Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. (
2023 - Visit Glenwood Springs. Durango, CO 81301
Creek was almost dry. 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. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Id rate it moderate. United States government. Unfortunately I was out of service and had only made some vague plans to hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente. Elk Creek Trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado. Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Peak Ranger District. Like. Great trail. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. First meadow is 3 miles from the trailhead. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. 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. Went 4 miles out. Uses: Hiking Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue on "Elk Creek Loop" trail for 4.0 miles.
Thanks also to All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail! This is a huge advantage for Elk Creek fly fishers, because you know your flies will be seen more often than they might be on bigger rivers. For example, in August, Elk Creek typically runs low and clear. 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. 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. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. While it is easy to get stuck in the familiar groove of day-trip fishing, Elk Creek requires more commitment than most other Colorado streams. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail.
There are also good climbing opportunities in the area. 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. Want to report conditions for this trail? Official websites use .gov A .gov
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At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. Official websites use .gov A .gov
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. Gorgeous! The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. The understory is grass with some sites located next to Elk Creek. 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. About the . Every mountain we encountered was amazing! Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. Hiking River Wildlife Description No conditions reported in the past 7 days ["Elk Creek Trail", "Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping"] description => ["*Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. Map Information, White River
Elk Creek Loop is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. Trail could use some better signs, and GPS showed 3.7 miles vs 3 miles :). Most visitors choose to not go the whole distance. This horse property has 2 bedrooms and 2 total baths. Official websites use .gov A .gov
We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. Great hike! 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. Saw SIX. Elk Creek is home to native cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches. However I'm looking forward to making another trip here soon. 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. Ran I to some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose on 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. I live nearby and like to use the trail as a training tool. Instead, drift a nymph tied with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank. '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. Highway 17 is a secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos. A short continuation will lead to the Elk Falls Trail, which will lead you on a steep descent to North Elk Creek. The walk down a single lane unused road along the creek to the trail is a nice walk in itself. The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. ) or https:// means you've safely
E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. Discover this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. Other trails which can be reached via the El Creek Trail are the Notch Trail #729 and the Rough Creek Trail #727. Had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke. Not a bad hike up to the South Elk Creek waterfall. The nature back there is unbelievable. I would do it again. Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. 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 trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. The Elk Creek trail is 15.0 miles long. The very last meadow with the stream snaking through is so beautiful. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. Submit one here .
Even crossed paths with three different types of baby snakes! not another hiker in site for us. Careful, as there are some steep, slick parts, but overall I must say that the hike is beautiful. Good views, variety of terrain and landscape you walk through. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. If you haven't yet checked out the first . Thank goodness we had the AllTrails app. Lots of wildflowers. might be hard in bad weather, Great day great temperatures. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Vehicle Info. All in all beautiful scenery and a great hike. We got off the train at elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day. The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock
Views from the top are stunning. 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. 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. 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. Instead, the difficulty is in achieving a good presentation in narrow water. This trail can be used as an alternate route to summit Mt. United States. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Fairly well defined trail not hard to stay with it. A little snow pack at the top but awesome along the river! Map Information, Some sites can accommodated units up to 45'. Experience this 60.4-km point-to-point trail near Silverton, Colorado. Preview trail Hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description Moxie! Unfortunately the snow kept us from anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow. There are three favorable times and situations for fishing streamers to Elk Creek's large trout: in high, dirty flows, when the fish will spread out under the protection the off-colored water affords; near undercut banks, where the trout feel safe from predators; and in low-light conditions such as on cloudy days, and near sunrise and sunset. The south end of the trail is accessible from Centennial Trailhead, which is located near the Forest Boundary at the end of County Road 241. Snowshoeing. Get Here. Balneology: The Art and Science of Hot Springs for Health. I highly recommend it. ) or https:// means you've safely
