Ceran St. Vrain

Distance: 3.85 miles round trip
Elevation: 8,365 ft - 8,105 ft
Elevation Gain: 260 ft (gain on the trip back)
Dogs: Off Leash

St. Vrain Creek

Ceran St.Vrain near Jamestown, CO (northwest of Boulder) is a short but relaxing trail through a pleasant mixed Lodgepole and Spruce forest with lots of water action to get your Zen on. Dogs are allowed off leash, which is a blessing for those of us with hunting dogs that need to run. The trail gets its name from Ceran St.Vrain, an 1800's resident who was know for building forts along several creeks in the area.

The trailhead. There is a large parking area and a nice place to picnic near the creek off to the left.

A few yards from the trailhead is a quaint bridge over the creek

At the beginning of the trail is a primitive campground so be prepared for the intoxicating smell of camp delectables cooking over a wood fire. The trail itself is packed dirt and pine needles, a welcome respite from the rocky terrain that blesses most of the Front Range. 

There are many views of the creek from the trail

In contrast to the mountains that provide the water that fills St. Vrain Creek, the trail heads downwards for a gradual loss of 200 ft. Where the trail ends is subjective since it seems to run into a series of 4x4 roads. You'll know this because the trail widens a bit and there may be a signs for roads 801 and 252. One of these leads to Miller Rock, but finding it can be a chore. 

A typical trail section. Notice the lush vegetation and the nice soft trail.

The only downside of this trail is that it is up past Jamestown. This route is a mecca for hordes of cyclists who use the steep climbs to train for even harder events. While I am all for sharing the road, it can be unnerving to dodge and weave around these unpredictable two-wheeled demons.

The forested areas are open and appealing

To get to the trailhead, travel 5.5 miles north of Boulder on Highway 36 to Lefthand Canyon. Turn left on and drive 8.4 miles to Jamestown. Continue through the town and be sure to follow the posted speed limits. After Jamestown, the road becomes Overland Rd and will transition to dirt road 4.5 miles beyond the town. Avoid the left fork at this point and continue approximately 0.5 miles to the trailhead on the right.