Ceran Saint Vrain: Sleepy Hollow

“He took to his heels, running as fast as he could, making for the bridge since he knew that ghosts and evil spirits did not care to cross running water.”  One of my favorite ghost stories when I was a kid was Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the first time I rode Ceran Saint Vrain the atmosphere surrounding this trail placed you in a scene right out of a childhood ghost story.

At the trail head you cross a bridge set over a running stream as you enter a darkened river valley, much like a scene right out of American Folklore.  The trail starts off with a few rocks but nothing too difficult and only for a very short distance.  Once through the trail is absolutely perfect; damp, well groomed single-track and some of the smoothest in the area.  There are so many things to love about this trail but certainly the running stream all along this trail makes this one of my favorites for atmosphere.  The pine forest will delight the senses; the cool air keeps the scent of camp fires hovering over the landscape and adds another taste to the air.  The pièce de rèsistance is most definitely the trail itself.  The path descends gradually for almost 2 miles; you’ll wish it would never end.  The trail threads through heavily wooded pine forest with some really cool twists and turns; just make sure to yield to hikers.  One of my favorite things about this trail is rolling over pine needles, sometimes completely covering your path, nobbies flinging needles in all directions, making a unique crunching sound beneath you.  

This is a favorite hike-in camping area and a hidden gem among locals.  If you arrive early enough you’ll score yourself a prime site right along the stream.  The trail meanders under abundant shade; sunglasses may actually make it more difficult to see.  This 2-mile section is a promiscuous indulgence for any mountain biker and only requires the will to explore.  There are areas of this section that run along narrow cliffs so if you become uneasy on these sections, dismount or lift your foot closest to the rock wall and use it to keep your balance.  There are 2 or 3 rock formations that require some skill so hop off the bike and walk these very short sections if you don’t think you can pass them safely.  Bring your camera along because there are many great stream clearings that would make great backgrounds for your next online profile picture.

At the 1.89 mile mark the trail turns uphill at a steep grade.  The loose gravel and rock turns an easy trail into an advanced ride in a hurry.  The loose gravel, boulders and steep grade make this climb nearly impossible for my skills.  This part of the ride is on a 4-wheel drive route and I run into four vehicles blocking the path tending to some sort of vehicle damage.  I decide to retreat back down on the 4-wheel drive road which continues uphill across the creek.  This is the only stream crossing that I’m aware of and as I pass my feet partially break the water line, enough to soak my socks.

The trail climbs on loose gravel at a very steep grade, the winter snow melt having eroded parts of the road forming narrow ditches.  Exposed rock and roots make this section extremely difficult for any rider; a beginner would almost certainly end up hiking this section.  The road levels off a bit at about the 2.5 mile mark; keep going because the road gets better.  The climbing is continuous but levels off a bit towards the top.  If you haven’t given up by now, at about the 2.9 mile mark you’ll come across your first abandoned cabin.  This cabin looks like it was carefully planned out, even includes a concrete foundation.  A few yards further up you come across yet another more rustic log cabin-would make a great escape from a Hessian Trooper.  I stop here and snap a few pictures before rolling back down.  These two cabins look inhabitable if restored however the drive up would take a special vehicle and perhaps impossible to pass in the winter.

Downhill from the top for about 0.75 miles you’ll reach some good speed, just be careful because the trail is loose and you don’t want to be caught up here with any broken bones.  From the 3.64 mile mark to the 3.97 mark you will need to take extra care with a steady rear break and cautious front breaking-make sure to keep your weight over the back of the bike and you’ll be fine.  There are some great views of mountain peaks on and around the road so take the time to soak in the Rocky Mountains.

Once past the stream crossing, the climb back is gradual but can be tiresome depending on your pace.  At this time the sun peeks through in areas, reflecting off the cascading water.  I had thought about bringing visitors camping up here, for a Rocky Mountain outdoor experience, and this trip would convince me.  The journey ends at the bridge over running water-cross over as you leave the pages of your own imagination.   

I downloaded my route at connect.garmin.com/activity/233583285 to illustrate my ride and if you ever need a reason to visit our beautiful state, don’t forget to check this blog for some ideas.  Each one of these trails is designed for multi-use and would make a great hike too.

 Happy Trails!  AR