The very last meadow with the stream snaking through is so beautiful. Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . Black flies were a pain the whole week. Saw SIX. The United States. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Vehicle Info. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. Map Information, White River
I live nearby and like to use the trail as a training tool. I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. Some gentle ups and downs. Great hike! We went in late January, so it was covered in snow, but there was a bit of the path packed down, so it was easier to hike. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. connected to the .gov website. As the water warms, Elk Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth. 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. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan takes us along on a fly-fishing trip into the Montana mountains to show where, how, and why to catch trout in alpine lakes. 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. Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. 5 in Horseback. 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. We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. Well marked trail that loops back the way you came!! Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. I went further straight and lost a good 1/2 hour until I realized with my inreach device that I walked by the trail at the first gate up the trail on the left.zero people on the trail and some 1-2 snow to walk through but the trail is not muddy. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! I've done a lot of trails in the areathis one is my new favorite. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). Mostly empty of other hikers - only saw one group of horseback riders. Fly Fisherman's Feb-March 2023 issue: Available in both print and digital. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. 50 inches. Not a bad hike up to the South Elk Creek waterfall. Outside the wilderness, the trail is open to mountain biking. 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. In high water, the trout do not see as many surface foods, making subsurface imitations like nymphs, emergers, and streamers their main focus. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. Parking is availabe at the Trailhead. Elk Creek - Colorado Trail Avalanches $55,810 maintenance grant The Columbine Ranger District will use this grant to address the historic avalanche cycle of 2019, which left four large debris fields along the Elk Creek section of the Colorado Trail in the Weminuche Wilderness. I looooove this trail. The narrow water continues as you enter Third and Fourth meadows. No wildflowers yet, would wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the prettiest hike! Follow @nickmayerart (Facebook and Instagram) to see more of his work and enjoy his art at www.Nickmayerart.com. About the . 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! The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. Don't just fish the most obvious deep holes. Gorgeous trail! 1 July. website belongs to an official government organization in the
I highly recommend it. Larimer County. Food and accommodations are limited in Antonito. 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. We just finished this trail. E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. 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. Additionally, large numbers of Blue-winged Olives hatch on Elk Creek, primarily in September, as well as on overcast days during the summer. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. The main parking area has room for about10 passenger vehicles, with ample room for horse trailer parking and turnaround. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Spunk. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. These and others within the wilderness area are fed by runoff from the high peaks, and provide great fishing for brook trout in clear, icy water. 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. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. 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. An official website of the
Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again. On day two, we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the miner's shack. PS. Please respect nearby private landowners when accessing this area. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. To properly set up a dry-dropper rig, you first want to use a fairly heavy fluorocarbon leader to help turn over a larger fly on every cast. Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. Lots of wildlife tracks. Rate Difficulty (optional) Easy. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. Uphill. ) or https:// means you've safely
There are also good climbing opportunities in the area. This trail is considered most difficult. When you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook. ) or https:// means you've safely
View the Map for the East Elk Creek and Spring Creek Trails (.pdf document), From New Castle, CO travel northwest on County Road 245. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Snowshoeing. Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Bugs were pretty bad this year. Enjoy one final view of the area, and then complete the trail at the intersection with Road 651. 12.7 miles - Turn left on "Elk Creek/ FS 891.2" for 1.8 miles. 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. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. 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. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Uses: Hiking 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. Hot. We're blown away by the water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer. Rate Quality . Author and guide Blane Chocklett discusses and demonstrates the action on his articulated Game Changer Nymphs. Local Trail Association. (
We have had a lot of rain the last few days so the trail was a bit damp but not muddy. More potential for future phases. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). Traffic thins out toward the end. Map showing recreational areas. Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. 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. It is common to see the naturals land on the water from the grass lining the water's edge in the four meadow stretches. This is the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado's largest and most remote wilderness area. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Great backpacking experience!! 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. Alamosa, 30 miles to the north, has chain motels and restaurants. Ability Rating: Moderate to difficult The best times to visit this trail are May through September. Elk Creek Road . Tons of butterflies, flowers, and lizards. This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. Great trail with beautiful views! The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. 2023 - Visit Glenwood Springs. (970)945-2521, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recreation/hunting/recarea/?recid=82867&actid=54, Williams Peak and Ginright (Fourmile)Timber Sale Project Area Restrictions, The lower part of the trail features severalsites and artifactsfrom historic gold mining operations. 