Saint Vrain Mountain Trail

The Saint Vrain Mountain Trail is a hike that can take your breath away with its beauty, as well as its demanding terrain. This is a dog furiendly trail, but you and Fido better be ready for a workout. The gorgeous views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests will keep you intrigued as you trek along this isolated area. 

Find the start of the trail at the Saint Vrain Mountain Trailhead on Forest Road 116.1 off of County Road 107 in Lyons, Colorado. There is a small parking lot here that holds about a dozen cars you can use free of charge. You and your pooch will head up the trail and across the Saint Vrain Creek, then follow several switchbacks for two miles.

Along the way, you and your furrific pup will follow the creek and be surrounded by pine, aspen, and fir trees, which provide plenty of shade, but will also block some of the view until you get up a bit higher. There are also a lot of amazing and colorful wildflowers along the trail, so make sure you take some pictures of the purple columbine, wild red roses, and pink orchids. 

The Saint Vrain Mountain Trail then heads up the tree line to the south of the Meadow Mountain for about a mile where the panoramic views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains are open for viewing and photographing. There are a plethora of wild critters sharing the forest with you, so watch out and be sure to keep your canine kid on a leash.

At this point, about 3.8 miles in, you and your pooch will be close to the Rock Creek Trail where dogs are not allowed. Here, you will have to turn back to the trailhead. Be sure to bring everything you may need, including water and clean up bags. 

The hike back is easier than the uphill hike there, so you will be able to relax and enjoy yourself and the beauty around you with your favorite furry adventurer!