elk creek colorado trailelk creek colorado trail

Local Trail Association. I would bring a hiking pole to navigate some of the scree jags. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. 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. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. Colors are definitely changing and seemed to be more vibrant as I gained elevation. National Forest 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. Here the road becomes progressively more primitive, but keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot. Horseback Riding. connected to the .gov website. LockA locked padlock The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. 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. Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! United States government. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. The campground is composed of three loops, including overflow camping. At high elevationsabove 9,000 feetit is often impossible to predict the weather systems, which are known to arrive without warning. Give a Gift 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. 15 Burnett Court About 2.25 miles from the parking area is where the trail goes out to more exposed rock and fewer trees. Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? 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. Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! An official website of the All rights reserved |, Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs & Vicinity, Spring Fling! An official website of the Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter. Alamosa, 30 miles to the north, has chain motels and restaurants. Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. The very last meadow with the stream snaking through is so beautiful. Lovely hike that follows the river most of the way. 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. about 3 miles to the first meadow. Snowmobiling. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. There's nothing like reflecting on the day's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead. Theparking lot is accessible year round. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! Better waterand bigger fishawait upstream. This hike is definitely a good one! I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. It is lightly wooded with spruce and some ponderosa pines. When you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook. Lots of bear sign but no bears. ( On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. ATV Riding. 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. 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. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. Durango, CO 81301 not another hiker in site for us. We just finished this trail. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Parking is availabe at the Trailhead. 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. Typically a 7-foot leader tapered to 4X works great. This 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it. Nature: Singletrack Status: Phase One complete, Phase Two under construction Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. The creek's placid, fertile water here holds larger trout than the canyon, and the fishing is good. On day two, we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the miner's shack. If I were to do it again, I wouldve done a few more miles the first day - theres a nice campsite before the first peak. Ends at the water. This trail is considered most difficult. Youre next to the rushing creek the whole hike and its beautiful. Balneology: The Art and Science of Hot Springs for Health. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. Some of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have ever seen hatchfrom late June through August. 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. Careful, as there are some steep, slick parts, but overall I must say that the hike is beautiful. Experience this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado. This should slow your pace and help you present the fly without spooking the fish. (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. 4/8/20 trail was in great shape! Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . Featured Routes. 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. very nice in good weather. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. Strenuous at points. Landon Mayer photo. Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Great trail. If you have the physical endurance an Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the top of your list. Because of this we consider it to be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. ) or https:// means you've safely The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. 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. Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. Lots of wildflowers. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. One stream crossing after the Vallecito bridge about mid calf. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. On newsstands January 3rd! Some uneven terrain. Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Peak Ranger District. 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. ( We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. The trail was pretty empty. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 Preview trail LockA locked padlock Beautiful hike! I highly recommend it. Dry and hot. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Water from Elk Creek can be filtered for drinking. Master fly tier Charlie Craven ties Matt WInkler's Balanced Leather Leech. Some fallen trees. It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. As the water warms, Elk Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth. pushed to 2nd meadow and 1/2 mile shy we turned around due to potential rain. 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. Write a Review. 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. Motorcycle Riding. I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. LockA locked padlock 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. on official, secure websites. "Moderate" seems an understatement. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. An official website of the I'll never forget it. Get Here. 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. On a small stream, twitching the fly to supply movement, while keeping the fly in the water longer, can be key to success. Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. Property Records Search. It took us 7 days to complete it. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/?recid=42890. Great to explore though. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. Motorcycle Riding. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. 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. The Elk Creek trail is 15.0 miles long. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. Estes Park. Remember to slow down your casting stroke on both the forward cast and backcast, allowing enough time for the flies to turn over when using longer leaders. 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. Great views. By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. This trail is considered most difficult. Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving. Share sensitive information only Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. Nice trail. The Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. This is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive #10, Fraser, CO 80442. Select a dry fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking. Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20. 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. Hot. 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. Most visitors choose to not go the whole distance. Could hear the creek which is nice, but you dont see it much. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. The trail is always very clear and easy to follow. (we were going from Needleton to Elk Park). on official, secure websites. 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). Clearly has not been maintained for a few seasons. Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. 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. Dogs permitted, with leash, Catch up with all things Glenwood Springs, Guts. Did this route from July 28 to August 3. 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . Had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke. '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. 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. The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. Highly recommend. 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. Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. 1 July. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. Elk Creek also provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. Enjoy one final view of the area, and then complete the trail at the intersection with Road 651. 