Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

USDA Forest Service
Pike & San Isabel
National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche
National Grasslands
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-553-1400

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-553-1404

Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Preservation Area
 

Access

Drive east 20 miles from Salida on U.S. Highway 50 and turn off just west of Coaldale, (turn at the sign for Hayden Creek Campground). Parking is available just below the campground please do not park in the campground area during the heavy use of the summer months. The Rainbow Trail access is on the north side of the road, before reaching the campground area. There is also an access point at the campground. The Bushnell trail junction is approximately 2.5 miles from this road junction and is not marked with a sign on the Rainbow Trail (but is an obvious trail to the southwest) you will see a Wilderness Boundary sign and a register about 25’ from the Rainbow. The Bushnell Lakes trail climbs steeply for the first 2 miles and levels out for about 1 mile just below the first (lowest) lake. This trail is moderate - difficult for hiking.

Features

The first two lakes are just below timberline, with a small pond and a waterfall between them. The upper-most lake is above timberline in a narrow steep sided valley near the top of the Sangre De Cristo range.

Considerations

• Both the Rainbow trail and the Bushnell trails are in good shape, but the Bushnell trail is steep.

• This trail is difficult and steep; it can be done as a day-hike, but is recommended for an over-night trip. Elevation at the trailhead is 8,200’ and the lowest lake elevation is 11,500’.

• The length (one way) to lower Bushnell Lake, from trailhead at the road (on the Rainbow Trail), is 5.5 miles.

• Fishing success is fair at these lakes.