St Vrain Mountain Trail

Description:
The St Vrain Mountain Trail is located in the Indian Peak Wilderness and can be reached via the St Vrain Mountain trailhead or the Buchanan Pass Trail. The parking area for the trailhead is narrow and will accommodate about 12 vehicles. Horse trailers could not be turned around here. The trail starts with a level path through a dense stand of aspens but shortly begins a long, steady climb towards a saddle below St Vrain Mountain. The trail enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness in about .6 miles. It climbs up the north side of a stream drainage, making several switchbacks along the way. The trail gets more rocky as you gain in elevation. Blue Grouse are often seen in the creek drainage near the trail.
After about 2 miles the trail heads south and climbs up the south side of the drainage. It winds its way to the top of the drainage where it breaks out onto the alpine tundra. Here it climbs through a saddle where it enters Rocky Mountain National Park. A beautiful view of the south end of the park can be seen from the saddle. Continuing south through the saddle, the trail passes just beneath St Vrain Mountain. After a short distance, .25 miles, you enter the Indian Peaks Wilderness again. The trail is fairly level through the saddle and then climbs a ridge before dropping into the Middle St Vrain Creek drainage. At the top of the ridge you are treated to a spectacular view of Mount Audubon, Paiute Peak, the surrounding valleys, and Buchanan Pass. In the last two miles the trail drops off about 1,500 feet to the Buchanan Pass trail.
The St Vrain Mountain Trail receives moderate use and is of moderate difficulty. It lies in the Middle St Vrain Travel Zone where camping, day hiking, and livestock are permitted. Open campfires are not allowed (stoves only).


Features:

Length:	6.5 miles (10.4 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,968' - 11,391'
Elevation change:	4,014 feet
Season:	July 1 - Sept 15
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	Moderate
USGS maps:	Allenspark
Trailheads:	St Vrain Mountain, Middle St Vrain
Restrictions:	Pets must be on a leash, no campfires
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted in wilderness)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
To get to the St Vraim Mountain Trailhead take Highway 7 south from Estes Park to the town of Allenspark. Just inside Allenspark turn right on Ski Road (107) and follow it for 2.2 miles to the trailhead.
To get to the Middle St Vrain Trailhead take Highway 7 west from Lyons approximately 12 miles or Highway 7 south from Estes Park about 18 miles to Highway 72. Turn south on 72 and travel approximately five miles to the Peaceful Valley Campground. Turn west through the campground and on to Camp Dick Campground (about a mile). The trailhead is located at the west end of the Camp Dick Campground. Follow the Buchanan Pass Trail for about 4.3 miles to the south end of the St Vrain Mountain Trail.

 

 

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