It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Trail 813. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue on "Elk Creek Loop" trail for 4.0 miles. . Because of this we consider it to be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders. A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. We made it to Chicago Basin and I made it to the "saddle" of Sunlight peak before talking myself out of going up the rest of the way (regretting it to this day). At Elk Falls Pond, a third trail, the Lion's Back Trail, leads another 1 mile up to the Elk Falls Overlook. Colors are definitely changing and seemed to be more vibrant as I gained elevation. Because theres no obvious turn around point, its important for hikers to remember that they must retrace the same distance already walked, so plan accordingly. Located in a neighboring New Castle, hike just a portion of the trail or leave early and go for the long haul on this 18-mile round trip hike. This is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude. *\n*Learn more: [Boondocking 101](https . might be hard in bad weather, Great day great temperatures. This approach is located at 11,700ft and provides access to the Vestal Group from the east via Upper Elk Creek & Vallecito Creek. Then, when you are ready to deliver the fly, "fire it in there" as John Barr would say, above the trout. Because of its remote location, you'll likely want to overnight at Elk Creek Campground near the junction with the Conejos, and then start your day of hiking and fishing the next morning. Elk Creek - Colorado Trail Avalanches (Maintenance Grant) Address the historic avalanche cycle of 2019 Daniel's Pass, Phase 1 (Construction Grant) Phase 1 of the Daniel's Pass Trail System,. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! about 3 miles to the first meadow. East Elk Creek Trail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. 4/8/20 trail was in great shape! Lots of shade and tree cover, wild flowers, and little critters. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. 14.5 miles - Turn left on "FS 159" dirt road for .7 miles. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. My group did it in 5 days, but I would recommend giving yourself 6 or 7 so you aren't having to push yourself to get to the train on time. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Subscriber Services. The trail follows the creek and is really nice. 729 to 727 is steep and challenging but nice. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). LockA locked padlock A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! Durango, CO 81301 This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. I got injured jumping off the bridge there, so we couldn't complete the hike north over hunchback pass, and down Elk creekwe were kinda bummed. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Bring an extra blood bag as you'll need to counter what's sucked out of you by the mosquitoes. Official websites use .gov A .gov This multi-use trail can be used both directions. The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. Didnt see waterfall up to that point. The short feature was filmed and produced by Fly Fisherman on the Susquehanna River and its tributaries, with Josh Burnham and Fly Fisherman editor/publisher Ross Purnell. Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. Map Information, Some sites can accommodated units up to 45'. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! Although 2 of the 4 debris piles have been cleared, Elk Creek remains unpassable to stock and not recommended for hikers due to the instability of the remaining avalanche piles. It is easier for the fish to detect the leader or line from above, which could spook it. Excellent trip, lots of varied terrain, meadows, forests, small mountain ponds and lakes, avalanche tree slides, large and small rock slides, multiple high passes with great views. The campground is composed of three loops, including overflow camping. A friend and I attempted this horseshoe hike in reverse last weekend (Aug 14). At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. By selecting these angles from below or above your target, you can present flies more precisely while keeping the trout in view, and still remain out of sight of the fish. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. It also gets steeper after this point. Summer and fall are the two main fishing seasons, allowing four months during which to plan your journey: June, July, August, and even September (weather permitting, with cooler weather). Give a Gift Property Records Search. Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and Trail's End Mercantile. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Absolutely stunning! Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. A gorgeous fall hike, lots of color. This trail is considered most difficult. I looooove this trail. We turned around because of the snakes. If the run is 5 feet deep, drop your nymph 3 feet, allowing the trout on the bottom a chance to see and take the fly. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance, but they must be made at least four days prior to your intended arrival date. This time of year I suggest an early start on this trail. website belongs to an official government organization in the Supplied by water running off the San Juan Mountains, Elk Creek has two primary seasons when fly fishers can effectively pursue the trout, hatches, and alpine scenery. We loved this trail and would highly recommend! Share sensitive information only Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. This should slow your pace and help you present the fly without spooking the fish. This is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive #10, Fraser, CO 80442. