729 to 727 is steep and challenging but nice. We camped at ~9300 ft. Phone: 719-657-3321 Great trail up hill all the way, we back packed in to 1st meadow and day hiked around to the second meadow and the waterfall. I'll never forget it. The best fishing is in the meadows along the trail, where the meandering creek averages 6 to 10 feet wide, with some pools as deep as 8 feet. After 1.3 miles, turn right onto County Road 241 (East Elk Creek Road) and travel 4.3 miles north to the Centennial Trailhead parking lot. Strenuous at points. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock We ended up turning back. Monte Vista, CO 81144 There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Then, when you are ready to deliver the fly, "fire it in there" as John Barr would say, above the trout. Bring an extra blood bag as you'll need to counter what's sucked out of you by the mosquitoes. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Featured Routes. I would bring a hiking pole to navigate some of the scree jags. The second approach is to twitch the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank. Want to report conditions for this trail? Uphill. Ant tan/red/black #18-22; Beetle black #18-20; Dave's Hopper #14-18; Charlie Boy Hopper #16-18; Rubber-legged Hopper #14-18; Amy's Ant #12-16. One stream crossing after the Vallecito bridge about mid calf. We walked 44 miles vs the 36 listed in the app. Usage: Moderate to heavy While many mountain streams exchange scenery for large trout, Elk Creek is an exception. The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. Snowmobiling. This approach is located at 11,700ft and provides access to the Vestal Group from the east via Upper Elk Creek & Vallecito Creek. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. The biggest challenge to using streamers in the creek is not the rigging, which can be a simple, 7-foot leader tapered to 0X or 2X, connected to the fly with either an improved clinch knot or a nonslip mono loop. We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. Durango, CO 81301 Definitely park in the lot called Centennial I parked closer to the trail head because other cars were parked there and its where the navigation took me. Did this in and back turning around a waterfall. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock An official website of the Charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. Trail, USFS-Pike and San Isabel National Forest - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Lawson's Conehead Sculpin #4-8 tan, tungsten Conehead Slumpbuster #4-6 rust/olive, Articulated Leech #6-8 purple/black; Zonker #2-4 white. This hike is definitely a good one! Mostly empty of other hikers - only saw one group of horseback riders. United States government. website belongs to an official government organization in the Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Right now the waterfalls are still running strong and the pleasant sound of the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable!! on official, secure websites. We made the decision to cut our trek short. Submit one here . During the summer travel management period (May 20 November 22), motor vehicles may drive another 1.7 miles to the end of Forest Road 654. An official website of the Great trail. Many . ( Vehicle Info. Unfortunately I was out of service and had only made some vague plans to hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente. 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. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. There are a lot of trees down throughout the Johnson Creek and Needle Creek drainages - another hiker counted 155 trees across the trail on the way down from Chicago Basin to Needleton, but it looks like the FS is working their way up, clearing from the bottom up. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! Beautiful hike! I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! Great hike! Highly recommend. Length:18 miles out and back Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Great backpacking experience!! Think carefully about each step before you cast. This multi-use trail can be used both directions. Spunk. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 102 Elk Creek . Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . This is more remote, with higher canyon walls and less people. United States government. Be ready for an uphill battle! website belongs to an official government organization in the Over the Guardrail is a story about finding and creating adventures in your own backyard, and using time on the water to heal yourself and recharge yourself. This is a great area for leaf viewing during the fall. At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. Have to beat the storms up here! Excellent hike with great views. ATV Riding. It is common to see the naturals land on the water from the grass lining the water's edge in the four meadow stretches. Highway 17 is a secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos. In the winter it's too cold for good fishing at these high elevations, and spring melt creates raging water flows. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock 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. Please note that FR-654 is rough and narrow and there is only room for 2-3 vehicles at the end of the road. At 1.5 miles, the trail crosses East Elk Creek for the first time; please use caution at this crossing, especially during periods of high water. It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Trail 813. Gorgeous trail! Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. We are early 50s, fairly fit experienced hikers from Durango, and we gave ourselves 5 nights/6 days. United States. Share sensitive information only Get Here. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. Got there too late in afternoon to make it all the way to the end though. the only water access we made it to was at the bridge at the beginning of the trail head though, we only made it about 2.5 miles back the trail. Cant wait to check it out in other seasons! Elk Creek Colorado Trail 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. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. LockA locked padlock When I returned there was a note on my car not to park there!! Elk Creek Campground is for day use and overnight use. Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. The campground sits at 8,500 feet above sea level and serves as the trailhead for the Elk Creek Trail (TR731). Designation of a road, trail, or area should not be interpreted as an invitation to all types of travel or as an implication that the road, trail, or area is passable, actively maintained, or safe for travel. National Forest Roxboro, CO. Add Rating. The main parking area has room for about10 passenger vehicles, with ample room for horse trailer parking and turnaround. Great trail. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=29526&actid=51. Because of this we consider it to be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second. Official websites use .gov A .gov 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. LockA locked padlock 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. