Snow, Ice Greet Hikers on Last Outing of the Year

Once through the non-bustling and no-traffic-light town of Jamestown, we were soon at the Ceran St. Vrain T.H.  Before describing this hike, I found it interesting to learn about the man whose name this trail carries.

Ceran St. Vrain was a descendant of French aristocrats who came to the U.S. during the French Revolution.  Born may 5, 1802, near St. Louis, his full name was Ceran de Hault de St. Vrain.

Footing was not the best due to ice and snow.  Photo by Bob Seckman.

He traded furs near Taos, New Mexico, and trapped near the North Platte River in Colorado.  He and his partner William Bent, established the trading post of Bent's Fort.  Located on the old Santa Fe Trail, the Fort is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

After crossing the creek on a long wooden foot bridge, trail follows a section of the South St. Vrain Creek for about two miles.  The origin of the creek lies with Isabelle Glacier atop the Continental Divide over two miles away.

One of those candidates for framing. Photo by Barbara Peck

Snow and ice continued throughout the hike, causing some of the nine hearty hikers to take added precaution in terms of footing.  Areas of dense pine kept snow from reaching the ground in places.  Trail ups and downs did provide hikers without a pair of Rax Trax (mini spikes) a bit more concern.

View of the creek from the bridge. Photo by Bob Seckman

Snow has a way of changing a landscape like no other natural element.  Patches of white combined with the sounds of water gently tumbling over rocks and debris in the creek bed are difficult to ignore.  The eyes look for an angle to capture that one great image to hang on the wall.

Marian and Donna with big smiles despite less than ideal trail conditions.

Typical trail conditions.

A junction at 2 miles with Miller Rock Spur Trail, calls for a decision.  Continue on another .8 mi. to the end, or take the spur trail .7 mi. to Miller Rock at 8,646'.  The decision was to follow the spur trail to the rock outcropping for lunch.

Everybody together and safe.

As we approached Miller Rock, the sun provided what felt much like a rare early fall day.  Temps according to the Denver media are expected in the low 70's in the city.  Here, in the pines of Roosevelt National Forest, it felt just right.

This trail is extremely popular in summer.  Today, a runner with her dogs was the only other person we met.

Some in the group seem incredulous as two masked, but not very scary hikers, try to blend in with regulars for the last group photo of the year.  One, sporting a bright red vest and leggins to match her hair, didn't seem to mind the odd looks and blank stares.  The other, dressed all in black to accentuate his ultra-smooth bright yellow skin, called himself "The Yellow Phantom."  He has a thing about beads...even his whistle dangled from a strand of golden pearls.

The ride to the trail head found the usual jovial bunch of High Country Hiker (HCH), deep in conversation, telling jokes, and enjoying the antics of grandchildren on their phones.

It may be difficult for someone hiking with the group for the first time to understand the bitter sweet feelings those who have trekked with the HCH group all year had today.

Core members have really bonded this hiking season.  As for newbies - first timers - many of them have found the personality of the HCH group one they want to be a part of.  Many have said, "I enjoyed myself, and I'll be back again."


Over recent weeks, a number of HCH members have voiced their wish to try snowshoeing.  A list of no less than eight names will be the basis for planning easy, short snowshoe outings this winter.  If you want to try a new activity or hone your snowshoe skills, contact the author to add your name to the list.

As we arrived at ACAA for the last time,  hike leader/driver, Ed Blum was given a well deserved cheer and hearty round of applause for fulfilling his weekly duty of getting us to the TH and back safely.

After hikers left the bus, a flurry of hugs, exchange of phone numbers, and email addresses was the last activity before dispursing.

It was a great year in the Colorado back country.

Authors Note:  Special thanks to Barbara Peck and Bob Sechman for providing images for this post.

Total Miles =  5.2

Total elevation gain = 700'


Authors Note:  This is a reminder to mark your calendar, if you are planning on attending the upcoming Annual High Country Hiker Gathering,  It will be at ACAA, Saturday, November 17th, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Please call or email the writer by November 3rd with your head count (1 or 2).  The $10/person cost can be left with Barbara at the ACAA front desk prior to the event. but a firm headcount is needed by this coming Saturday, November 3rd.

Bring your spouse or a friend.  Enjoy working a hiking crossword puzzle, test your memory with hiking trivia, all for prizes.  A number of former HCH group members will be in attendance.  Don't miss this opportunity to get caught up with them.



Remember, it's all about the Journey!