Trail Description

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The trail climbs assertively through dense lodgepole and aspen to the Indian Peaks Wilderness Boundary (.7 miles : 9,332’), keeping similar pace through an ecologically curious section dotted by sparse, diminutive spruce stands (1.0 miles : 9,650’). Switchbacks aid a steepening climb up the narrow valley’s north side, while the rapid elevation gain yields improving views back east. The trail switchbacks hard left (west) one final time (1.5 miles : 10,008’) before making a deliberate cross to the valley’s south side (1.75 miles : 10,215’).

Here the grade relaxes with its first useful perspective on the valley through which you’ve risen, and ridgeline to which you’re headed. From the valley’s south side (2.1 miles : 10,405’) the trail resumes an aggressive pace, gradually bending back north on a twisting climb through uniformly tall spruce (a counter-intuitive contrast to the forest below). You’ll rise quickly above thinning glades and turn sharply south one last time (2.65 miles : 10,765’) before clearing treeline just below the ridgeline.

The trail eases to and atop the ridgeline – an expansive alpine saddle connecting the triangulated shoulders of Meadow Mountain (11,632’), an unnamed peak and St Vrain Mountain - and rolls gently to the Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary (3.15 miles : 11,180’). The trail now levels considerably for nearly half a mile, heading south with directional clarity and arguably the trail’s finest views.

This remarkable section affords sensational panoramas of Rocky Mountain’s Wild Basin Area, including Mount Copeland (13,176’), Ouzel Peak (12, 12,716’), Mahana Peak (12,632’), Longs Peak (14,259’) and Mt Meeker (13,911’). Those not intent on reaching the summit should be content with views along this stretch.

The trail continues south, exits Rocky Mountain National Park (3.6 miles : 11,335’) and threads a small patch of windswept krummholz. Remain vigilant, as just beyond the Park exit sign and krummholz is the unmarked turnoff for St Vrain Mountain’s summit. A trio of unassuming cairns – no different from others you’ll have seen to this point - and a good sense of routing are all that initially guide you off the main trail towards the summit. More navigational help awaits up-slope:

Leave the main trail (3.65 miles : 11,360’), aiming for another band of krummholz approximately 200 yards away. Once through look for cairns and, most importantly, Indian Peaks – Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary posts (to your right). St Vrain Mountain’s unmaintained summit route hugs the IPW side of the boundary posts, and generally favors the most accommodating terrain. Still, anticipate rugged talus, steep grades and snowfields year-round on the strenuous .75 mile summit push.

St Vrain Mountain (4.45 miles : 12162’) is rounded with 2 wind shelters; if conditions permit consider exploring the area, especially its lengthy western shoulder which stretches to the Elk Tooth formation and base of Ogallala Peak (13,138’) on the Continental Divide.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N40 10.453 W105 32.011 - St Vrain Mountain Trailhead

• N40 10.187 W105 32.636 - .7 miles : Indian Peaks Wilderness Boundary

• N40 10.218 W105 33.509 - 1.75 miles : Cross from north to south side of valley

• N40 09.974 W105 33.444 - 2.1 miles : Reach south side of valley

• N40 10.304 W105 33.735 - 2.65 miles : Final switchback south; clear treeline

• N40 10.203 W105 34.236 - 3.15 miles : RMNP Boundary (entry)

• N40 09.876 W105 34.395 - 3.6 miles : RMNP Boundary (exit)

• N40 09.759 W105 34.461 - 3.65 miles : Leave main trail for summit

• N40 09.762 W105 34.586 - Unmaintained route mark #1

• N40 09.689 W105 34.824 - Unmaintained route mark #2

• N40 09.675 W105 34.957 - Unmaintained route mark #3

• N40 09.672 W105 35.141 - 4.45 miles : St Vrain Mountain summit

Worth Noting

• This trail passes through upper-montane, subalpine and alpine-tundra life zones. Take note of changing biology on the ascent.



• Much of this trail runs above treeline - get an early start to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Anticipate cool temperatures, strong winds and unabated sun on the summit.



• Snow can linger on the trail well into summer and arrive again early fall. Call ahead for current trail conditions.



• Parking is limited at the trailhead.

Camping and Backpacking Information

• Permits are required for all overnight campers June 1 - September 15.



• Permits are required year-round for day and overnight use by large groups (8+) or organizational groups such as scouts, churches, schools and hiking clubs.



• Group size is limited to 12 people or people and packstock combined.



• Campfires are prohibited east side of the Continental Divide, as well as Caribou Lake, Columbine Lake, Gourd Lake, Crater Lake and in the Cascade Creek drainage above Cascade Falls.



• Pets must be on a handheld leash at all times.



• Camping is permitted only at designated campsites in the Diamond, Jasper, Crater and Caribou Lakes Backcountry Zones.



• Camping is prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone (Mitchell, Blue, Long, Isabelle) May 1 - Nov 30.



• Camping is prohibited within 100’ of lakes, streams and trails.



• Packstock are prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone, in the Cascade Backcountry Zone above Cascade Falls and on the Diamond Lake Trail #975.

Directions to Trailhead

From Boulder, take Highway 36 north until it dead ends. Turn left at the light towards Lyons and continue through the town of Lyons until you reach another dead end. Turn left onto Highway 7 which will take you through St. Vrain Canyon from Lyons to Allenspark. Upon entering Allenspark, take County Road 107 (ski road) south for about 1.5 miles. At this point, National Forest System Road #116 heads up the hill to your right for about .5 miles to the St. Vrain Mountain Trailhead. Parking is limited at the trailhead.

Contact Information

Boulder Ranger District
2140 Yarmouth Avenue
Boulder, CO 80301
Visitor Information
303.541.2500

Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitor Information Line:
970.586.1206