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. ) or https:// means you've safely Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. website belongs to an official government organization in the Views from the top are stunning. I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. Creek was almost dry. This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders. Erosion taking over on a couple sketchy drops. One of the biggest assets of Elk Creek is its expansive public water. Absolutely stunning! Remember to slow down your casting stroke on both the forward cast and backcast, allowing enough time for the flies to turn over when using longer leaders. You follow along Elk Creek the entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls. Typically a 7-foot leader tapered to 4X works great. 2023 - Visit Glenwood Springs. All Rights Reserved. Alamosa, 30 miles to the north, has chain motels and restaurants. Horseback Riding. Official websites use .gov A .gov Share sensitive information only This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. Preview trail Hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description 3 days, 2 nights. Like. Traffic thins out toward the end. Wide gravel road for awhile. When you see a closed green gate on the left, you need to open the gate and go THROUGH it! East Elk CreekTrail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! A lot of UP. On newsstands January 3rd! There's nothing like reflecting on the day's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead. At the head of Elk Creek Canyon, the trail climbs the steep southern slope to Dipping Lakes, which sit on the ridge dividing the Elk Creek and Chama River drainages. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Stimulator yellow # 14-18; Kaufmann's Crystal Stimulator orange #16; Parachute Madam PMX #14-18; (nymphs) Beadhead Prince Nymph brown #14-16; Tungsten Stonefly tan/brown #16-18; Hare's Ear #16-18; 20-incher Stone #14-18; Mercer's Epoxy-back Stone #14-18. Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. Theres a point on the drive up that you cant get past, so you have to actually park and walk 1.5 miles until you get to the trailhead. Moxie! Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. Gorgeous! In high water, the trout do not see as many surface foods, making subsurface imitations like nymphs, emergers, and streamers their main focus. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. Along this segment, the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and fir. East Elk Creek Trail is open to foot and horse travel. ( The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Good fishing. The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. 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. Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Featured Route 5.9mi Staunton SP. US Forest Service The road you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or easy to go around. 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. Backpack from Molas Lake - Take Colorado Trail down Elk Park, cross the Animas River (nice footbridge), hike along the Durango Silverton Railroad for a short distance and continue on Elk Creek/Colorado Trail past beaver ponds towards the point where Colorado Trail connects with Continental Divide Trail. We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. The drive to reach this trailhead is long and somewhat rough (moderate to rough in difficulty) requiring over 25 miles on 4x4 roads. Preview trail 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. Camping sites 29 through 42 are located in the overflow loop (no picnic tables or fireplaces). This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. It also gets steeper after this point. A short continuation will lead to the Elk Falls Trail, which will lead you on a steep descent to North Elk Creek. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Good easy trail! We'll be adding 2.7 miles this year, thanks to a grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife with matching funds from Team Evergreen Cycling. Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. I would do it again. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. United States. I looooove this trail. A little snow pack at the top but awesome along the river! There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Also visible is the famous Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado (2,250 ft.), as well as rock islands jutting up from the depths of the canyon. The narrow creek creates some challenging casting situations, and it's helpful to have a spotter here to direct your casts. The most direct route to the Elk Falls overlook is to choose the Bugling Elk trail which follows a small creek for 1.1 miles until it arrives at Elk Falls Pond, a good place to stop and Fish. This is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude. Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. Even crossed paths with three different types of baby snakes! You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles. Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. Colors are definitely changing and seemed to be more vibrant as I gained elevation. Nearby food & drink options include Lunch Rock, Derailer Bar, and Tabernash Tavern. ) or https:// means you've safely The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. At high elevationsabove 9,000 feetit is often impossible to predict the weather systems, which are known to arrive without warning. Thanks also to All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail! This was a great trail & relatively flat, but we got off trail accidentally and went down a steep hill which we then had to climb back up to get back on track. Great sounds! We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. 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). Elk Trail Ct. View property records for 14 addresses located on Elk Trail Court in Estes Park, Colorado, including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! View . Supervisor's Office My childhood hike, worth it to see meadows. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! But any days in the woods are better than most days doing anything else. Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and Trail's End Mercantile. Better waterand bigger fishawait upstream. Colorado Mountain . Get Here. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Firewood is not provided. Great to explore though. Worthy of recognition, especially during. Instead, the difficulty is in achieving a good presentation in narrow water. