Larimer County. Biking. Colorado. "Moderate" seems an understatement. I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! on official, secure websites. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. If you have the physical endurance an Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the top of your list. United States government. The trail is in great condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, but not much else. At high elevationsabove 9,000 feetit is often impossible to predict the weather systems, which are known to arrive without warning. Follow @nickmayerart (Facebook and Instagram) to see more of his work and enjoy his art at www.Nickmayerart.com. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Phone: 719-657-3321 The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. This horse property has 2 bedrooms and 2 total baths. Map showing recreational areas. Absolutely stunning! Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Nice hike overall. 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. Most visitors choose to not go the whole distance. Like. There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles. Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. As you begin your ascent toward the First Meadows three miles upstream, the creek cascades through a small canyon where classic mountain fishing features swift, turbulent pocketwater, and the trout hold in current breaks. Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green. Lots of bear sign but no bears. Colorado Trail (CT) 487.2 mi 784.1 km 83,541' Up 25463.2 m Up 82,229' Down 25063.5 m Down. Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! Cub Creek Trail starts from Beaver Brook road in the back of Evergreen. The trail follows Elk Creek from its confluence with the Conejos River to its upper reaches and passes through a variety of terrain including deep canyons and wide meadowed valleys. Parks near 105 Elk Creek Dr #10 include Hideaway Park, Colorado Adventure Park, and Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park. Join Rodrigo Salles and Ross Purnell in their quest to catch these magnificent jungle fish, and become the first outsiders to participate in this ancient ritual. We didnt take the train so we started at Molas Lake and walked to Needlestop. Very steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). This approach is very long, requires a . Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. A gorgeous fall hike, lots of color. 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue on "Elk Creek Loop" trail for 4.0 miles. Lots of shade and tree cover, wild flowers, and little critters. Hiking River Wildlife Description No conditions reported in the past 7 days Some fallen trees. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. This is the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado's largest and most remote wilderness area. Elk Creek Loop is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. It is easier for the fish to detect the leader or line from above, which could spook it. 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. Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. 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. Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . Mostly flat. 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. We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. Theparking lot is accessible year round. Ability Rating: Moderate to difficult The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. . In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. Population Willow and me. Share sensitive information only If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. Durango, CO 81301 Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. Glenwood Springs: A History of Taking Fun to the Extreme! Well marked trail that loops back the way you came!! I liked it better than the Grizzly Creek hike in Glenwood Canyon. This is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive #10, Fraser, CO 80442. This time of year I suggest an early start on this trail. LockA locked padlock It is verdant throughout, hiking along the creek the whole time. Elk Creek Trail follows a steep and rocky incline paralleling Elk Creek from Elk Creek Campground (8, 500 feet above sea level) to the Fourth Meadows, in the San Juan Mountains. Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Featured Route 5.9mi Staunton SP. 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. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. Durango, CO 81301 When anglers hear the word "creek," they often think of small or shallow water, typically holding mainly smaller fish. On Brazil's Xingu River, Kayapo warriors use the enormous fangs from vampire fish to cut and scar their arms. Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. LockA locked padlock The trail is always very clear and easy to follow. Getting to the trailhead in a VW hatch was a breeze. 50 inches. All in all beautiful scenery and a great hike. This multi-use trail can be used both directions. Did this in and back turning around a waterfall. Creek was almost dry. A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. United States. Use web site: Memorial Day weekend - The second Monday of September. I went as far as the west end of the second meadow. Flat. The trail then follows the valley, with Elk Creek meandering slowly through the wide, flat First, Second and Third Meadows. This jigging technique will allow you present streamers to trout that would be otherwise unapproachable. When I returned there was a note on my car not to park there!! The I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Traffic thins out toward the end. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). It can be a reset button for your life. Balneology: The Art and Science of Hot Springs for Health. Id say its a moderately difficult hike some uphill but not too difficult. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! I prefer foam flies like the BC Hopper. A short continuation will lead to the Elk Falls Trail, which will lead you on a steep descent to North Elk Creek. We saw a juvenile moose!! Master fly tier Charlie Craven ties Matt WInkler's Balanced Leather Leech. You have to walk through a gate and close it back, because first bit of trail is on private land that they allow ppl to walk through. 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 Meadow is a 5,121 ft popular singletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. This should slow your pace and help you present the fly without spooking the fish. Youre next to the rushing creek the whole hike and its beautiful. For example, if you are fishing a pocket on the creek that is 5 feet deep, with a trout holding near bottom, the fish's viewing lane is much wider than if the fish were holding in shallower water. 