Hwy 285/Mears Junction - CR 47YY/Silver Creek Rd - Rainbow Trail Loop

Most locals ride this loop in May, well before the Monarch Crest opens up, or after it closes due to snow. It's a relatively easy nine or so mile ride up on the road, followed by 11.3 miles of great singletrack; Rainbow Trail #1336: Silver Creek to Mears Junction hwy 285.

PLEASE NOTE: Dirt bikes are allowed on the Rainbow Trail, please don't get upset with their presence. This section of the Rainbow trail is adopted by the Central Colorado Mountain Riders and they make it possible for everyone to enjoy this trail. Give dirt bikes space to pass, signal how many are in your group, and enjoy your ride.

Park at Hwy 285/Mears Junction, at the Rainbow Trailhead.

Ride the 9 or so miles up County Rd 47YY/Silver Creek Rd. This is a relatively easy ride up the road, it only gets steeper very close to the Rainbow Trail #1336 trailhead.

Then ride what you really came for, the Rainbow Trail #1336: Silver Creek to Mears Junction Hwy 285, 11.3 miles of great singletrack back to where you parked. This trail offers narrow trail, great views, creek crossings, some very steep (but short) lung-busting climbs, and fast, rocky downhills in the last three miles, with a mile of new trail that was recently added by the Forest Service close to Hwy 285.