Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest
Bright Extension Trail #827

The Bright Trail is about 1.7 miles long (one way) and the Bright Trail Extension #827 adds another 1.8 miles. The trail sees low to moderate use, mostly May through November (open year round), and is rated as Most Difficult.

Elevations:

• 8,350' at Johnny Park Road
• 7,320' at North St. Vrain Creek

USGS Maps: Raymond quad

Trailhead Location: From Meeker Park, turn on the gravel Cabin Creek Road (County Road 82E). At one mile, continue straight on the gravel Elk Park Road (still County Road 82E), where the Cabin Creek Road turns left (north). Continue 2.2 miles east to the Johnny Park Rd (National Forest System Road (NFSR) 118). The trailhead is 2.2 miles east on the four-wheel drive Johnny Park Road, and can be difficult to spot. This road has been moved and is wrong on most maps. The accompanying trail map shows the road and trail correctly as of 2001. The thin black line is the Boulder Ranger District boundary, and the old road location.

This trail begins on NFSR 118, Johnny Park Road. For the first mile, it drops gently across the wooded plateau. Then it descends very steep down a dry drainage on an open south-facing slope, which can be a very hot climb back on a summer afternoon. However, there is a chance of seeing the resident herd of bighorn sheep. The trail is somewhat obscure for the last bit across the meadow to the north bank of the North Saint Vrain Creek. Please note that there is no bridge across the North Saint Vrain Creek. Crossing the creek is very wet at any time of year, and it should not be attempted during snowmelt season in late spring and early summer when the creek can run very high.

Dispersed camping is allowed along these trails, and many nice campsites can be found on the south side of the creek and along the trail. Camp at least 200 feet from the creek or trail. Check with the Boulder Ranger District regarding possible campfire restrictions.