Except for the Rainbow Trail, all trails go up in elevation on the way in, and down on the way out. All trails are subject to quickly-forming storms and raingear should be carried at all times. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summertime.

Rainbow Trail – Accessed from the trailhead by the Alvarado Campground south of Westcliffe, this easy-to-moderate trail runs along the base of the 14,000’ Sangre de Cristo peaks of the Rockies. It features grand views of the Sangres, the Wet Mountain Valley, diverse wildlife, wildflowers and aspen groves.

Big Cottonwood Trail – Located about 3 miles west of Cotopaxi off Big Cottonwood Road, this moderate, 10-mile trail crosses Cottonwood Creek and is a favorite of fishermen.

Texas Creek Trail – A strenuous, 16-mile trail that is accessed from the Gibson Trailhead off the Rainbow Trail and terminates at a huge boulder field at timberline.

Lake of the Clouds Trail – A moderate 10-mile trail with a steep upper section that leads to three mountain lakes in a basin known for its own weather microsystem. Accessed from the Gibson Trailhead off Hermit Road in Westcliffe.

North Taylor Trail – A moderate, 10-mile trail through one of the most open, spacious valleys in the Sangres. The trailhead is south of the Gibson Trailhead off Verde Creek Road near Westcliffe. Megan Lake lies at timberline and is the crash site of a WWII military plane.

Hermit Trail – A moderate, 12-mile trail that is used by 4-wheelers as well as hikers. It features three lakes and was the setting of much of the John Belushi movie, Continental Divide.

Goodwin Lakes – This moderate, 12-mile hike to three medium-sized lakes is a popular destination for hikers and fishermen. Access is off the Rainbow Trail north of Alvarado Campground.

Venable Lakes – This is a popular, moderately-difficult, 12-mile trail for campers and hikers and the Venable Falls is one of the most scenic in the Sangres. The Venable trailhead is at Alvarado Campground.

Comanche Lake – With a trailhead located at the Alvarado Campground, this 9-mile, moderate hike is one of the most popular in the Sangre de Cristo range.

Cottonwood Creek Trail – A moderate, 8-mile hike to a large, grassy basin but no
lake. It’s a favorite of outfitters and campers. Access is south off the Rainbow Trail from the Alvarado Campground.

Horn Lakes – With a trailhead located at the end of Horn Road, south of Westcliffe, this moderate, 5-mile trail leads to a large basin at Horn Lake that makes for good camping.

Macey Lakes – Considered an easy trail, this trail is long—16 miles—but rather gentle and very scenic on the way to Macey Lakes. Access is off the Rainbow Trail south of Horn Creek Trailhead.

North Colony Trail – Not the steepest trail in the range, but its 18-mile length makes it one of the more lightly-used trails. Its features include a waterfall and a series of rock outcroppings.

South Colony Trail – This moderate, 12-mile trail leads to the very popular Crestones: Crestone Peak and Crestone Needles. The deeply-rutted road is heavily traveled by brave drivers as well as hikers.

Marble Cave Trail – The Marble Caves, with their stories of hidden Conquistador gold and chained-up skeletons, make this trail a popular destination. The trail is a strenuous, 12-mile hike accessed between South Colony Road and Music Pass Road.

Music Pass – The trail to the summit of Music pass is a moderate, 8-12 mile hike, depending on where you park your vehicle. The view over the top and west to the Sand Creek drainage is considered one of the most scenic valleys in the range. Music Pass is located south of Westcliffe off Hwy 69.

Mosca Pass – An easy, 6-mile hike, this trail is the lowest crossing of the main section of the Sangres and offers a wonderful view south of Blanca Peak. It also features many good car-camping spots. Over the pass is the Great Sand Dunes National Park.