South Saint Vrain Trail

The South Saint Vrain Trail is one of the best according to those who have been there. If you and your pooch are ready for a long hike through the Rocky Mountains in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, you should definitely check out this trail along the South Saint Vrain Creek. While this is a fairly long trail, it is mostly easy to moderate, so you and your pooch will not have to be experts, but you will need to be prepared. 

No matter whether you are a serious hiker or a newbie, taking a 12-mile hike can be strenuous. Even a trained hiker will need about five or six hours to do this hike, and that is without any breaks, which is not recommended. Make sure you bring along enough H20 and snacks for both you and your canine kid, and bring cleanup bags to pick up after your poochie. 

Starting at the trailhead on County Road 96, he trail climbs west along the South Saint Vrain Creek for about two miles through the aspen and pine groves. You will pass through several meadows, which are typically full of vibrantly colored wildflowers during the spring and summer. After the first two miles, the trail heads  north (right) and climbs until you get to the top. Here, it crosses with an old road that shows you a sign to Strapp Lakes, but these lakes are on private property, so stay on the trail. After another mile, the trail crosses the Sourdough Trail and continues along a small ridge for another mile. 

When you get to the intersection of the South Saint Vrain Trail and Waldrop Trail, you will have gone almost six miles. The path then drops down and crosses a small creek before the Brainard Cutoff Trail, which goes south (left), and then crosses the meadow to the Mitchell Lake Trailhead north of Brainard Lake. This is where you will turn around and go back. However, if you only want to do a six-mile hike, arrange for someone to pick you up at the Mitchell Lake Trailhead. 

For gorgeous views and a pawtastic outdoor adventure, head out on the South Saint Vrain Trail with your pup!