South Saint Vrain

Ceran Saint Vrain Trailhead is located along the South Saint Vrain Creek just north of Boulder County Road 94, approximately two miles east of Colorado Highway 72. Accessible with two-wheel-drive, parking is available for up to 30 vehicles.

This trailhead provides access to the Ceran Saint Vrain Trail.

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Ceran Saint Vrain Trail (#801)

Length: Ceran Saint Vrain Trailhead (TH) to National Forest System Road (NFSR) 252 - 1.9 miles. DISTANCE IS ONE-WAY.

Elevation: 8,300 feet at TH; 8,000 feet at low point on creek

Trail Description: The easy Ceran Saint Vrain Trail follows the South Saint Vrain Creek downstream for 1.9 miles. The trail ends at National Forest System Road 252, a rough four-wheel drive road. This road climbs 0.5 miles northwest to a four-way intersection from which it is a steep half-mile to the left up to Miller Rock. Miller Rock is a scenic high-point that offers 360-degree views.

Latlong: 40.124434; -105.442

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Directions - From Boulder, head five miles north on US Highway 36 towards Lyons. Turn west onto Lefthand Canyon, signed for Ward and Jamestown. Five miles west, follow the right fork for Jamestown.Continue on this road through Jamestown. Once the road changes from paved to gravel, look for the Ceran Saint Vrain TH sign in approximately 0.5 miles.

Restrictions

Motorized vehicles prohibited.

Dispersed camping is prohibited Within ¼ mile of either side of South St. Vrain Creek beginning at the Ceran St. Vrain trailhead and ending ¼ mile from the intersection of South St. Vrain Creek and National Forest System Road 252.1. See Order.

Campfires are permissible unless seasonal restrictions are in effect (contact district office). 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 .

The South Saint Vrain Trailhead is the trailhead for the east end of the South Saint Vrain Trail (#909). Parking is very limited, allowing room for only two or three vehicles.

View an area map here.

South Saint Vrain Trail (#909)

Length: Beaver Reservoir Road (County Road [CR] 96) Trailhead (TH) to the Sourdough Trail - 3.1 miles; to Brainard Lake - 5.9 miles. DISTANCES ARE ONE-WAY.

Elevation: 8,700 feet at the TH; 9,600 feet at Sourdough Trail; 10,400 feet at Brainard Lake.

Trail Description: From County Road 96, the South Vrain Trail climbs west along South Saint Vrain Creek. In about two miles, the trail follows an old road, then turns off to the right (north) and climbs to avoid private property. At the top of this climb, the trail crosses an old road with signs to the Stapp Lakes. The Stapp Lakes are on private property with no public access.

At 3.1 miles, South Saint Vrain Trail crosses the Sourdough Trail . The trail continues gently along a little ridge for another mile to an intersection with the Waldrop Trail . The trail drops down and crosses a creek before the Brainard Lake Cutoff Trail forks left (south). The South Saint Vrain Trail crosses a meadow to reach the Mitchell Lake Trailhead spur road north of Brainard Lake.

Latlong: 40.10555; -105.488244

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View a trail map here.