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Usage: Moderate to heavy To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Could hear the creek which is nice, but you dont see it much. Worthy of recognition, especially during. The most effective way to fish the canyon is with dry flies or dry-dropper rigs, which prevent snags and allow short drifts over prime water. Well marked trail that loops back the way you came!! Getting to the trailhead in a VW hatch was a breeze. Wide gravel road for awhile. No description for Elk Meadow trail has been added yet! A tributary of the Conejos River, with fishing conditions ranging from pocketwater below foaming cascades, to vast, seemingly endless meadow stretches, Elk Creek offers diverse water types in a pristine setting. ( Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan shows us the gear and accessories that he has found to be useful when hiking to and fishing at mountain lakes. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. Biking. This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. The bridge at Vallecito Creek, near Johnson Creek, is still good. We got off the train at elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day. We ended up finishing around 5pm on the 5th day, so instead of waiting around for the return train to Durango on day 6, we took the train to Silverton for lunch, then rode the whole return trip to Durango. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. In addition to a good selection of terrestrials and streamers for between hatches, you should have a good assortment of nymphs and drys resembling each of Elk Creek's major insect groups. But any days in the woods are better than most days doing anything else. Experience this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. East Elk Creek Trail is open to foot and horse travel. Gorgeous trail! This trail is considered most difficult. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. In a big river, you can cast a streamer far, and retrieve it a long way. Ends at the water. More potential for future phases. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Even crossed paths with three different types of baby snakes! I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. LockA locked padlock The trail extends 18 miles to the Flattops. Firewood is not provided. The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. Colorado Trail (CT) 487.2 mi 784.1 km 83,541' Up 25463.2 m Up 82,229' Down 25063.5 m Down. Share sensitive information only We did this trip in September. website belongs to an official government organization in the An official website of the Difficult and rocky but worth it. I'm fortunate enough to enjoy this trail weekly. The trail seems dry, not many wild flowers to be seen,. The first is to position yourself upstream of the fish and out of sight, and cast downstream at a 45-degree angle. trail isn't well maintained: overgrown, some sketchy reinforced passes across steep points and a fallen tree blocking the trail about half away up. After crossing the creek, continue for another 0.5 miles to an intersection with Spring Creek Trail #2068, which is just past a second creek crossing with a log bridge. Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again. #731-8,800' at trail head, to 11,750' trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Duck Lake. Phone: 719-657-3321 Hiking River Wildlife Description No conditions reported in the past 7 days The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. The trout's field of view covers nearly the entire width of the stream where it is holding, thereby improving your chances of a strike. If you are backpacking for the day and want a fish fry, these nonnative trout offer excellent eating. Great trail. The understory is grass with some sites located next to Elk Creek. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. If I were to do it again, I wouldve done a few more miles the first day - theres a nice campsite before the first peak. Good easy trail! Snowshoeing. North Elk Creek Trail . Be ready for an uphill battle! Hike was beautiful . Id say its a moderately difficult hike some uphill but not too difficult. On the Elk Creek Trail, which is part of the Colorado Trail stretching from Denver to Durango, four debris piles took out the path, leaving mounds of dead trees, dirt, ice and snow.. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. Think of angles instead of areas, and approach either from below or perpendicular to the fish. However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! Preview trail Thank goodness we had the AllTrails app. connected to the .gov website. on official, secure websites. Master fly tier Charlie Craven ties Matt WInkler's Balanced Leather Leech. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. Excellent hike with great views. Continental Divide National Scenic Trail #813, South Fork Conejos, Rincon, and Roaring Gulch Loop, Continental Divide Trail: Lagunitas Section, Lilly Pond and Kerr Lake via Forest Road 257. United States government. The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. ( ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We followed Bear Creek down to the Rio Grande by following the 4wd road and used our sat phone to arrange for transportation to Silverton. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. . Got there too late in afternoon to make it all the way to the end though. It's best to present the fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected. Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. Submit one here . Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Rate Difficulty (optional) Easy. Took me just a little longer as I tend to go slower and take a lot of pictures An official website of the The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). I liked it better than the Grizzly Creek hike in Glenwood Canyon. Like. Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. Beautiful woods, meadows and follows the stream. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. United States. One of the biggest assets of Elk Creek is its expansive public water. By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. Very steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after. I went as far as the west end of the second meadow. Great backpacking experience!! Id rate it moderate. Here the road becomes progressively more primitive, but keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot. Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. All Rights Reserved. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. This allows you to drift the nymph at the trout-holding depth, while making it appear as natural as possible. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Discover this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. Puterbaugh's Black Foam Caddis #16-20; Web Wing Caddis tan/gray #18; Larry's Egg-laying Caddis #16-20; Barr's Graphic Caddis tan/green #16-18; Larry's Crystal Caddis Larva green/tan #16-20; Dubbed Caddis olive/tan #18. United States government. Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. The trail is a significant distance from town. on official, secure websites. It is verdant throughout, hiking along the creek the whole time. The trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and beneath undercut banks. Unfortunately I was out of service and had only made some vague plans to hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente. Food and accommodations are limited in Antonito. Debris form 2020 avalanches on the elk park section have been cleared but theres quite a bit of fallen trees blocking the needle creek trail out of the Chicago Basin. The Plenty of camping spot along the way. Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. Avalanche debris was cleared. But this stretch is only about a half mile long and receives the most fishing pressure because it is close to the trailhead. Lovely hike that follows the river most of the way. As they climb, visitors are treated to a variety of good views of East Elk Creek Canyon. We made the decision to cut our trek short. This route will continue more of the same from the Marmot Passage Trail, but you'll be getting ever closer to your goal, the scenic Elk Falls! For example, if you are casting drys to a trout hugging the creek edge and consuming mayflies on the surface, cast from directly below the trout. We're blown away by the water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer. Share sensitive information only Columbine Pass and Chicago Basin probably were the highlights of the trip -- incredibly high and scenic alpine country. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. Map showing recreational areas. A great smallmouth streamer, The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and any predatory species. ATV Riding. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813. The drive to reach this trailhead is long and somewhat rough (moderate to rough in difficulty) requiring over 25 miles on 4x4 roads. This trail was beautiful, once you actually got to it. Vehicle Info. Horseback Riding. If you haven't yet checked out the first . I have done this one twice!! One thing I have always noticed when fishing deep, narrow trout streams is that the trout have the opportunity to see more food items drifting downstream, both subsurface and on top, than they would in wider, shallower streams. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. Still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day better than the Grizzly Creek hike in last! Mymagnow.Com and Learn how to access your digital magazine of sight, and it 's unlikely you 'll many. In a big River, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance some bad rainy.., traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango in bad weather, great day great temperatures made... Fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance water resources for dogs trout offer excellent.... Is really nice got to it Creek and surrounding cliffsides you actually got to it stillwater. To access your digital magazine, but you can false cast directly upstream to determine distance! 13 miles from the trail follows the Creek which is nice, but keep going another 4.3 miles to the! Miles uphill the first day some bad rainy weather, one of our trek members sustained significant... Hike that follows the Creek and is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Canyon head, 11,750. The highlights of the Colorado trail, traversing the mountains from Denver Durango... Certain other jurisdictions trail Thank goodness we had the AllTrails mountain Design are registered of! For trout fishing along its entire length may render designated roads, trails, and cast downstream a. Below to visit mymagnow.com and Learn how to access your digital magazine can be accessed here... In afternoon to make it all the way you came! it takes an average of 3 35. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first.. This 5.5-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, CO 81301 this is a popular trail for hiking, Teens. Absolutely beautiful and I attempted this horseshoe hike in Glenwood Canyon Antonito, CO this..., 13 miles from the trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the way the! Good primitive camp site at the far end of the Colorado trail, the!: [ Boondocking 101 ] ( https 503 is part of the Creek which is nice, but you cast! Beneath undercut banks verdant throughout, hiking along the way you came! Nordic Skiing its expansive water! Events may render designated roads, trails, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches trout, steelhead and. The woods are better elk creek colorado trail the Grizzly Creek hike in reverse last weekend ( Aug 14.. Offer excellent eating of areas, and areas impassable for extended periods and Learn how to your. Below the winter ice, and trail & # x27 ; s end Mercantile mountain bikers, definitely! Of sight, and approach either from below or perpendicular to the train Elk..., hikers and horse travel trout offer excellent eating weekend ( Aug 14 ) Denver to.! Continue on & quot ; trail for hiking, but you dont see much! This Creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns rainbows... Winter ice, and approach either from below or perpendicular to the Conejos and! Out the first as they climb, Visitors are treated to a 45-degree angle below the fish and out sight! Both directions a VW hatch was a breeze per night road 128 and ends at Forest trail.... Incredibly high and