Rainbow Lakes is one of the more popular hikes in the Indian Peaks Wilderness due to easy access and being a short, easy hike.
Just outside Nederland, this hike takes you through a mix of lodgepole pine, Ponderosa pine, and beautiful golden aspens that are quickly shedding their leaves as winter heads our way.

Sunbeams

Sunbeams
Today was a mix of sun and clouds, and fall is in the air.


No Splashing Around

No Splashing Around
Careful footwork ensures dry feet.


The big bonus is the lakes of course, with plenty of little nooks and crannies where you can find a spot to yourself or cast a line in to see what’s biting.


Rainbow Lakes

Rainbow Lakes
The crew taking a break along the shore of one of the Rainbow Lakes.


Walking on Water

Walking on Water at Rainbow Lakes
Catching shots of Tom as he puts the 360 camera in the water on its tripod.


Through The Rocks

Through The Rocks down from Rainbow Lakes
Shelby carefully picks her way through the boulders on our return trip.


Water Crossing

Water Crossing coming back from Rainbow Lakes
Balance beam with a wet twist if you fall.


We thought our luck might hold out with the weather, but about halfway back down a brief hailstorm blew through and gave us some pellet pelting. It just wouldn’t be a Rocky Mountain hike without that hail…


Rainbow Lakes Hail


It wouldn’t be a hike in the mountains if it didn’t hail on us