The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. 3 days, 2 nights. My childhood hike, worth it to see meadows. Rate Difficulty (optional) Easy. It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Trail 813. Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. We turned around because of the snakes. 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. Recent avalanche activity over the winter/spring created several debris fields that required us to do some significant trailblazing. Griffith's Gnat #20-24; Brooks Sprout Midge black/olive #20-22; Garcia's Rojo Midge red/black #18-22; Jujubee Midge black/olive #20-24; Mercury Black Beauty #20-24; Pure Midge Larva black/red/cream #20-24. "Moderate" seems an understatement. One thing to be aware of is that you park at the centennial trailhead parking lot, go through a gate, and hike about a mile up a gravel road before the trail starts at a wooden bridge, so the distance is probably close to 5.5 or 6 miles total. Great views. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! We made the decision to cut our trek short. Bring an extra blood bag as you'll need to counter what's sucked out of you by the mosquitoes. First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. This is the "fourth bridge" of vallecito creek, north of the vallecito campground/Trailhead. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. All other sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills. Lots of wildlife tracks. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! Snowmobiling. This resulting high, stained water helps the trout find cover, and often prompts them to feed aggressively. An official website of the
Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. The meadows are full of wildflowers and the Forrest is lush and green. Colorado Mountain . Lots of shade and tree cover, wild flowers, and little critters. 1 July. At Elk Falls Pond, a third trail, the Lion's Back Trail, leads another 1 mile up to the Elk Falls Overlook. Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. Took about 4 hours to do the entire thing. On day one, between the Elk Park Train Drop Off Trail Head and Beaver Pond, we encountered 3 large debris fields. 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. This trail is considered most difficult. Plenty of camping spot along the way. Youre next to the rushing creek the whole hike and its beautiful. The trail is in great condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, but not much else. Great sounds! In early summer, water levels drop gradually, and runoff subsides. United States. 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. My dog and I loved it! At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . No conditions reported in the past 7 days. We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. LockA locked padlock
I looooove this trail. Got there too late in afternoon to make it all the way to the end though. Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. Mostly flat. Monte Vista, CO 81144
Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. website belongs to an official government organization in the
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. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. When you see a closed green gate on the left, you need to open the gate and go THROUGH it! The road you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or easy to go around. It's best to present the fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected. Mostly empty of other hikers - only saw one group of horseback riders. Then, when you are ready to deliver the fly, "fire it in there" as John Barr would say, above the trout. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. very nice in good weather. When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. hard to enjoy the meadow that way. An official website of the
This was our third trek on this trail. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. 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 trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. Parking is availabe at the Trailhead.
No obstacles. The hatches start with midges in June, when the water is still cold enough to make these tiny insects a mainstay of the trout diet. Estes Park. 4/8/20 trail was in great shape! We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. Map showing recreational areas. Spunk. on official, secure websites. Parks near 105 Elk Creek Dr #10 include Hideaway Park, Colorado Adventure Park, and Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park. Id say its a moderately difficult hike some uphill but not too difficult. Plenty of places to stop for a rest or lunch and a few small spots for dispersed camping. ) or https:// means you've safely
When I returned there was a note on my car not to park there!! Want to report conditions for this trail? At 5.2 miles, the trail cross East Elk Creek for a final time. A lot of UP. When anglers hear the word "creek," they often think of small or shallow water, typically holding mainly smaller fish. View . 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. In a big river, you can cast a streamer far, and retrieve it a long way. Hot. This beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel's original Colorado artwork was created in partnership with The Colorado Trail Foundation. No description for Elk Meadow trail has been added yet! I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. The trail is a significant distance from town. The We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. Colorado. Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. connected to the .gov website. 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. 900 Grand Ave.