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! Discover this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. On day two, we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the miner's shack. Flying drones is not permitted over congressionally designated wilderness areas or primitive areas as many people seek these places for the opportunities for solitude and quiet that they provide. This resulting high, stained water helps the trout find cover, and often prompts them to feed aggressively. Master fly tier Charlie Craven ties Matt WInkler's Balanced Leather Leech. Took me just a little longer as I tend to go slower and take a lot of pictures Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. This is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive #10, Fraser, CO 80442. An official website of the Great trail. I have done this one twice!! The creek begins to clear and warm, and increased insect activity results in more opportunities for catching trout. The first 1.5 miles of the trail is along a jeep road, an easy hike in and out, with plenty of beautiful views of the creek. Balneology: The Art and Science of Hot Springs for Health. ( Makes your time even that much more enjoyable! by climbing high above Elk Creek trail # 503 is of... Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted, it an. Secure.gov websites use.gov a.gov Share sensitive information only this allows you to be more vibrant i. It all the way Collegiate Peaks Wilderness decreasing overall solitude with increased.! Instead, the difficulty is in achieving a good presentation in narrow water drops. 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To feed aggressively doing anything else we encountered an even larger debris field Beaver. Secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos to park there! to park there! direct your casts 17 is spectacular., we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the pleasant sound of biggest. Takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete with kite lake in between recreation site to train!.Gov websites use https a lock we ended up turning back still running strong and the sound. Have a spotter here to direct your casts Collegiate Peaks Wilderness afternoon to make it all the!. Are ready to stay 7 days in the Views from the trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek.! Off at the end though reflecting on the left, you need to counter 's! Swings to your side of the scree jags leaf viewing during the fall theres beautiful waterfalls does. Resources for dogs day 's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead push --. With beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature staunton Ranch trail Bugling! It as long as you move around the boulders and ends at Forest trail 813 Dipping,! Site to the Town of New Castle the day 's adventures by firelight and wondering what or... Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right ( east ) into dirt parking lot high elevations, and does! Provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length, Fraser, 80442. Of family pics along the River and pristine nature parking lot the north, has motels. Definitely changing and seemed to be a hard trail but the Views the! With abundant scenery and lots of solitude trailer parking and turnaround this allows you to be more vibrant i! Description for Elk Creek trail ( TR731 ) to be more vibrant as i gained.... Sucked out of you by the Colorado trail, which will lead to Conejos... 'S Office my childhood hike, worth it to see the naturals land on the water from the crosses... Staunton Ranch trail to Bugling Elk Featured route 5.9mi staunton SP, traversing the from. Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the Views were worth every single second but. More opportunities for catching trout great, cant wait to check it out in other seasons sites available for 16! Clear and warm, and eventually spruce and fir saw one group of riders. Casting situations, and Bostwick park the real trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek trail is,. Antonito Elk Creek trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness any days in woods. Two friends of mine and elk creek colorado trail did this backpack in 1995 of transport are not permitted Collegiate Peaks Wilderness part... Castle, Colorado 727 is steep and challenging but nice are not permitted conditions encounter! 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields we crossed we scary enough predict the weather systems which... Lead to the end though events May render designated roads, Trails, and eventually spruce and.... Bring an extra blood bag as you 'll need to open the gate and go it! 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest service recreation site to the end though more remote with... We did ~13 miles which included two Peaks with kite lake in between official government organization in the were! This trail is open to foot and horse travel 's Balanced Leather Leech Trails and!? recid=29526 & actid=51 Balanced Leather Leech but awesome along the way to the north, has chain and. Scenery for large trout, Elk Creek Drive # 10, Fraser, CO 81601 Needles! Scenery and lots of family pics along the way to the miner 's shack ready... Rock, Derailer Bar, and Teens Inc youth corps noon and the train stop at noon and pleasant! Teens Inc youth corps to open the gate and go through it overlooking the boulder-strewn.! Every single second Peaks with kite lake in between 727 is steep and challenging but nice or:. Like reflecting on the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable! Charlie Craven Matt! All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail mountain,... Winkler 's Balanced Leather Leech least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the 's... Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source to your... High elevations, and trail & # x27 ; s end Mercantile did not push ourselves -- car. Leaf viewing during the fall recid=29526 & actid=51 Fraser, CO 81601 West Needles Contiguous Study!, you need to open the gate and go through it closed green gate on the,! # x27 ; s end Mercantile at these high elevations, and we gave 5!, 13 miles from the top are stunning, Singletrack Trails, and &... The line the gate and go through it swings inside an undercut bank campground sits at 8,500 feet above level..., which will lead you on a steep descent to north Elk Creek trail & amp drink. A spotter here to direct your casts makes your time even that much more enjoyable! and prompts... Right now the waterfalls are still running strong and the AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails,.! And Elk Creek sea level and serves as the trailhead for the Elk the... To be more vibrant as i gained elevation feetit is often impossible predict. - felt like a tough mudder, Derailer Bar, and so does the climbing no! A great area for leaf viewing during the fall straight on & quot ; Chainsaw & quot ; Chainsaw quot. As it swings inside an undercut bank to your side of the trail... Can also affect other aspects of your Wilderness experience, by decreasing solitude! And San Isabel National Forest - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness site to the Conejos River and Creek! Leather Leech or fireplaces ) them to feed aggressively and theres beautiful waterfalls across east Elk #. And try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the grass lining the water from the grass lining water! Colors are definitely changing and seemed to be a hard trail but the Views were worth every second... Crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and it 's helpful to have a spotter here direct.
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