Come feel the thrill of riding your ATV on Rainbow Trail #1336 in Salida Colorado. This moderately challenging ATV trail runs for 13.5 miles from Big Cottonwood Creek to Stout Creek.
Plan to bring your camping gear because you'll want to take advantage of one of two campgrounds you'll come to as the ATV trail takes you past Hayden's Creek. These are developed campgrounds complete with toilets, tables and fireplaces that weary ATVers will appreciate.
ATVers should keep these environmental tips in mind while enjoying the natural beauty of these surroundings:
1. Respect the land, wildlife, local residents and your fellow ATVers. Tread lightly and stay on approved ATV trails.
2. ATVers, like everyone else, should properly dispose of their trash and leave the campground better than they found it. Don't be afraid to pick up other trash you may find. We all need to do what we can to keep the trails beautiful.
3. One not so environmental tip for ATVers; Bring a camera because you're going to want photos to show the folks back home.
It might interest ATVers to know that back in the 1800's, Hayden Pass, just west of Hayden Creek, was used as a short cut to the San Luis Valley. Today it's a popular 4WD and ATV road over the Sangre de Christo Range. Though full of the steep, rough terrain ATVers live for, it offers excellent views of the area. The area to the west of the Rainbow Trail is wilderness and ATVs and other motorized vehicles are not allowed. This section of the Rainbow Trail offers excellent views of the Arkansas River Valley and surrounding terrain.
Colorado offers so many ATV trails filled with natural wonders, it will probably take the rest of your life to explore them all.
