Muskrat Run Nature Trail
Permitted uses: Foot and nonmotorized bicycles.
Total distance: 1 mile
Usage: Medium
Degree of difficulty: Easy
ADA accessible: Yes
Pets: Yes and must be under control and on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length.
Comments: The Muskrat Run Nature Trail circles Sandpiper Pond and is about one mile in length. Here you will find picnic shelters on the north side of Sandpiper Pond, while the cattails and tall reeds rustle in the wind along the east. The trail also connects to smaller honey holes at Killdeer and Avocet Pond, before running along Mallard Pond and the Camper Services Building. Fishing piers are available for the avid fisherman and don't be surprised if you observe one of our many muskrats trying to steal your fish off the line!
Bald Eagle Pond Trail
Permitted uses: Foot, nonmotorized bicycles, and Class 1 & Class 2 (under 750 Watts) e-bikes
Total distance: 1 mile
Usage: Medium
Degree of difficulty: Easy
ADA accessible: Yes
Pets: Yes and must be under control and on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length.
Comments: On the south side of the entrance road is Bald Eagle Pond, home to bass, crappies, bluegill, perch and catfish. This approximately one mile trail leads away from the day-use picnic area and encircles the pond, with easy access to the banks for fishing. Small cottonwoods flank the edges of the pond and meadows spread into the quiet, serene, natural beauty of the park. Look towards the tall cottonwood on the island in the northwest corner of the pond to see why it's called Bald Eagle Pond.
Coot Pond Trail
Permitted uses: Foot, nonmotorized bicycles, and Class 1 & Class 2 (under 750 Watts) e-bikes
Total distance: .5 miles
Usage: Medium
Degree of difficulty: Easy
ADA accessible: Yes
Pets: Yes and must be under control and on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length.
Comments: This half-mile trail separates Coot and Pintail Ponds, and has easy access to the designated rock piers for fishing. A peaceful, less populated trail, Coot Pond Trail is very scenic with beautiful views of Long's Peak and the Front Range, as a backdrop to the west. The trail can be accessed from the Coot Campground to the east or Blue Heron Reservoir to the west.
Pelican Pond Trail
Permitted uses: Foot, nonmotorized bicycles, and Class 1 & Class 2 (under 750 Watts) e-bikes
Total distance: 1.3
Usage: Medium
Degree of difficulty: Easy
ADA accessible: Yes
Pets: Yes and must be under control and on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length.
Comments: The Pelican Pond Trail at the north end of the park is a 1.3 mile loop around one of the largest ponds on the park. It is a paved bird watching trail, from the graceful American White Pelicans to the Cormorants atop the driftwood, mingling with the Mallard and Goldeneye Ducks. Flowers adorn the path and the adjoining meadows, while the St. Vrain Creek swiftly flows on the north side of the pond. Huge cottonwoods provide shade over several benches along the way, for a cool rest on a warm day.
Red Tail Pond Trail
Permitted uses: Foot, nonmotorized bicycles, and Class 1 & Class 2 (under 750 Watts) e-bikes
Total distance: .35 miles
Usage: Low - Medium
Degree of difficulty: Easy
ADA accessible: Yes
Pets: Yes and must be under control and on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length.
Comments: This .35 mile trail sits between Red Tail campground loop and Kestral campground loop. Visitors looking for a simple, enjoyable walk will find just that at Red Tail Pond Trail. It also provides easy access to the pond for a fun fishing experience. For visitors not camping, the Red Tail Pond Trail can be accessed from public parking along the main road leading through the South campgrounds.
Blue Heron Trail
Permitted uses: Foot, nonmotorized bicycles, and Class 1 & Class 2 (under 750 Watts) e-bikes
Total distance: 1.6
Usage: Medium
Degree of difficulty: Easy
ADA accessible: Yes
Pets: Yes and must be under control and on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length.
Comments: Blue Heron Trail is a paved trail surrounding Blue Heron Reservoir, the largest body of water at the park. Enjoy open spaces and incredible views of Long's Peak. You won't want to miss seeing a breath-taking sunset from the trail. The trail also provides shore access for fishermen trying to land a bass, catfish, walleye, crappie, sunfish or bluegill. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the different avian species that use Blue Heron Reservoir as a stop over on migratory flights or call it home year-round. Take the first right past the self-serve kiosk at the park entrance to access the trail.
Photos By Lee Harris
View the
St Vrain State Park Map.
