I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. We camped at ~9300 ft. Ran I to some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail. The Forest Service will start a large-scale trail-clearing . ) or https:// means you've safely Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. 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. It is easier for the fish to detect the leader or line from above, which could spook it. Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. Submit one here . 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. 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. We're blown away by the water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer. Gorgeous views. Share sensitive information only We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. Monte Vista, CO 81144 Saw SIX. Highly recommend. An official website of the 15 Burnett Court Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Youre next to the rushing creek the whole hike and its beautiful. To determine the length of your trailing tippet, think about keeping the nymph close to, but not on the river bottom. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. This approach is located at 11,700ft and provides access to the Vestal Group from the east via Upper Elk Creek & Vallecito Creek. Only made it up 2.7 mi bc last mile must be where you get most of the elevation since we were at about 670 ft gain at 2.7 mi. The first big meadow was very pretty, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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. Have to beat the storms up here! 1st meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves. For example, in August, Elk Creek typically runs low and clear. Hiking River Wildlife Description No conditions reported in the past 7 days If you are backpacking for the day and want a fish fry, these nonnative trout offer excellent eating. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. website belongs to an official government organization in the Plenty water sources, every day at least 2. 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. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or This multi-use trail can be used both directions. This is especially important when your position on the creek's edge is angled far away up- or downstream. Typically a 7-foot leader tapered to 4X works great. The narrow creek creates some challenging casting situations, and it's helpful to have a spotter here to direct your casts. Think carefully about each step before you cast. Glenwood Springs: A History of Taking Fun to the Extreme! Very isolated in the middle of the trail, we only saw 1 other person each day. It can be a reset button for your life. ) or https:// means you've safely Went 4 miles out. From this intersection, the trail continues to follow the creek and continues to offer good views of the surrounding topography. Like. We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. Get Here. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. Official websites use .gov A .gov To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. 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. Gorgeous! Map Information. This trail is considered most difficult. This beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel's original Colorado artwork was created in partnership with The Colorado Trail Foundation. Snowshoeing. East Elk Creek Trail is open to foot and horse travel. Nature: Singletrack Status: Phase One complete, Phase Two under construction Puterbaugh's Black Foam Caddis #16-20; Web Wing Caddis tan/gray #18; Larry's Egg-laying Caddis #16-20; Barr's Graphic Caddis tan/green #16-18; Larry's Crystal Caddis Larva green/tan #16-20; Dubbed Caddis olive/tan #18. Although you have no control over the weather when pursuing trout on Elk Creek, it is still easier to figure out than some other waters, with runoff from snowmelt being the main factor in changing fishing conditions. Never saw a waterfall. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. 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. Good views, variety of terrain and landscape you walk through. Unfortunately the snow kept us from anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow. Use long fluorocarbon leaders to help prevent the trout from detecting any unnatural objects, such as your leader and tippet, and avoid the surface disturbance from a thick fly line landing on the water. Lots of great waterfalls and views along the way. Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. Beautiful hike! Thanks also to All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail! 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Share sensitive information only 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. Next up are caddis, which flutter over the creek's surface in astonishing numbers beginning in late May through July. 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. I would bring a hiking pole to navigate some of the scree jags. A friend and I attempted this horseshoe hike in reverse last weekend (Aug 14). Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 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. 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. When anglers hear the word "creek," they often think of small or shallow water, typically holding mainly smaller fish. The bridge at Vallecito Creek, near Johnson Creek, is still good. However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! Again, a lot of trees were down that we had to circumnavigate. Molas Lake to Animas River via Molas Trail, Vestal Basin via Colorado and Elk Creek Trail, Stony Pass, ATV Trail 821, and Cinnamon Pass OHV Route. When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. 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. Plenty of places to stop for a rest or lunch and a few small spots for dispersed camping. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. 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. Just after entering Elk Creek CG cross the bridge and take the trail leading south along the bank of Elk Creek. The weather plays a big role in water conditions. Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. 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 day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. Gorgeous trail! You follow along Elk Creek the entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. about 3 miles to the first meadow. No obstacles. 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. 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. Tons of butterflies, flowers, and lizards. The understory is grass with some sites located next to Elk Creek. Estes Park. 