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. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. To reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road (CR 245). There are a few camping sites near this junction. 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. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Peak Ranger District. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Highly recommend! 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.. The Elk Creek trail is 15.0 miles long. About 1.2 miles from Castle Valley Boulevards intersection with the Buford Road, take the right branch of the Y onto East Elk Road (CR 241). When you see a closed green gate on the left, you need to open the gate and go THROUGH it! You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. The more exposed areas will heat up quickly. Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! very nice in good weather. Share sensitive information only
At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. Expect a steep rocky climb with some opportunities to rest and hyperventilate. The trail follows the creek and is really nice. The bridge at Vallecito Creek, near Johnson Creek, is still good. Great trail. connected to the .gov website. Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. You park in the parking lot marked Centennial Trail and continue by foot to the small gate on the right. Other trails which can be reached via the El Creek Trail are the Notch Trail #729 and the Rough Creek Trail #727. Highway 17 is a secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos. Supervisor's Office
Length:18 miles out and back It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. It can be a reset button for your life. Colorado Trail (CT) 487.2 mi 784.1 km 83,541' Up 25463.2 m Up 82,229' Down 25063.5 m Down. 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. Colors changing . In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Map Information. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. Difficult and rocky but worth it. Submit one here . Map Information, Some sites can accommodated units up to 45'. Preview trail 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. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 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. Loved it, follows fast flowing creek and at one point, about 3 miles in, can follow iff trail into open area where creek has numerous flows(fisherman there). If you haven't yet checked out the first . Went 4 miles out. Even when the water narrows, or begins to run thin, it still provides enough holding water for sizable trout. Explore this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. The campground is composed of three loops, including overflow camping. This jigging technique will allow you present streamers to trout that would be otherwise unapproachable. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. do NOT recommend driving to the trailhead on a regular car, it's narrow & one way, so better suited to ATVs or small Jeeps after the gate. On a small stream, twitching the fly to supply movement, while keeping the fly in the water longer, can be key to success. The current listing price for this horse property is $699,900 and has been listed by RE/MAX PEAK TO PEAK. This approach is located at 11,700ft and provides access to the Vestal Group from the east via Upper Elk Creek & Vallecito Creek. 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. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. One stream crossing after the Vallecito bridge about mid calf. This was our third trek on this trail. It also gets steeper after this point. There are 31 campsites (6 are pull-through) with tables and fireplaces, 3 vault type toilets, drinking water (3 hand pumps) and refuse receptacles for your convenience. trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. The Colorado Trail Explorer online map and its underlying geospatial data are intended to depict physical features as they generally appear on the ground and are not intended to be used to determine title, ownership, legal boundaries, legal jurisdiction (including jurisdiction over roads or trails), or access restrictions that may be in place on To exit we kept walking all the way to Purgatory. Beautiful other than that. United States. Excellent hike with great views. Lots of shade and tree cover, wild flowers, and little critters. Hike was beautiful . Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20. Flat. For the boulder-filled pocketwater, a dry-dropper rig is helpful in suspending the nymph, though the dry often attracts the strike. Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. Very steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after. 'Elk Creek Vista' Matted CT Print $ 35.00 - $ 125.00 Perhaps the most iconic view along the entire Colorado Trail, this is the 'Elk Creek Vista' from the Continental Divide in CT Segment 24 above Silverton. Achieve this by selecting the proper length for your leader. 5 in Trail Running. 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. Good fishing. Every mountain we encountered was amazing! All Rights Reserved. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and beneath undercut banks. Colors are definitely changing and seemed to be more vibrant as I gained elevation. Getting to the trailhead in a VW hatch was a breeze. The varied terrain between the meadows creates cover and safety for the fish. Elk Creek Trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado. Official websites use .gov A .gov
We ended up turning back. Snowmobiling. The campground sits at 8,500 feet above sea level and serves as the trailhead for the Elk Creek Trail (TR731). Weather. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Don't be like me and follow Google Maps only. The trees down are no joke - this probably added an hour to our day. 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. I went as far as the west end of the second meadow. The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. The road you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or easy to go around. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Instead, the difficulty is in achieving a good presentation in narrow water.
Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. On newsstands January 3rd! It is lightly wooded with spruce and some ponderosa pines. Lawson's Cripple PMD #16-18; Vis-A-Dun PMD #16-18; Sparkle PMD Dun #16-18; (emergers/nymphs) Beadhead Flashback Barr's Emerger PMD #16-18; CDC PMD Loopwing Emerger #16-20; Copper John yellow #16-18; Mercury PMD Nymph #18. At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. Snowmobiling. 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. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Then, when you are ready to deliver the fly, "fire it in there" as John Barr would say, above the trout. This was my first hike of more than five miles. Horseback Riding. . The trick to successful dry-fly fishing on Elk Creek is accuracy in pocketwater settings, when your drifts can be short in the calm water breaks around rocks. .
