Rainbow Trail #1336: Mears Junction to Silver Creek

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

• Rainbow Trail #1336

This trail is most commonly ridden as part of the Monarch Crest - IMBA Epic after Silver Creek Trail heading west to east (opposite of mapping shown). Look for the Rainbow Trail signs off to the right across County Rd 47YY on the western end to locate the trailhead. The eastern trailhead is off Hwy 285 just south of Mears Junction.

Heading west from the Mears Junction end, the trail begins abruptly with a steep and narrow switchback climb and hike-a-bike from Hwy 285. After a few hundred yards, it levels off through the trees.

The first three or so miles heading west are more technical than the second two-thirds of this trail section. Expect short, punchy rock gardens and tricky dips in and out of gulches. After four miles, the trail crosses a dirt road. Continue heading south and west.

The trail continues to ascend gradually as the difficulty mellows out a bit linking smoother sections of trail. It's moderately difficult, save for more than a handful of dips into gulches with very steep, but short, climbs back out requiring good bursts of energy to clean.

This trail section ends at Silver Creek and Toll Road Gulch.