The backbone of one of Colorado’s longest and most striking mountain ranges, the 55-mile Rainbow Trail is within a two-hour drive of Colorado Springs and can be hiked, biked, or ridden on horseback.You’ll have the best range – and a healthy technical challenge – on a mountain bike.The Rainbow Trail was built in the 1910s and ’20s to allow firefighters access to the east (Wet Mountain Valley) side of the Sangres. It boasts superb construction over rolling, gently climbing terrain that traverses dozens of streams.

To get there: Take Colorado Highway 115 south to Florence, then take Colorado 67 for 10 miles south to Wetmore. From there, take Colorado 96 for 27 miles to Westcliffe, turn right on Colorado 69 in downtown Westcliffe, and go north 11 miles. Turn left onto Bear Creek Campground access road, follow signs to trail. Allow two hours.

Hike: Park in a clearing by the entrance to a Methodist camp, about four miles west of Colorado Highway 69 and 12 miles northwest of Westcliffe.

After a half-mile west on a steep four-wheel drive road, you’ll see a trailhead on the left marked with a Forest Service arrow.You’re at 8,500 feet in elevation. Head south and upward. You’ll climb the first mile as the trails switches between sheltered woods and open views of fourteeners Humboldt Peak, Crestone Needle, and Crestone peak to the west and the valley to the east.A short descent thereafter will lose nearly all the elevation you gained; then the trail includes moderate ups and downs (more ups than downs) until it tops out at 10,000 feet, 30 miles to the south.By themselves, the climbs are just moderate aerobic challenges.Compared with the 6- to 12-inch rocks ridesr must navigate, however, Rainbow Trail’s climbs can be brutal on the arms and legs.The downhills aren’t necessari;ly easier: Quick responses, and good brakes and tires are crucial. The trail stretches all the way to Music Pass, but you won’t likely get that far, so make it an out-and-back ride. Don’t wait until you’re tired to turn around – your final miles will be hellish if you do.Better yet, bring a lunch and a book, pick a stream crossing to sit by, and make a day of it.

Details: This trail is open to motorcycles, horses, and hikers as well as mountain bikers. Watch out for them and observe proper trail etiquette (hikers yield to horses, bikers yield to horses and hikers).

Trip Log: Rainbow Trail, 55 miles along the eastern side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Several access points, we detail the Bear Creek Campground access, and the northern tip of the trail.