lot of charred trees from the 2019 Decker Fire.
Apr 17, 2022 near Salida, CO
From the parking lot. Columbine starts to the right.
Apr 17, 2022 near Salida, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Jun 24, 2021
Bryan Adams
First time going up this instead of the road. Love it, even on the SS. — 11h 30m
Oct 3, 2020
Rob Levy
Apr 24, 2017
Christopher Gagne
Oct 11, 2015
Michael Beck
Jun 22, 2015
Aaron D
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