St Vrain Mountain straddles the border between the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area (south) and Rocky Mountain National Park (north). It stands just east of the Continental Divide with rangy views across the Middle St Vrain Creek drainage and Wild Basin Area of RMNP.

40% of the St Vrain Mountain Trail runs over treeline, clearing it after 2.65 miles at 10,765'

Harsh alpine weather can thwart growth on the windward side of trees, with permanent growth only occurring on the lee side; trees with branches on only one side are called flag trees

The trail crosses the Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary for the first time at 3.15 miles (11,180')

Once off the main trail it's a .8 mile, 800' scramble up rugged talus to the summit

Southwest views from the summit look clear across the Middle St Vrain Creek valley and Coney Flats to Mt Audubon (13,223')

Alpine tundra plants grow low to the ground to increase stability and minimize exposure to harsh conditions

Northerly panoramas extend from Mt Meeker to peaks above Wild Basin on the Continental Divide

When wet soil freezes it expands and pushes surface-level rocks up in a process called frost heaving

Rock wind shelters on the summit offer a welcome respite from strong cold winds coming off the Divide

About 2/3 of Colorado's water drains east of the Continental Divide

The challenging summit scramble rewards with incredible views, though careful attention is necessary on this steep, uneven terrain

Many flowering plants of the tundra have dense hairs on stems or red-colored pigments capable of converting the sun's light rays into heat

Young aspen line lower portions of the St Vrain Mountain Trail