Ceran St. Vrain Trail - 3.85 Miles Round-Trip

The Ceran St. Vrain Trail closely follows a two mile stretch of South St. Vrain Creek, whose origin lies with Isabelle Glacier atop the Continental Divide some 10+ miles away and 3,700' above.

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The trail is named for Ceran St. Vrain (1802 - 1870), a fur trader, politician and settler who established several trading posts and military forts along this creek and the South Platte River.

This mild trail leads through pristine upper-montane forests, an inclusive ecological transition zone of lodgepole pine, spruce, fir and aspen. The riparian corridor it follows supports bigtooth maple, thin leaf alder, box elder and willow, which combine to produce brilliant autumn colors.

Summer flowers thrive along the creek, notably columbine, wild rose and the prized Fairy Slipper Orchid. Visitors will enjoy good trail conditions, mild grades, easy stream access, desirable backcountry camping locations and excellent fishing:

The trail begins over a long bridge with good up and down-stream views. Once over it turns north and undulates mildly up the creek's west bank with little net elevation loss to its unofficial terminus at the 801-252 Jeep road split (1.92 miles : 8,105').

The trail is generally clear and well-padded from layers of fallen pine needles, but negotiates a few high, narrow ledges on the first half mile that are tricky when iced over. Beyond that, it travels easily through intervals of mixed pine, narrow-walled passages, and broad stream shoulders.

Though campsites are unmaintained, many are well-established and easy to find.

No sign marks the trail's end, however it suddenly widens at the 801-252 4WD Jeep fork. A good map will lead you up Road 801 to another series of dirt road connections and unmarked trail spurs, one of which scales the summit of Miller Rock (8,646').