Representative imageColorado
Rainbow Lake
Colorado
About this destination
Rainbow Lake is a small alpine lake located in the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado. It sits at an elevation of about 11,000 feet and is a popular hiking destination in the summer months. The hike to Rainbow Lake is about two miles, starting at the Rainbow Lake Trailhead in the Arapaho National Forest. The trail is moderate in difficulty, with a few steep sections and some rocky terrain. Once you reach the lake, you can enjoy fishing, picnicking, and the scenic mountain views. Wildlife in the area includes moose, elk, and marmots. The best time to visit Rainbow Lake is from late spring to early fall, as the trail can be covered in snow during the winter months.