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

Located in the Sangre de Cristo wilderness

Access

Bear Creek …. Take highway 50, east from Salida for 3 miles turn south (or right) on to county road 101. This dirt road becomes somewhat rugged after the first 2 miles, but is passable in a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Stay on 101 until you reach the Rainbow Trail (the end of the road). There is parking enough for 3 large vehicles at the Rainbow Trail, be careful not to park your vehicle on the trail. From this point, head east on the Rainbow trail for 5 miles. ). This trail is moderate for hiking.

!! Don’t Be Alarmed That You Have Walked These Extra Miles When Closer Roads Were Available! These Roads are privately owned and closed to Public use.

Just 25’ before you reach a switchback (Rainbow trail continues to the southwest) you will see a road leading to private property on the downhill side. Just opposite of this road is the Hunts Lake trail (there is a sign that directs Stout and Bear Ck. On the Rainbow Trail) junction.

Features

The lake is in a tight basin glacial cirque, with trees on the lake shore.

Considerations

• The trail is in good shape along the Rainbow Trail and for the first two miles of Hunts Lake Trail. The final part is steep and rocky and not recommended for horses. 

• The trail junction is not well defined from the Rainbow Trail.

• This trail is of Moderate difficulty with the beginning elevation (at the trailhead) being 9,000’ and the lake elevation being 11,500’.

• The length (one way) to Hunts Lake, from the Bear Creek trailhead on the Rainbow Trail, is 8 miles.

• The lake does not have abundant fish.