Rainbow Trail #1336: Mears Junction to Silver Creek

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors

This trail is a popular extension of the Monarch Crest Trail coming from the southwest after Silver Creek Trail (opposite of mapping shown). Look for the Rainbow Trail signs off to the right across County Rd 47YY on the western end to locate the trailhead. The eastern trailhead is off Hwy 285 just south of Mears Junction.

Heading west from the Mears Junction end, the trail begins abruptly with a steep and narrow switchback climb from Hwy 285. After a few hundred yards, it levels off through the trees.

The first three or so miles heading west are more challenging with some sustained climbs on trickier terrain. Expect short, technical rocky sections and tricky dips in and out of gulches. After four miles, the trail crosses a dirt road. Continue heading south and west.

The trail continues to ascend gradually as the sustained climbs begin to mellow out a bit, and the trail smooths out some. This trail section ends at Silver Creek and Toll Road Gulch.