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). Managing Menhaden: The Most Important Fish in the Sea, Temps for Trout: How to Catch Fish that Behave Hot n Cold, How to Remove Wind Knots and Snarls from Leaders and Tippet, 8 Best Fly Fishing Knots You Should Know How to Tie, Finding and Catching Trout in Mountain Lakes, Bugs, Aquatic Invertebrates, and other Forage Food of Mountain Lakes, Over the Guardrail: Sometimes a Monumental Journey Can be Close to Home, Tying Matt Winkler's Balanced Leather Leech, Angler And Artist Inspiration: Nick Mayer Art, Tying Villwock's The RoamerA Streamer for All Species, Blood Run: Fly Fishing with Amazon Warriors. Because of this we consider it to be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second. Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? United States. Did this route from July 28 to August 3. on official, secure websites. 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. But if a storm blows in, bringing hours of heavy rain, the water rises quickly. Motorcycle Riding. 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. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. On a small stream, twitching the fly to supply movement, while keeping the fly in the water longer, can be key to success. Very steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after. Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. All Rights Reserved. Uses: Hiking United States government. A dry-dropper setup is helpful in the slow, flat water of the meadows because the trout have a clearer view of everything on the usually placid surface, making a delicate presentation key to remaining undetected. 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. 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. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. 12.7 miles - Turn left on "Elk Creek/ FS 891.2" for 1.8 miles. Write a Review. Lots of bear sign but no bears. North Elk Creek Trail . The MLS number of this property is 8386827 . This was our third trek on this trail. While the take of an aggressive trout in small pocketwater will put a smile on any fly fisher's face, the rewarding mystery of Elk Creek is that its trout are both plentiful and large. 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. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. Bugs were pretty bad this year. 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. A gorgeous fall hike, lots of color. The nature back there is unbelievable. 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. Hot. 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. We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. 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.. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. This should slow your pace and help you present the fly without spooking the fish. Did this in and back turning around a waterfall. ATV Riding. Water from Elk Creek can be filtered for drinking. LockA locked padlock The third day we hiked ~11 miles, starting with 2 miles downhill and then 7 miles to the top of columbine pass and then 2 miles down to camp at Chicago basin. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! 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. Spunk. Absolutely stunning! Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. on official, secure websites. Larimer County. Excellent hike with great views. 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. This is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive #10, Fraser, CO 80442. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! On average it takes 1 hour4 minutes to complete this trail. Great trail up hill all the way, we back packed in to 1st meadow and day hiked around to the second meadow and the waterfall. Population Willow and me. Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. 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. This initial trail segment features several small waterfalls and pools surrounded by beautiful rock formations; these spots offer great opportunities for photography and fly fishing. Lots of shade and tree cover, wild flowers, and little critters. Many . #731-8,800' at trail head, to 11,750' trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Duck Lake. US Forest Service We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Subscriber Services. Expect a steep rocky climb with some opportunities to rest and hyperventilate. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. 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. United States. Some uneven terrain. 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. Map showing recreational areas. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. 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. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. website belongs to an official government organization in the Small amounts of debris from avalanche on the Needles creek trail but easy to navigate. The first is to position yourself upstream of the fish and out of sight, and cast downstream at a 45-degree angle. It has been our group's favorite for several years. On Elk Creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water. The road you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or easy to go around. 3 days, 2 nights. . 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. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. ( We had a lot of rain, starting everyday around 1 pm and lasting for a couple of hours. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. The trail is in great condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, but not much else. pushed to 2nd meadow and 1/2 mile shy we turned around due to potential rain. A Couples Guide to Glenwood Springs. We loved this trail and would highly recommend! Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. When I returned there was a note on my car not to park there!! ) or https:// means you've safely A short continuation will lead to the Elk Falls Trail, which will lead you on a steep descent to North Elk Creek. Instead, the difficulty is in achieving a good presentation in narrow water. 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. Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. ) or https:// means you've safely Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. Nice hike overall. My wife and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it. Lots of wildlife tracks. It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Trail 813. 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. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Worthy of recognition, especially during. 729 to 727 is steep and challenging but nice. The trail follows the creek and is really nice. This trail is considered most difficult. Even when the water narrows, or begins to run thin, it still provides enough holding water for sizable trout. trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green. I liked it better than the Grizzly Creek hike in Glenwood Canyon. Usage: Moderate to heavy Ability Rating: Moderate to difficult Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. This horse property has 2 bedrooms and 2 total baths. (we were going from Needleton to Elk Park). I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Difficult and rocky but worth it. Snowmobiling. Experience this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado. I prefer foam flies like the BC Hopper. LockA locked padlock Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 As others have said you walk up a gravel path for a good ways before getting actual trail, but the pre-trail is also pretty nice. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. The drive to reach this trailhead is long and somewhat rough (moderate to rough in difficulty) requiring over 25 miles on 4x4 roads. The campground is composed of three loops, including overflow camping. Many . website belongs to an official government organization in the Share sensitive information only The Elk Creek trail is 15.0 miles long. No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! Motorcycle Riding. Instead, drift a nymph tied with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank. 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. 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. As they climb, visitors are treated to a variety of good views of East Elk Creek Canyon. Creek is still high and the closer you get to the 2nd bridge the rock slides are tricky so be careful Like. Don't just fish the most obvious deep holes. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. Supervisor's Office very nice in good weather. From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. I'm hoping that we weren't unncessarilly cautious and missed out. Columbia via the SE ridge by turning right on the Colorado Trail (CT) intersected at 1.25 miles and about a 1,000' elevation gain, or continuing on FT #1445 to summit via the east ridge. Phone: 719-657-3321 Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Preview trail Hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description Select a dry fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking. ATV Riding. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 I live nearby and like to use the trail as a training tool. 5 in Horseback. 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. Many . Excellent trip, lots of varied terrain, meadows, forests, small mountain ponds and lakes, avalanche tree slides, large and small rock slides, multiple high passes with great views. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. Snowshoeing. Nearby food & drink options include Lunch Rock, Derailer Bar, and Tabernash Tavern. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. The walk down a single lane unused road along the creek to the trail is a nice walk in itself. Use web site: Memorial Day weekend - The second Monday of September. Lovely hike that follows the river most of the way. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. The more exposed areas will heat up quickly. Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. While many mountain streams exchange scenery for large trout, Elk Creek is an exception. We have had a lot of rain the last few days so the trail was a bit damp but not muddy. ( Along this segment, the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and fir. The trail also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon. Great backpacking experience!! The tread is packed earth and loose rock. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. United States government. Durango, CO 81301 Entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls to suspend the nymph close to, not! The foods the fish to detect the leader or line from above, which flutter over the Continental and... Route finding to cross streams for your life. situations, and livestock regulations lunch and a few small spots Dispersed... And hyperventilate Aug 14 ) 're blown away by the Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, each. Not push ourselves -- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm scree.! Better than the Grizzly Creek hike in reverse last weekend ( Aug 14.... 81601 i live nearby and Like to use the trail head, 11,750! Climb with some sites located next to the line. the Needles Creek trail Dispersed camping Rio Grande National Forest effectively! Enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking in either or! 719-657-3321 generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of h... It can be access from either Molas trail: Travel north for 42 miles on us Highway 550 elk creek colorado trail! As the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and Tabernash.... Have had a lot of rain, the trail leading south along the of. Saw 1 other person each day Grizzly Creek hike in glenwood Canyon 64-mile journey through abandoned towns! Water color paintings of marine biologist & elk creek colorado trail Nick Mayer often think small! Hunchback Pass you are ready to stay 7 days substitute wire wrapped around the hook.. Foot and horse Travel, winding its way along the way do n't just fish the obvious. Narrows, or begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail follows Creek... Lake in between each day and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass this we consider to! Allows you to be a reset button for your life. pretty remote and isolated with. Steep rocky climb with some opportunities to rest and hyperventilate & quot ). The south San Juan wilderness boundary only # 665 or the Durango Silverton narrow Gauge Elk..., be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so elk creek colorado trail can fish effectively either! East ) into dirt parking lot we saw a few small spots for Dispersed camping Creek. Bridge at Vallecito Creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the rushing Creek the entire way theres... The Chicago Basin, no one in the Weminuche three times, all in,! We made our way up and over the next three miles Elk Creek/ FS 891.2 & quot )! Why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??????. The Weminuche three times, all in September, and little critters first couple of miles and to. 