Bright
Trailhead Bright Trailhead Drive there
Bright Extension Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
Located 2.2 miles east of County Road 82E on the south side of Johnny Park Road (National Forest System Road 118), the trailhead is marked with a small sign near a minor saddle. This trailhead provides access to the Bright Extension Trail .
Acccess to the trailhead is seasonal. For current information on road openings and closures, check the Road Status Table .
View an area map here.
Bright Extension Trail (#827)
Length: Bright Extension Trailhead (TH) to North Saint Vrain Creek - 1.8 miles
Elevation: 8,350 feet at the TH; 7,320 feet at North Saint Vrain Creek
Trail Description: Bright Extension Trail begins at Bright Extension Trailhead on Johnny Park Road (National Forest System Road 118). The trail drops gently across the wooded plateau for the first mile. It then descends steeply down a dry drainage on an open south-facing slope, which can be a very hot climb back out on a summer afternoon. There is no bridge at the end of this trail.
Latlong: 40.234859; -105.448
Click here for a trail summary.
View a trail map here.
Accessibility - The trailhead is 2.2 miles east on the four-wheel drive Johnny Park Road and can be difficult to spot. The Bright Extension Trail is accessed from this trailhead.
Directions - From Meeker Park, follow the “Forest Access” sign by turning east onto the gravel Cabin Creek Road, County Road (CR) 82. At 1.1 miles, continue straight on the gravel Elk Park Road, CR 82E. Continue 2.2 miles east to the Johnny Park Road (National Forest System Road 118).
Restrictions
Motorized vehicles prohibited.
Unless seasonal restrictions are in effect, campfires must be attended at all times and cold to the touch with the bare hand before being abandoned.
Collection of dead and down wood is allowed; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood.
Practice Leave No Trace principles.
Fishing and hunting are allowed in accordance with regulations established by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife .
Bright Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
The Bright Trailhead is perched on the south rim of the North Saint Vrain Creek canyon, and is accessible by Taylor Mountain four-wheel drive road (National Forest System Road 330). Parking is limited. This trailhead provides access to the Bright Trail and is accesssible by vehicle part of the year.
View an area map here.
For current information on road openings and closures, check the Road Status Table .
Bright Trail (#921)
Length: Bright Trailhead (TH) to: North Saint Vrain Creek - 1.7 miles; Creek to Johnny Park Road on the Bright Extension Trail - 1.8 miles. DISTANCES ARE ONE-WAY.
Elevation: 8,700 feet at southern terminus; 7,320 feet at North Saint Vrain Creek; 8,350 feet at northern terminus.
Trail Description: Starting at Bright Trailhead , Bright Trail begins on a high, relatively level hilltop, and drops down the wooded north-facing slope into the North Saint Vrain Creek canyon. This drop is fairly steep with an elevation change of 1,400' in 1.7 miles from trailhead to creek bed. There is no bridge across the creek. Do not attempt to cross during periods of high water.
The steep drop to the North Saint Vrain Creek from the south canyon rim offers views of the canyon, and the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Latlong: 40.234859;-105.448
Click here for a trail summary.
View a trail map here.
Accessibility - The Colorado Division of Wildlife has requested that the Forest Service keep Taylor Mountain Road open through the end of the last elk hunt, typically ending in late January. However, the road may not be passable after December 1 due to snow and ice.
Directions - Three miles south of Allenspark on Colorado Highway 7, turn northeast onto Taylor Mountain Road (Forest Road 330, also signed for Pine Valley Subdivision). Stay on the main gravel road for 0.7 miles as it passes through a subdivision. After crossing a cattle guard, the road degrades to four-wheel-drive for one mile to the Bright Trailhead.
Restrictions
Motorized vehicles prohibited.
Unless seasonal restrictions are in effect, campfires must be attended at all times and cold to the touch with the bare hand before being abandoned.
Collection of dead and down wood is allowed; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood.
Practice Leave No Trace principles.
Fishing and hunting are allowed in accordance with regulations established by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Accessibility <p>Conditions are best mid-May through late October. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has requested that the Forest Service keep Taylor Mountain Road open through the end of the last elk hunt, typically ending in late January. However, the road may not be passable after December 1 due to snow and ice.</p>