Name: Methodist Mtn: Spartans and Little Rainbow Loop
Rating: 4.5

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Overview

This clockwise loop connects fun, flowy "new school" Spartan trails via a few miles of Little Rainbow trail.

Description

Park at (or ride to) the new Spartan Connector Parking lot along CR110. Ride the new Spartan Connector trail, then turn left (east) onto Spartan East after crossing CR110; this gently rolling trail is just over 1.6-mile long.
At the intersection with Little Rainbow turn right (west), onto Little Rainbow. This 2-mile section of Little Rainbow will have some longer climbs, a few can be a bit of a grind. Pass the Skull trail, continue on Little Rainbow. When you get to the trailhead/parking lot, look for the Spartan West trail sign, slightly up and across from the trail kiosk.
Start on Spartan West. After a short initial section, cross the road (CR110) and continue. This next section is all gentle ups and downs. Enjoy the awesome views to the west of the Sawatch mountains to the west of Salida. Soon you'll approach a cell tower and cross a dirt road. After a small rise, the trail continues to flow further down, crossing several arroyos, until it flattens out when you get back to the intersection with the Spartan Connector trail. Turn left, use the Spartan Connector back to the parking lot.