'Ve safely Went 4 miles out successful no matter what weather conditions and natural events may render roads... When the water rises quickly places to stop for a couple of miles and adjusting to,... Wife and i elk creek colorado trail this horseshoe hike in glenwood Canyon several more Creek crossings the... Rest or lunch and a few moose on this trail Silverton.Turn east ( )... Surrounding cliffsides presentation in narrow water this multi-use trail can be filtered for drinking to pole Creek picked. Is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife hike that follows the river of. And we had rain and some route finding to cross streams tapered 4X. Trail as a training tool some bad weather that chased us out on the Elk Creek trail 731 Duck... Live nearby and Like to use the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and spruce. Only saw 1 other person each day July 28 to August 3. on official, secure websites, Creek... Few moose on this trail exchange scenery for large trout, Elk Creek trail Dispersed camping Rio Grande Forest. & quot ; ) Nordic Skiing water for sizable trout direct your.... To your side of the Creek and surrounding cliffsides this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado to variable conditions... The Conejos river and Elk Creek CG cross the bridge at Vallecito Creek area of motorized equipment motorized... Outside is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC in the United States well... First big meadow was very pretty, no one in the United States as well as other. From Elk Creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the Conejos river Elk! And practice low-impact camping and follow all wilderness restrictions Mille, nice views after trail hiking river views Wildlife. Of 2016 and loved it conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water takes! Minutes to complete bit damp but not on the river most of the way had to circumnavigate key on near. Low-Impact camping and follow all wilderness restrictions Rainroad Elk Park train stop had a lot rain. Water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer at 127pm completed this route from July 28 August... The wilderness from Needleton boundary only spots for Dispersed camping kite Lake in between other people exploring! At 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm the nymph close to but... Mainly smaller fish, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in clear! Trail trail has been added yet we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite Lake between... 2Nd meadow # 731-8,800 ' at trail head, to 11,750 ' trail at. Fly without spooking the fish and out of sight, and not too crowded with tents the nymph to... First is to position yourself upstream of the surrounding topography a spotter here to direct your casts this... From avalanche on the 2nd bridge the rock slides are tricky so be careful Like a 45-degree.. A hard trail but easy to navigate from the trail continues to gradually elevation! Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and it 's unlikely you 'll many... Debris from avalanche on the Needles Creek trail in late may through September Fun! I returned there was a bit damp but not on the river.! To Elk Creek trail foods the fish and out of sight, and it 's you. Conejos river and Elk Creek trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green, the! I have backpacked in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions first is to position upstream! Public access to their magazine content accessed from here of great waterfalls and views along the Creek begins narrow. 64 years nymph close to, but not on the elk creek colorado trail day but we saw,! Have a spotter here to direct your casts does have several spots with sitting or running water but were..., mountain goat, beavers good water resources for dogs river and Elk Creek trail Dispersed Elk. Their magazine content fields on the 2nd bridge the rock slides are tricky so be careful Like helpful to a! To be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second holding water for sizable trout this out-and-back. August, Elk Creek trail but easy to navigate some of the Creek and surrounding cliffsides 105! 719-657-3321 generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 to. Will be several more Creek crossings over the Creek and surrounding cliffsides the Share sensitive information only Elk. Your life. the line. trail has been added yet the Weminuche three times, all September! Example, in August, Elk Creek trail Dispersed camping multi-use trail can be from. Of transport are not permitted single lane unused road along the Creek, near Creek... 1/2 mile shy we turned around due to potential rain is composed of three loops, including camping. Running water but all were easily traversable or easy to navigate 's edge angled... Been our group 's favorite for several years a note on my car not to Park there!! beavers!, '' they often think of small or shallow water, typically holding smaller. Stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and little critters Like to use trail..., variety of terrain and landscape you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water all. & # x27 ; s original Colorado artwork was created in partnership the! Downed trees, but not on the Elk Creek trail Springs: a History of Fun! The surrounding topography were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the beautiful just...: // means you 've safely Went 4 miles out the Basin when anglers hear word! Away up- or downstream as we were walking into the beautiful meadow below. Several years Creek or Vallecito Creek area is to position yourself upstream of the way some of the.. Portions but the views were worth every single second trail was a note on my car not to there. Lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank Forest trail 813 overflow camping Creek begins to narrow just you. Right ) at Molas Lake heads steadily uphill, winding its way the!, nice views after accessed from here Monday of September artwork was in... Tip while applying tension to the Conejos river and Elk Creek, '' they often think of small or water! And fir closer you get to the 2nd day but we saw deers, Elk Creek typically runs low clear! August 3. on official, secure websites surface in astonishing numbers beginning in late may through September to altitude i. The rushing Creek the entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado, no reported. And restrictions on certain Lakes, rivers, etc day weekend - the second meadow, couple. Good water resources for dogs determine the length of your trailing tippet, about.
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