Saint Vrain Mountain Trail

Feeling adventurous? Lace up your shoes and conquer the Saint Vrain Mountain Hike. This hike will tire you out, but in a good way! The scenic aspen trail and vista lookouts will motivate discouraged hikers to summit the mountain. The views from the top are jaw-dropping. Admire views of the Rocky Mountain National Park in the north and sights of the Indian Peaks Wilderness in the South. This epic hike has some serious elevation gain and is often incredibly windy once you summit the treeline, consider checking the weather and packing a hat and gloves before you set out. Ensure you are also prepared for some technical terrain and scrambling, the final ascent to Saint Vrain Mountain is steep.

The Saint Vrain Mountain Hike follows along the Saint Vrain Mountain Trail. From the parking lot, head southwest on the trial as it enters dense alpine woodlands. Hike along this trail as you enter the Indian Peaks Wilderness and climb along a serene creek. You will get a few glimpses of the picturesque views as you ascend the path and navigate a few switchbacks. Continue hiking as the trail abruptly curves back and forth before sending you back southwestward. This section of the trail is easy to follow as it is well maintained and clearly marked. As you ascend above the treeline you will enter the Rocky Mountain National Park.

At this point, the trail is rocky and exposed. Follow the path until you encounter an intersection, stay right and hook onto the Saint Vrain Mountain Summit Route. This part of the trail is marked by cairns as you begin your final climb to the peak. The border of the Rocky Mountain National Forest is marked by steel poles; you will follow along these as you progress across the saddle and up to the mountain’s ridge. Be careful as you scramble up the rocky talus field to the Saint Vrain Mountain Summit. Once at the summit, bask in the 360-degree panoramic views of the Colorado Ranges.

When you are ready to descend, follow the cairns back to the intersection and veer left onto the Saint Vrain Mountain Trail again. Retrace your steps along this trail as it guides you back to the parking lot.