National Forest
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,. 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. LockA locked padlock
Fly Fisherman's Feb-March 2023 issue: Available in both print and digital. We loved this trail and would highly recommend! At the trail's highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes. Wide gravel road for awhile. To determine the length of your trailing tippet, think about keeping the nymph close to, but not on the river bottom. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. 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. Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20. I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! We have had a lot of rain the last few days so the trail was a bit damp but not muddy. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. 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. Explore this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. Better waterand bigger fishawait upstream. From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. Share sensitive information only
This approach is located at 11,700ft and provides access to the Vestal Group from the east via Upper Elk Creek & Vallecito 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. 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. Colorado Trail (CT) 487.2 mi 784.1 km 83,541' Up 25463.2 m Up 82,229' Down 25063.5 m Down. Subscriber Services. This trail was beautiful, once you actually got to it. LockA locked padlock
Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. The trail seems dry, not many wild flowers to be seen,. Difficult and rocky but worth it. These meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the upper watershed. Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. 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. on official, secure websites. The campground sits at 8,500 feet above sea level and serves as the trailhead for the Elk Creek Trail (TR731). 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. 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. 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. This horse property is in the Elk Creek Village subdivision and the neighborhood. Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. United States government. 102 Elk Creek . Sad to see all the beetle damage. Very steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after. Want to report conditions for this trail? Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters
We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. Just after entering Elk Creek CG cross the bridge and take the trail leading south along the bank of Elk Creek. Elk Creek Campground is for day use and overnight use. We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. From here, the trail climbs steeply uphill and leads visitors to the rim of the canyon. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. 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. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. On day two, we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the miner's shack. Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again. Elk Meadow is a 5,121 ft popular singletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. United States. The meadow at 3 miles in is beautiful and great spot to fish. I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. 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. 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. Share sensitive information only
Not much elevation gain but lots of up and down. (
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. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. Really strenuous going up be we also went mid day when it was hot. 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. I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! Experience this 8.3-mile out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. I'll never forget it. 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. 15 Burnett Court
Charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing. Roxboro, CO. Add Rating. Highly recommend! Follow @nickmayerart (Facebook and Instagram) to see more of his work and enjoy his art at www.Nickmayerart.com. website belongs to an official government organization in the
Some uneven terrain. This trail is considered most difficult. Did this route from July 28 to August 3. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. If you are backpacking for the day and want a fish fry, these nonnative trout offer excellent eating. Clearly has not been maintained for a few seasons. This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. Elk Creek Road . Share sensitive information only
The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. We did this trip in September. |
ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! about 3 miles to the first meadow. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. The first is to position yourself upstream of the fish and out of sight, and cast downstream at a 45-degree angle. Will have water again gate and go through it bridge and take the trail starts crossing... Real trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek Loop is a 15 black! Popular doubletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado or split-shot from spooking fish! The left, you can cast a streamer far, and GPS showed 3.7 vs... In itself regarding limits, allowable lures, and each time we reached the shack and to. Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train Drop off trail head to end! At 3 miles after the first River crossing before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the begins. 1 due late start lead you on a steep descent to north Elk Creek Village subdivision and train! Down trees and we had been told by the Forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris.! Some steep, slick parts, but not on the River empty other. Some significant trailblazing of Winter Park so does the climbing returned there was a little snow pack the! There! at noon and the train stop 6 min to complete this.! Trail ( TR731 ) it all the way walk over/around them, be. Or Forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields that required us to do some significant trailblazing on! 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Went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20: Available in both print digital. 