September 23, 2014
There’s a Rainbow Lakes hike and a Rainbow Lake hike. This is the latter, the singular. It’s a relatively short trek up to a pretty pond. We went at the beginning of Fall and the foliage was spectacular.
From my campsite, I had oohed and ahhed at the red, gold, and green splashes of color in the hills on the south side of Dillon Reservoir. The Rainbow Lake trail takes you through those colorful trees.
The trail began in a marshy area busy with nearby residential development. I enjoyed the quaint boardwalk through the autumnal marsh. As humans, we tend to have a penchant for bridges, and I’m no exception. The bridge-like boardwalk made me happy. Before long, we were surrounded by vibrant aspen trees and lodgepole pines. After hiking uphill on a moderate slope about 3/4 of a mile, we came to the pond. I enjoyed the trail because the other hikers were friendly, and there were plenty of dogs and trees. The tinkling of the stream and the multitude of miniature falls increased this hike’s pleasantness.
This trail also connects to Miners Creek Road or the Peaks trail that heads to Breckenridge if you want a longer trek.
Getting There:
From I-70, take exit 203 for Frisco/Breckenridge. At the traffic circle, take the exit for CO-9 S, which is also called Summit Blvd., and head South for 1.3 miles. Turn right on Main Street, then six blocks down, turn left on 2nd Ave. 
and follow this road to the trailhead. Cross over the paved recreation pathway after stopping at the stop sign to get to the trailhead parking area. In the parking area you will see a sign with an arrow that says Rainbow Lake.
Yes, your dog is supposed to be kept on a leash.
Yes, a stream and a pond.
Yes.
About 460′.