St. Vrain Greenway

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 8.0 miles / 12.9 km
Duration: Half day

Family Friendly • Dog Friendly

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Overview: Starting at the beautiful Sandstone Ranch, the St. Vrain Greenway takes you all the way through Longmont from east of town to the Golden Ponds on the west side. The trail is quite level and all road crossings are below-grade, so it is extremely safe. Other than the first mile, where dogs are banned to protect the wildlife, the trail is dog-friendly, family-friendly, and handicapped accessible. It is also wonderful for alternative wheeled transportation such as inline skates, recumbents, Trikkes, and Elliptigos.

In addition to being a wonderful hiking or biking trail, it also offers excellent diversions including the Cheese Importer and Left Hand Brewing Company microbrewery located just off the trail. Trail explorers will also enjoy numerous parks, delicious restaurants, and a handful of historical sites including the Sandstone Ranch historic homestead at the very beginning of the eastern trailhead. Many local residents don't even know this historical treasure even exists so close to their home. It is a very peaceful and scenic location replete with historical information, gorgeous views, and an abundance of prairie wildlife.

Tips: - Dogs aren't allowed on the furthest east (a little over a mile) portion of the trail due to wildlife concerns. Otherwise, they are fine on the rest of the trail.
- Utilize the internet links included with this guide to determine the opening times and days of the various trail attractions such as the brewery, cheese shop, and Sandstone Ranch.
- Since the trail is concrete, fairly level, and includes numerous restroom facilities, this is a marvelous trail for families with children of all ages. It is truly a community gem.

Points of Interest

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Sandstone Ranch Community Park and trailhead parking

This trailhead is located a ways above the actual concrete trail and requires the use of a short winding gravel path down to the trail. Most bikes, recumbents, and Elliptigos should be able to handle this, but Trikkes, inline skates, and skateboards may not work so well on it. Road bikes may need to be walked or take a short detour on road.

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East end of trail and historic homestead

This land was originally homesteaded by Morse Coffin in 1860. In 1998, the city of Longmont purchased the land and used part of it for a park, part of it for the trail, and part for open space.
The historic house is open on certain days (see enclosed website for days and hours) for self-guided tours. The property is always available for viewing. Currently this is the eastern terminus of the St. Vrain Greenway, but it is slated to continue eastward toward I-25 and the Platte River.
In addition to all the great historical information, beautiful scenery, and abundant wildlife, the Saint Vrain Greenway trail also begins here. From this trailhead westward to the next trailhead, dogs are not allowed, so if you would like to take your dog for a walk, you will start at the County Line Road trailhead.

information about Sandstone Ranch Community Park Photo

trail bridge on St. Vrain Greenway trail Photo

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County Rd. Trailhead

Dogs are allowed on the trail from this point west. This trailhead includes plenty of parking and restrooms.

no dogs on far east portion of trail Photo

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119th street

This trailhead is brand new and includes restroom facilities and ample parking. In fact, the facilities are so new that the restrooms weren't yet open when I toured the trail and a porta-potty (pictured) was provided instead.

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Lefthand Creek Trail junction

This is one of many trail junctions for optional side trips. I have been told that this trail is scheduled to connect with a trail that runs all the way to Boulder, CO.

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business loop

You can't go wrong here. Either of these routes takes you back to the main trail. The more narrow one will bring you nearer to the local businesses and to a good Italian restaurant and sandwich shop.

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Main st.

All of the road crossing are below grade, so you don't have to worry about traffic. This trail is quite safe and relaxing.

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Longmont Sundial

This landmark is considered "trail central." It is not the exact halfway point, but quite near it. It is also makes a good from which to explore a couple businesses featured in the next two "points of interest."

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Cheese Importers La Fromagerie

Near the sundial is a little business known as The Cheese Importer. It is well-known by the locals as a great place to stop for lunch, a snack, or, well, some cheese. Don't worry, they won't go all Monte Python on you when you ask if they do indeed have cheese.

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Left Hand Brewery

Stop by for a brewski at this microbrewery located in sight of the trail. They don't open until 3:00 pm most days, so you'll have a long wait if you show up too early.