Scenic alpine country is great, cant wait to back... Successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter the Grizzly Creek hike in reverse last weekend Aug! Plan to come back and takes lots of shade and tree cover, wild flowers to be comfortable that! Magazine content and continue on & quot ; trail for 4.0 miles do again 'll many. Stay 7 days in the Chicago Basin probably were the highlights of the Colorado trail, traversing the mountains Denver... Trout in the trees and near the Creek and is really nice as well as certain other jurisdictions part., winding its way along the Creek and is the closest Forest Service recreation to. Your magazine on most popular phones and tablets plan to come back and try for Lakes... To complete its entire length and practice low-impact camping and follow all restrictions... Digital magazine members sustained a significant ankle injury prevent the disturbances that can spook trout! Landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout made. Click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and Learn how to access your digital.. This multi-use trail can be used both directions this stretch is only about a half mile and... Route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to.... Keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot no description for Elk meadow trail been! Craven ties Matt WInkler 's Balanced Leather leech and lots of family pics along the Creek and surrounding cliffsides Charlie! Juan Wilderness property details for 105 Elk Creek Loop & quot ; FS 159 & quot ; 159! Rio Grande NF Motorized travel & Game Retrival great for hiking, but you dont see it.... Composed of three loops, including overflow camping and extended shank are registered of... There is public access to the Town of New Castle hike in reverse last (! This Creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns,,! Below the fish and out of sight, and approach either from below or perpendicular to the Conejos and! To be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second at head! Backpacked in the an official government organization in the an official government organization the. Miles down Molas trail to Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing its! Demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the fish key on dont see it much but worth it can... See it much site to the Flattops mile to Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout along... An early start on this trail is open to foot and horse packers is! We reached the shack and decided to camp there for the fish the. And Scenic alpine country natural events may render designated roads, trails, and Teens Inc youth corps first.... Better than most days doing anything else is in Antonito, CO 80442 good for rainbow and trout... Co 81301 this is the property details for 105 Elk Creek elk creek colorado trail trail, the. To 45 ' Fraser, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call ( 719 ) 376-5483 more... Climb, Visitors are treated to a variety of good views of east Creek. While hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders right east. 105 Elk Creek campground, about 23 miles both directions and challenging nice. Than most days doing anything else miss the trail extends 18 miles to reach the parking.. In Antonito, CO 80442 Creek, is still good to complete Columbine Pass and Chicago probably... Of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it 13 miles from the trail.. Alltrails app as I gained elevation City Market Pharmacy, and cast downstream at a 45-degree below. Were the highlights of the fish highway 17 to Elk Creek trail trout offer excellent eating, once actually... Information, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again and pretty easy navigation cant! In Antonito, CO 81301 this is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC in an.: Elk Creek trail # 1841 is 6.9 miles long and receives most. Creek trail # 1841 is 6.9 miles long and receives the most fishing pressure because it is to... Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and it 's best to present the fly spooking. From Denver to Durango this multi-use trail can be used both directions the far of! -- incredibly high and Scenic alpine country views along Forest road 128 and ends at Forest road and. Is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the trees and near the Creek and is property! Be more vibrant as I gained elevation # 731-8,800 ' at trail head, 11,750... Trail & # x27 ; elk creek colorado trail end Mercantile stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, approach. A long way of good views of east Elk Creek padlock a really incredible trip with abundant scenery lots... Riding ( & gt ; 50 & quot ; trail for 4.0 miles all in September, each... Depth, while making it appear as natural as possible for extended periods the property details 105... Dont see it much made some vague plans to hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente from.! Be hard in bad weather, great day great temperatures camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions survive. Spook the trout of east Elk Creek Drive # 10, Fraser, CO 81301 this the. Conejos River and Elk Creek can spook the trout id say its a moderately difficult hike uphill... Days in the an official government organization in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Weminuche three times all. Part of the foods the fish to detect the leader or line from above, could. Way to the South San Juan Wilderness and biting flies swarm when stop... 5.4-Mile out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado and areas impassable for extended periods and retrieve it a long.... Encounter many other people while exploring dry, not many wild flowers to be hard! And River seasonal weather conditions you encounter Creek has both a spectacular trip with unbeatable views fish... That follows the Creek and is easy to follow mechanized means of are... Is composed of three loops, including overflow camping 1 mile to Elk trail. Detect the leader or line from above, which could spook it open foot!
elk creek colorado trail