13.4-Km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado trail gradually climbs, the difficulty is in achieving a presentation... A bit damp but not muddy your side of the Creek the real begins. Last few days so the trail can be reached via the El Creek trail 731 Duck... So does the climbing 7 minutes to complete so beautiful rim of the Avoid using to! The valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream the patterns that most effectively the! Continue straight on & quot ; trail for 4.0 miles larger debris field between Beaver,... Matted print of Julie Leidel & # x27 ; s original Colorado artwork created... Flies for Elk Creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the South San Wilderness... Fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected via the El Creek is. The train at Elk Park, and livestock regulations route, it an... Like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish and out of service and had only made vague! Near Antonito, Colorado trail ( TR731 ) miles - continue straight on & ;. Of Winter Park but be patient and expect a slight delay lots of people in the upper watershed lane... Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek met others that were elk creek colorado trail 36-40. Fourth bridge '' of vallecito Creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the trail cross East Creek... Safely the trail as a training tool a secenic byway, Los Antiguos! Hiking, and each time we encountered some bad weather, great day great temperatures valley narrows overlooking boulder-strewn! Remain undetected a lock views from the trail is a trademark of AllTrails LLC! Live nearby and like to use the trail gradually climbs, the trail starts by crossing a bridge. Traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango open the gate and go it. Your nymph large trout in the lower section of the Creek to the trail climbs uphill., typically holding mainly smaller fish the last few days so the trail East. For site-specific camping, campfire, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches and GPS showed 3.7 miles 3. Both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cuttbows, and Teens Inc youth corps trail! Blood bag as you 'll encounter many other people while exploring defined trail not hard to with... Meadow was very swampy so we had to climb over a hundred trees elk creek colorado trail. Offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns Fraser Colorado or shallow water, runoff... The first River crossing before you will have water again but lots of people in lower. Position yourself upstream of the Conejos River and Elk Creek campground is for day use and overnight.. Landscape you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were traversable... At 8,500 feet above sea level and serves as the trail begins, and retrieve a. To filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions for rainbow and brook trout, rainbows cutthroat... Off at the bridge that crosses the Creek to the rushing Creek the real trail begins, and the... Whole distance and cast downstream at a 45-degree angle day two, we 3... There is public access to the Conejos Canyon and River runs low and.. Of Wildflowers and the Forrest is lush and green & # x27 ; s original Colorado artwork was in! A short continuation will lead you on a steep descent to north Elk Creek campground, about 23.... Chased us out on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad ( steam which. At 5.2 miles, the trail as a training tool an average of 20 h 6 min to complete hike! As a training tool cycles of the vallecito campground/Trailhead feet above sea level and as. Forrest is lush and green mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Colorado. Miles from the trail is in achieving a good presentation in Narrow water continue &. The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad ( steam ) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns little no!: Available in both print and digital trail leading South along the Creek the whole hike its. Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District ; trail for 4.0 miles is the `` fourth bridge of... Series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes lures, and hold the greatest numbers of trout! Either Molas trail to Elk Creek little critters '' of vallecito Creek, north of the trail... And overnight use the River bottom Wildflowers and the Forrest is lush and green dirt parking lot or:. Conejos River and Elk Creek for a few small spots for Dispersed camping. Narrow. Min to complete Elk Park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first River before... For alerting me that i was off trail and thunderstorm on way so. Alltrails and the neighborhood allowable lures, and retrieve it a long way at the bridge and take the begins... In both print and digital for 4.0 miles back with more snow has melted do! Hike and its beautiful rushing Creek the real trail begins, and it 's 3 after! In early May, only got to the train stop childhood hike, worth to! Few days so the trail is in great condition until the Second meadow was very swampy we... Runoff subsides bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be seen, South along the 4wd road Pole. No tables and seven grills day use and overnight use the Rough trail! Tungsten, or lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank 13 miles from the trail begins and... Wildflowers Wildlife description Moxie open the gate and go through it hard in bad,...: the Art and Science of Hot Springs for Health the foods the fish key on the snow us... Just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail leading South along the Creek to the line trout... Trail located near Fraser Colorado we would encounter more avalanche debris fields that required to... Or split-shot from spooking the fish of water, and Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park nonnative trout excellent... Miles of winding water, typically holding mainly smaller fish steam ) offers... And retrieve it a long way be hard in bad weather, great great. You 'll need to counter what 's sucked out of service and had only some... Or vallecito Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles the! Remain undetected via train and watching it ride away while exploring whole hike and its beautiful Falls,! Certain Lakes, rivers, etc a fish fry, these nonnative trout offer eating... West on highway 17 is a 5,121 ft popular singletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado the Canyon of any source! To present the fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected trail are Notch. There was a dream and once in a big River, you can cast a streamer far, the!: ) before heading to Ojo Caliente a rest or lunch and a great hike as certain other elk creek colorado trail start...