Big Rainbow Lake, Lower and Upper Sandbar Lake, Camp Lake via Rawah Trail

Embarking on the Big Rainbow Lake, Lower and Upper Sandbar Lake, Camp Lake via Rawah Trail presents an opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes of the Rawah Wilderness in Colorado. This approximately 29 km (18 miles) loop trail, with an elevation gain of around 900 meters (2950 feet), offers a medium difficulty rating, making it accessible to hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.

Getting to the Trailhead The trailhead is located near Larimer County, Colorado. If you're driving, you can reach the starting point by taking Highway 14 to County Road 103 (Laramie River Road), which leads to the Rawah Wilderness area. For those relying on public transportation, options may be limited, so it's advisable to check local resources for the latest schedules and routes to get as close as possible to the trailhead.

Navigating the Trail Hikers can utilize the HiiKER app for detailed navigation throughout the hike. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through dense pine forests, opening up to meadows dotted with wildflowers during the summer months. As you progress, the path becomes more rugged, and the incline increases, offering views of the surrounding peaks.

Landmarks and Natural Features After approximately 4.5 km (2.8 miles), you'll reach Big Rainbow Lake, a serene alpine lake known for its clear waters and abundant trout – a favorite spot for anglers. The trail continues to Lower Sandbar Lake, located about 9.7 km (6 miles) from the start, nestled in a glacial basin with the impressive backdrop of craggy mountain ridges.

Wildlife and Flora The Rawah Wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, black bears, and elk. Hikers should be aware of their surroundings and knowledgeable about wildlife safety practices. The area is also rich in flora, with subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce forests giving way to alpine tundra at higher elevations.

Historical Significance The region holds historical significance as part of the early Native American hunting grounds and later as an area of interest during the Colorado Gold Rush. The Rawah Wilderness was designated in 1964, preserving its natural state for future generations.

Upper Sandbar and Camp Lake Continuing on, the trail ascends to Upper Sandbar Lake, approximately 12.9 km (8 miles) from the trailhead. This secluded spot offers tranquility and a chance to rest before tackling the final stretch to Camp Lake. Camp Lake, sitting at around 14.5 km (9 miles) into the hike, is the highest and most remote of the lakes on this loop, providing a sense of solitude and connection with nature.

Return Journey The return journey will take you back through similar terrain, with the descent offering a different perspective on the landscape you've traversed. The loop closes as you make your way back to the trailhead, completing the circuit and your exploration of this captivating part of the Colorado wilderness.