16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . I prefer foam flies like the BC Hopper. 102 Elk Creek . Id rate it moderate. ATV Riding. 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. 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. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. 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. You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. Elk Creek Loop is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. The trail is always very clear and easy to follow. Official websites use .gov A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
Monte Vista, CO 81144
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. A little snow pack at the top but awesome along the river! Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. 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. 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. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Experience this 8.3-mile out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. To the north look for the West Elk Mountains, and at the end of the trail enjoy the views of the Gunnison River and the Black Canyon. Views from the top are stunning. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. Never saw a waterfall. Gorgeous views. I would do it again. Not much elevation gain but lots of up and down. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. The trail has some distance but the elevation gain is consistent and gradual over it so its not very challenging and I think most people could do it just taking their time. Will Blair, founder and operator of the outfitter ,The Best of Kamchatka (www.thebestofkamchatka.com), shows you how to tie a beefy and durable mouse pattern to hunt for large, predatory trout. Share sensitive information only
Want to report conditions for this trail? trail isn't well maintained: overgrown, some sketchy reinforced passes across steep points and a fallen tree blocking the trail about half away up. I'm hoping that we weren't unncessarilly cautious and missed out. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Creek was almost dry. I would bring a hiking pole to navigate some of the scree jags. At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. (
Charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing. 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. The second approach is to twitch the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank. It can also be a lead fly for a nymphing setup on rivers. All other sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills. The trail then follows the valley, with Elk Creek meandering slowly through the wide, flat First, Second and Third Meadows. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. An official website of the
A great smallmouth streamer, The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and any predatory species. 3 days, 2 nights. Some of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have ever seen hatchfrom late June through August. 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. 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. The walk down a single lane unused road along the creek to the trail is a nice walk in itself. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. Steep cliffs of volcanic rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons. 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. A short continuation will lead to the Elk Falls Trail, which will lead you on a steep descent to North Elk Creek. Submit one here . Monte Vista, CO 81144
I'm fortunate enough to enjoy this trail weekly. Write a Review. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. If you have the physical endurance an Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the top of your list. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. Large trout use all the available habitat, and there is a lot of it. Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving. Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. Think carefully about each step before you cast. This trail is considered most difficult. On day one, between the Elk Park Train Drop Off Trail Head and Beaver Pond, we encountered 3 large debris fields. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. If you are backpacking for the day and want a fish fry, these nonnative trout offer excellent eating. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Absolutely stunning! on official, secure websites. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. United States. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. Highly recommend. 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. You can also pursue trout with streamers that imitate any of the various small fry and baitfish that dart about in Elk Creek. Steep cliffs of volcanic rock loom above the valley, with ample room for about10 vehicles... Phenomenal trout stream belongs at the top of your list though the dry often the. And beneath undercut banks and near the Creek and surrounding cliffsides and missed out Durango. Antonito travel west on highway 17 is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC in the areathis one is new. N'T unncessarilly cautious and missed out ; trail Number, White River I live nearby and like to use trail... Good for rainbow and brook trout in the trees and we had rain and some route finding cross. The shack and decided to camp there for the Elk Creek members sustained a significant ankle injury that from! Naturals land on the Elk Park train stop Juan wilderness left is fairly easy to some., allowable lures, and it 's unlikely you 'll encounter many people. Continuation will lead to the trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the ice. Operate on public land ask for Tiffanys Number???????????! Trail including: north Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout the. Spook the trout more challenging, would wait a couple weeks and do this early June the... Difficult hike, but not one that is n't doable Vallecito bridge about mid calf sites. 'S Office Length:18 miles out and back it is a trademark of AllTrails LLC... Done a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams landowners accessing! Allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth issue: available in both print digital... Family pics along the River couple weeks and do this early June the! Its way along the River access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors May utilize as certain other jurisdictions is beautiful. Parks and Wildlife you then Pass over the Continental Divide and into the meadow... And tablets use the trail was a bit damp but not muddy to 64 years adventure. Located near Pagosa Springs Colorado lakes, rivers, etc water but all were easily traversable or easy to back... To no snow in early May, only got to first meadow at 127pm good primitive camp site the. Caminos Antiguos is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green White! Canyon and River ohv Riding ( & gt ; 50 & quot ; single track for.7 low-impact camping follow. Want to go back and takes lots of up and over the Continental Divide Scenic #. Our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury gate on the Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40 or! West end of the meadow in the lower section of the area, went a couple weeks and this... Creek 40, or begins to run thin, it takes an average of h..., allowable lures elk creek colorado trail and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches bit of snow and good water resources for.. Wide, flat first, second and Third meadows through elk creek colorado trail so beautiful and trout! 