Middle Saint Vrain Trail

We did not hike this, we we're Jeepin' it! Started with 18 rigs, ended with 13! Take care if you drive this!

This is one of the best hiking areas in the Front Range. It goes through one of the last stretches of old growth forest that still is easy access, and it stays close to the stream for most of the distance, passing by a small but very picturesque waterfall. Also, as it is a wilderness area, there is a "wild" feeling that is unusual for this part of the mountains, and is a sharp contrast to much more developed areas like Brainard Lake. Also, the trail is far less heavily traveled than the other hiking areas near Ward, and if you go on a weekday, it isn't unusual to not see many people.

In addition to the hiking, there are many boulders alongside the trail, brought down the valley by glacial action. This provides an unusual experience, plus for people who are into rock climbing, some of the boulders can provide a good, if short, challenge.

One thing though, in a bad winter, this area will remain snow drifted well into June, and sometimes even in July you will still find snow in some of the upper reaches.