Western Wanderlust Chronicles

Embarking on a hike to Rainbow Lakes in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, I was filled with excitement to share the experience with my dear friend Irene. Adding to the adventure, Irene brought along her grandpup, Callie, for her inaugural hike, adding an extra layer of joy to our journey. Nestled within the pristine beauty of the Continental Divide, Rainbow Lakes unveiled its splendor, boasting a collection of nine enchanting lakes, each offering its own unique charm waiting to be explored.

Covered in tall Alpine forests with rugged cliffs, deserts, and vast grasslands, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests are some of the most gorgeous areas to explore in Colorado. One of the most breathtaking trails in this area is the Rainbow Lakes Trail, renowned for its stunning vistas, tranquil ponds, and high-elevated views of the surrounding landscapes. Despite its relatively short length of about 2.6 miles out and back, the trail offers a diverse range of scenery, from dense lodgepole pine forests to picturesque aspen groves.

Navigating the trail, we found ourselves immersed in the beauty of nature, with Callie gleefully splashing through the clear waters of the lakes. As we passed by each pristine lake, we couldn’t help but pause to soak in the serenity of the surroundings, marveling at the reflections of the towering peaks mirrored in the tranquil waters below. Finally, reaching the edge of the largest lake marked the end of our hike, a bittersweet moment as we turned back, retracing our steps through the breathtaking landscape of Rainbow Lakes.