Bright Trail

Are you and your four-legged fur buddy looking for a new trail to hike in the Rocky Mountains? Are you in the Allenspark, Colorado area? Bright Trail is a rugged out and back hike through the North Saint Vrain Creek Canyon to the creek. While this is a dog furiendly path, you will need to keep your pooch on a leash and make sure their paws are protected because it is rocky and can be icy up in the higher elevations. 

The Bright Trail starts at the Bright Trailhead on the south rim of the North Saint Vrain Creek Canyon on Taylor Mountain Road (Forest Road 330). After crossing the cattle-guard, you will have to walk or drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle. There is a small parking lot there that is free to the public, but it gets filled up fast, especially during the summer on the weekends. 

You will start out on a flat, but high hilltop that drops down into the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in the Colorado Rocky Mountains into the North Saint Vrain Creek Canyon. This is a particularly steep drop with an elevation change of about 1,400 feet, so you and Fido are in for a pawesome workout. There's no bridge to cross the creek, and you should never attempt to cross during high water periods. 

The Bright Trail does not have restrooms or water access, so if you want to drink from the creek, you will need to treat the water first. It is better to bring your own H20 for both you and your canine cutie. Since there is no restroom, you will need to use the “leave no trace” principles. This is a rugged and wild hike, and you will most likely see plenty of critters like mule deer, elk, moose, sheep, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and even some bears or mountain lions. Be sure to bring a camera so you can get some furrific photos while you are there.