Sweet Family Friendly Colorado Hiking Gem

Rainbow Lake Trail, a surprise in the heart of Colorado A sweet, short Colorado hike hidden off the trails behind Frisco, CO, below Mt. Royal. Bring the kids, the dogs, you’re hiking boots in summer, or snowshoes in winter, this trail is exceptional.

Easy peasy Colorado hike, you’ll love it.

Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).

RAINBOW LAKE

We were looking for something simple, not too long. So glad we happened upon Rainbow Lake Trail. It’s a 2.1 mile out and back full of Colorado nature and a sweet small yet stunning lake at the end.

Starting off we crossed a boardwalk through a wetland to be greeted by aspens and tall lodgepole pines and aspens on a nice designated path.

Families, dogs, and mountain bikers joined us as we hiked up a slight incline towards the lake.This would be a great hike for newcomers or visitors to Colorado needing to acclimate to the altitude or simply want to enjoy our mountains without too much exertion.

Just before reaching the lake, the trail becomes a little rockier and slightly steeper for a short distance. The lake is sparkling in the sun. I suppose it could be called a beaver pond but nonetheless, it’s remarkable.

Since it’s nearly impossible to just turn around and go back once here, we started off hiking to the left around the lake, crossing a creek, and doing a loop around the lake.

Really quiet considering a few families about fishing and picnicking. A couple of pups were enjoying the water.

ENJOY YEAR-ROUND!

Trail running in the summer and fall, snowshoe, cross country ski in the winter. A photographer’s dream. Columbines in the summer, aspens galore in the fall, deep snow cover in the winter.

I can’t wait to come back and snowshoe this trail, then head towards the town of Frisco for our favorite breakfast spot, Butterhorn Bakery & Cafe. Homemade bread, amazing omelets, pastries, & more.

TIDBITS
Rated: easy
2.1 mile out and back
Elevation start, 9,089 ft., end 9277 ft.
Open to: hiking, dogs, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing

Trail also connects to: Miner’s Creek Road and the Peaks Trail which takes you to Breckenridge or the Masontown Loop Trail and Mt. Royal.

Trail condition updates or for more information visit Dillon Ranger District.

LOCATED

West on Main St. in Frisco, turn left (south) on 2nd Ave, go about 5 blocks, take a right on South Cabin Green. Cross the paved bike path. (watch for bikers, runners, hikers) and you’ve reached the parking lot and Rainbow Lake Trailhead (on the left).

MORE EASY HIKING IN SUMMIT COUNTY

Troll & Fairy Hiking in Breckenridge

Snowshoeing Mayflower Gulch is Magical

Lily Pad Lakes Trail is Unforgettable

Mini Mine Trail, Breckenridge”s Most Colorful Fall Hike

Lower Cataract Lake Trail, a Colorado Hiking Gem