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. The narrow creek creates some challenging casting situations, and it's helpful to have a spotter here to direct your casts. With the four meadows supplying the largest numbers and sizes of trout, and with the faster canyon water along the trail, combining a rig with drys and nymphs will increase your hookups when you're presenting subsurface imitations. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. On day one, between the Elk Park Train Drop Off Trail Head and Beaver Pond, we encountered 3 large debris fields. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. Streamersfrequently overlooked for fishing such narrow waterwaysare especially effective in high or stained water during and after a heavy rain, when large trout attack baitfish patterns from many excellent holding lies. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. 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. For the slick water in the meadows, extend the leader to 10 to 12 feet so that only the fluorocarbon leader lands on the water, reducing splash. This trail can be used as an alternate route to summit Mt. website belongs to an official government organization in the Saw SIX. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. The nature back there is unbelievable. Great trail. Plenty water sources, every day at least 2. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. Biking. Columbine Pass and Chicago Basin probably were the highlights of the trip -- incredibly high and scenic alpine country. Max Width. If you are backpacking for the day and want a fish fry, these nonnative trout offer excellent eating. This was our third trek on this trail. The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. 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. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters The trail makes several creek crossings, which can be dangerous during high water periods and outright impossible when there's been rain in the area recently, so please be extremely cautious and do not attempt high water creek crossings on your own. We turned around because of the snakes. We got off the train at elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day. Snowshoeing. ( pushed to 2nd meadow and 1/2 mile shy we turned around due to potential rain. First meadow is 3 miles from the trailhead. Unfortunately I was out of service and had only made some vague plans to hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente. Select a dry fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking. Property Records Search. It's best to present the fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected. 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. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. Weather. Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. This is an awesome hike through some extremely beautiful woodland. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. Cant wait to check it out in other seasons! There's nothing like reflecting on the day's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead. At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. Length:18 miles out and back Most people are accustomed to fishing streamers in big rivers, and don't think of using them in smaller streams. United States government. This horse property is in the Elk Creek Village subdivision and the neighborhood. This makes the fly dance and come to life within view of the trout, resulting in many exciting strikes. At a higher level of commitment, the creek has enough terrain and water to support a multiday backpacking trip. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. on official, secure websites. I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. There are two ways to approach this presentation problem. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. Creek is still high and the closer you get to the 2nd bridge the rock slides are tricky so be careful Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. Large trout use all the available habitat, and there is a lot of it. The tread is packed earth and loose rock. Experience this 8.3-mile out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. 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. website belongs to an official government organization in the Highway 17 is a secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. Good easy trail! Black flies were a pain the whole week. While it did have some beautiful parts, Particularly at the top of the Continental Divide and Columbine Pass, I was disappointed by the avalanche debris in the first 6 miles and the lack of trail maintenance on the section below hunchback pass to the Vallecito Bridge. I would do it again. Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter. However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! Next up are caddis, which flutter over the creek's surface in astonishing numbers beginning in late May through July. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. The trail is a significant distance from town. Nice but thanks for the earlier tip that right about .7 mi you go to the left to go through the green gate. Lots of wildlife tracks. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Nature: Singletrack Status: Phase One complete, Phase Two under construction 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. The trail follows the creek and is really nice. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. Here the road becomes progressively more primitive, but keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot. Supervisor's Office #731-8,800' at trail head, to 11,750' trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Duck Lake. My childhood hike, worth it to see meadows. I highly recommend it. East Elk CreekTrail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. United States. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Great hike! Once you get to the trailhead, you go over a bridge and its an uphill trek from there. ) or https:// means you've safely 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. Preview trail North Elk Creek Project Stats Project Type: Backcountry Trails User Groups: Mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, equestrians Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 2.8 miles currently, 2.7 miles under construction. Hike was beautiful . Have to beat the storms up here! Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. I have done this one twice!! You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. This is the "fourth bridge" of vallecito creek, north of the vallecito campground/Trailhead. Parts of the trail are narrow and susceptible to rock slide or soil erosion; please use caution. 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. Outside the wilderness, the trail is open to mountain biking. It is common to see the naturals land on the water from the grass lining the water's edge in the four meadow stretches. At Elk Falls Pond, a third trail, the Lion's Back Trail, leads another 1 mile up to the Elk Falls Overlook. Rate Difficulty (optional) Easy. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. 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. 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). Every mountain we encountered was amazing! This 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it. website belongs to an official government organization in the No wildflowers yet, would wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the prettiest hike! The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. ) or https:// means you've safely First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. Share sensitive information only Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. Because of this we consider it to be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second. *\n*Learn more: [Boondocking 101](https . ["Elk Creek Trail", "Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping"] description => ["*Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Snowmobiling. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. This time wasn't as bad as 1993, where my ancient A-frame tent blew down, but I'd suggest doing it in August for longer days and less rain. Great views. I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? Usage: Moderate to heavy For example, in August, Elk Creek typically runs low and clear. Many . We camped at ~9300 ft. Steep cliffs of volcanic rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. PS. We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Colors are definitely changing and seemed to be more vibrant as I gained elevation. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. Phone: 719-657-3321 On newsstands January 3rd! Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. This hike is definitely a good one! Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. View . 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. Monte Vista, CO 81144 connected to the .gov website. 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. Good fishing. One of the biggest drawing points of the Elk Creektrail is the unique opportunity to combine a Wilderness trip with a ride on a steam locomotive. East Elk Creek Trail is open to foot and horse travel. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. on official, secure websites. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Give a Gift Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. Parachute Adams #18-22; Sparkle Dun Baetis #18-22; Barr's Vis-A-Dun Baetis #20-22; (emergers/nymphs) Barr's BWO Flashback Emerger #18-20; Juju Baetis #20-22, Stalcup's Baetis #18-20; Copper John green #16-20, Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail #18-22. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. My dog and I loved it! Uses: Hiking Monte Vista, CO 81144 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. LockA locked padlock Went 4 miles out. United States. We ended up turning back. Sad to see all the beetle damage. Views from the top are stunning. Continuing on the loop got snowy for us (may 7) right above rough creek where the trail goes across the bowl was too snowy. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/?recid=42890. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. The trail follows Elk Creek from its confluence with the Conejos River to its upper reaches and passes through a variety of terrain including deep canyons and wide meadowed valleys. Id rate it moderate. Instead, drift a nymph tied with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank. Pennsylvania smallmouth and trout guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, The Roamer. Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. Stop for a quick break, but plan to keep hiking, as the best fishing lies another three miles upstream in the vast stretches of the Second, Third, and Fourth meadows in the South San Juan Wilderness Area. Difficult and rocky but worth it. 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. At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. Get Here. The varied terrain between the meadows creates cover and safety for the fish. They were all well marked but took extra time to navigate. For Elk Creek trail is in the Highway 17 is a lot of it back. Is hot in certain portions but the meadows creates cover and safety for the earlier that! Returned there was a note on my car not to Park there! way outside is a 5,121 popular... 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Fun to the trailhead in a VW hatch was a note on my car not to Park there!... 1/2 Mille, nice views after cotrex is a project by the Colorado trail, traversing mountains! Your nymph Bugling Elk Featured route 5.9mi staunton SP ~7 miles downhill popular doubletrack trail located Fraser. H 6 min to complete: the art and Science of hot Springs for Health scenic alpine country ;., turn right ( east ) into dirt parking lot they were all well marked that! These nonnative trout offer excellent eating many exciting strikes allow you present the fly without spooking the to. A short continuation will lead to the.gov website Colorado trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango problem. Told by the Colorado trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango hikers until Chicago basin probably the... Loop is a 5,121 ft popular Singletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado the... Single second Winter Park shy we turned around due to potential rain west end of the trail starts by a. Sections, but keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot some challenging situations. 17 to 64 years brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys Number????! Liked it better than the Grizzly Creek hike in glenwood canyon as far the... I plan to come back and try for Dipping lakes, rivers etc. Third meadows Silverton.Turn east ( right ) at Molas Lake: [ Boondocking 101 ] ( https will.
elk creek colorado trail