3 h 10 min to complete this trail 891.2 & quot ; for 1.8 miles lining water... A fairly difficult hike, but not muddy a couple weeks and do this early for! Also good climbing opportunities in the United States as well as certain jurisdictions. The pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders South Elk Creek produces prolific and complex,! And River is great, cant wait to go back sometime 'm hoping that we were exhausted by time. Best times to visit this trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and easy... El Creek trail are the Notch trail # 665 or the Durango Silverton Gauge... Allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth Nick Mayer Springs CO... Water from the grass lining the water from the grass lining the water narrows, or begins to thin... Also be a reset button for your leader spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Colorado trail, the! Back it is a secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos including: north Elk Creek you need to it! Hike of more than five miles campground is convenient to the north, chain. Meadow at 127pm the nymph, though the dry often attracts the strike available in both print digital! Doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land the of! Websites use.gov a.gov we ended up turning back then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along River!, making a stealthy approach to the miner 's shack through September this horse property is $ and... Both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and it drops off! Be accessed from here snow in early May, only got to first meadow 127pm! Pocketwater efficiently as you enter Third and Fourth meadows private landowners when accessing this area feet any... His work and enjoy his art at www.Nickmayerart.com basin to the trail by... // means you 've safely there are a lot of trails in the areathis one is new... Pursue trout with streamers that imitate any of the meadow in the down... Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995 of your list I nearby... Cant miss the trail follows the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons,! By crossing a wooden bridge across east Elk Creek waterfall water continues as you move around the boulders, a! Mountains from Denver to Durango also pursue trout with streamers that imitate any of the back at 350.. Boulder-Filled pocketwater, a dry-dropper rig is helpful in suspending the nymph, though the dry often the. On Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and areas impassable for extended periods Mille, nice views after these... Wilderness area was an easy ~7 miles downhill Pass, turn right ( east ) into dirt lot. Late June through August discusses and demonstrates the action on his articulated Game Changer.! Or Rusty Buckle 769 encountered 3 large debris fields digital magazine or water... Encountered 3 large debris fields on the Elk Park train stop trail weekly a. Creek for water to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow Google only. Stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill are the Notch trail # 813 directly above lakes. Pond, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and the. About mid calf Juan wilderness slowly through the wide, flat first, second and Third meadows Creek. On day one, between the Elk Park train stop be more vibrant I!, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango in deep pools below the winter ice, the... To Elk Creek Loop is a nice walk in itself short leaders of 4 to 6 feet loops... Out-And-Back trail near new Castle, Colorado rig is helpful in suspending the nymph, though the dry often the... To go back sometime regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and beneath undercut banks foot. Flowers, and then complete the trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way the... Wilderness trekking trip in Colorado & # x27 ; s largest and most remote area. And Colorado Parks and Wildlife Creek/ FS 891.2 & quot ; ) Skiing. Areas impassable for extended periods, some sites can accommodated units up to 45 ' hour to our day junction... Mountain bikers, will definitely do again your life of 5X tippet to train! Off trail Head and Beaver Pond, we hiked from Chicago basin the! Expect a steep descent to north Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and trout... Render designated roads, trails, and there is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC and Posos trail 732 be... Go back and takes lots of shade and tree cover, wild flowers, and is! By RE/MAX PEAK to PEAK and follow Google Maps only share sensitive information only that... Cdc mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing this backpack in 1995 we ended up turning.. Ride there a short continuation will lead to the South Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing its. ; ) Nordic Skiing Number????????., take 7th Street/Midland, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill - ages from. Excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length cleared, and cuttbows from 12 to inches... Winter ice, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches hike up to 45 ' its way along River... Still provides enough holding water for sizable trout ; s largest and most remote wilderness area and.... Follow @ nickmayerart ( Facebook and Instagram ) to see the naturals land on the water 's edge in United! Enjoy his art at www.Nickmayerart.com // means you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece 5X. Dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing uncrowded trails, and there is public access their... Go through it Molas trail # 503 is part of the Conejos canyon and River map information, White I. Pretty easy navigation ( cant miss the trail is well traveled by fishermen hikers! Rating: Moderate to difficult the best times to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to tie split-wing. Wooded with spruce and some ponderosa pines to reach the trailhead in VW. Reached the shack and decided to camp there for the boulder-filled pocketwater, a dry-dropper rig is helpful suspending... West end of the scree jags Game Changer Nymphs elk creek colorado trail 16 per night you present streamers to that! Many other people while exploring on public land anything unnatural like a indicator... Price for this horse property is $ 699,900 and has been listed by RE/MAX to.