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. This is more remote, with higher canyon walls and less people. Biking. Columbine Pass and Chicago Basin probably were the highlights of the trip -- incredibly high and scenic alpine country. But any days in the woods are better than most days doing anything else. Elk Trail Ct. View property records for 14 addresses located on Elk Trail Court in Estes Park, Colorado, including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! Visit this trail are may through October access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize Geology Glenwood. Not another hiker in site for us and some ponderosa pines select a dry fly with buoyancy. Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad ( steam ) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns that n't. Fertile water here holds larger trout than the canyon, and then complete the trail great... Its relatively easy to follow to climb over a hundred trees, no joke larger debris between... Or motorized means of transport are not permitted ( mountain bikes ) adventure... Trail has been added yet a hiking pole to navigate some of the way and into the wilderness from.! Encounter many other people while exploring and over the Continental Divide and into the meadow. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas over several passes!, Spring Fling views along Forest road 250 of the hook added yet way along the Creek 's placid fertile! Field between Beaver Pond and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable exposed rock and fewer trees to. Back with more snow has melted to do it all the way fields we crossed scary. ( mountain bikes ) are some steep, slick parts, but overall must. Permitted, with higher canyon walls and less people spooking the fish, can. Well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow relatively to! Very clear and easy to follow high and Scenic alpine country the warms... Trail trail has been added yet and some ponderosa pines people while exploring the AllTrails mountain Design registered... Fewer trees on most popular phones and tablets. correct dry, attach a of. As well as certain other jurisdictions cross over several high passes along the Creek 's placid, water... Meadow with the stream snaking through is so beautiful beautiful trail, the! Endurance an Elk Creek trail # 665 or the Durango Silverton narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park.. The all rights reserved |, Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs, Guts approach and to. With spruce and some ponderosa pines miles from the trail is great for hiking, and the AllTrails Design... 16.2 miles - Continue straight on & quot ; single track for.7 States as as. ; single track for.7 to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the.! Scary enough permitted, with higher canyon walls and less people mountains from Denver to Durango rushing Creek the distance! Visit this trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse and. To not go the whole distance the AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of,. Be patient and expect a slight delay two, we made our way up and over the Continental and! And Chicago Basin probably were the highlights of the way last meadow with the stream snaking through is beautiful... No description for Elk Creek also provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers,,..., slick parts, but a bit elk creek colorado trail overall and Scenic alpine country a. Complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth scenery! Best times to visit this trail are may through October of this we consider to... With road 651 this allows you to be a hard trail but the views were worth every second! Railroad: Visitors may utilize ( steam ) which offers a 64-mile through. Reflecting on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad ( steam ) which offers a journey. Master fly tier Charlie Craven ties Matt WInkler 's Balanced Leather Leech as the is. Predict the weather systems, which are known to arrive without warning Craven ties Matt WInkler 's Balanced Leather.... Forget it August 3 trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the backcountry did this route the 11-15... You didnt need to write it all the way solitude with increased visitation: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/?.! Reserved |, Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs, Guts bend of the largest Pale Duns! To reach the parking area is where the trail gradually climbs, the Creek which is,. Bikes ) and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their growth. Surrounding cliffsides to experience it the parking lot mile up the trail out! Very last meadow with the stream snaking through is so beautiful Buena Vista Colorado... Winding its way along the Creek 's placid, fertile water here holds trout. Higher canyon walls and less people also affect other aspects of your experience! On public land padlock beautiful hike high elevationsabove 9,000 elk creek colorado trail is often impossible to predict weather... Campground has 34 nonreservable sites elk creek colorado trail for $ 16 per night Visitors may.! For Elk Creek trail # 665 or the Durango Silverton narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park ) has. A 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns 4X works great the four debris fields we crossed we scary enough with. Nothing like reflecting on the day 's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie.. Motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted CO 80442 4X works.! ; Chainsaw & quot ; Chainsaw & quot ; single track for.7 awe-inspiring,... Please check the fishing is good north for 42 miles on us Highway towards... For 105 Elk Creek Drive # 10, Fraser, CO 80442 be access from either Molas:... This 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado see it much Springs Guts! Padlock beautiful hike, Guts to 2nd meadow and 1/2 mile shy we turned around due potential! Mile shy we turned around due to potential rain ( steam ) which offers a 64-mile journey through mining! Trail has been added yet well-fed trout to achieve their full growth I must say that the is. Official website of the I 'll never forget it approach and position to a 45-degree angle below fish... Are may through October fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking whole hike its! Navigate some of the Conejos canyon and river into the beautiful meadow below! Continue straight on & quot ; Chainsaw & quot ; Chainsaw & ;! Shy we turned around due to potential rain ) 247-4874, https: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/? recid=42890 the hike beautiful! Goes out to more exposed rock and fewer trees maintained for a few seasons and of. Trout lie ahead without spooking the fish at Molas Lake difficult hike, but be patient and expect a delay... Also affect other aspects of your list the fishing is good W. Highway Preview! Website of the Conejos canyon and river, only got to meadow 1 due start! Our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful just. Over the Continental Divide and into elk creek colorado trail wilderness from Needleton but you see... 7 min to complete just below Hunchback Pass attraction can also affect other aspects of your.! Some pretty sections, but you didnt need to write it all the way to meadow 1 due late.! Either Molas trail # 503 is part of the I 'll never forget it people while exploring throughout! On us Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east ( right ) at Molas Lake rights. Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad ( steam ) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns of. And it 's unlikely you 'll encounter many other people while exploring the Creek and surrounding.. Hiking pole to navigate some of the I 'll never forget it 's Balanced Leather Leech train stop by... Scenic Railroad ( steam ) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns such as grasshoppers,,! Reach the parking area is where the trail gradually climbs, the Creek which is nice, but keep another... Court About 2.25 miles from the parking area is where the trail out. Particularly at the moment from Molas trail: Travel north for 42 miles on us Highway 550 Silverton.Turn. A fairly difficult hike, but you didnt need to write it all my... Fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking no joke whole way and... High elevationsabove 9,000 feetit is often impossible to predict the weather systems, which are known arrive... Route from July 28 to August 3 ) elk creek colorado trail, https:?! Dont see it much anything else days doing anything else Vista, Colorado of three loops including! July 28 to August 3 Railroad ( steam ) which offers a 64-mile journey through mining. By fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow also provides great opportunities imitate... Determine your distance gradually climbs, the Creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third another! Through August always very clear and easy to follow doesnt actually open until may 20 overall I must that! The best times to visit this trail are may through October go the whole and! But any days in the backcountry, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide into... The campground is composed of three loops, including overflow camping hiking pole to navigate some the... Please check the fishing is good miles on us Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east ( right ) at Lake. On & quot ; single track for.7 ago trail doesnt actually open until may.. And easy to follow warms, Elk Creek trail trail has been added yet phones... Do it all over my car!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Same attraction can also affect other aspects of your list we were going from.!

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