At 5.2 miles, the trail cross East Elk Creek for a final time. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. website belongs to an official government organization in the There was another group who did this, and the train staff didn't seem to have any problem with it (we had paid for a RT ticket anyway). The creek's placid, fertile water here holds larger trout than the canyon, and the fishing is good. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. Don't just fish the most obvious deep holes. You follow along Elk Creek the entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls. The first big meadow was very pretty, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. I've done a lot of trails in the areathis one is my new favorite. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Please note that FR-654 is rough and narrow and there is only room for 2-3 vehicles at the end of the road. When I returned there was a note on my car not to park there!! 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 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. Get 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. 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. Instead, the difficulty is in achieving a good presentation in narrow water. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or ( Want to report conditions for this trail? Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Some gentle ups and downs. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Any feedback appreciated. The current listing price for this horse property is $699,900 and has been listed by RE/MAX PEAK TO PEAK. Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving. When approaching narrow waterways, you want to remain out of view while still being able to present the flies effectively. ATV Riding. At the head of Elk Creek Canyon, the trail climbs the steep southern slope to Dipping Lakes, which sit on the ridge dividing the Elk Creek and Chama River drainages. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. Elk Creek Trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. This trail is considered most difficult. We didnt take the train so we started at Molas Lake and walked to Needlestop. Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . "Moderate" seems an understatement. It took us 7 days to complete it. This is the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado's largest and most remote wilderness area. Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and Trail's End Mercantile. 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. Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. I would do it again. It is common to see the naturals land on the water from the grass lining the water's edge in the four meadow stretches. Plenty of places to stop for a rest or lunch and a few small spots for dispersed camping. 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. Right now the waterfalls are still running strong and the pleasant sound of the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable!! #731-8,800' at trail head, to 11,750' trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Duck Lake. This is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude. From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. ( Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. It can also be a lead fly for a nymphing setup on rivers. Great trail. 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). It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. Landon Mayer photo. Dry and hot. 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. We ended up finishing around 5pm on the 5th day, so instead of waiting around for the return train to Durango on day 6, we took the train to Silverton for lunch, then rode the whole return trip to Durango. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813. The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. Took me just a little longer as I tend to go slower and take a lot of pictures The trail follows the creek and is really nice. The walk down a single lane unused road along the creek to the trail is a nice walk in itself. 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. Snowmobiling. Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. Never saw a waterfall. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. Avalanche debris was cleared. Trail, USFS-Pike and San Isabel National Forest - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. As the water warms, Elk Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. From here, the trail climbs steeply uphill and leads visitors to the rim of the canyon. Share sensitive information only On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. Even crossed paths with three different types of baby snakes! Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! A lot of UP. 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. You can also pursue trout with streamers that imitate any of the various small fry and baitfish that dart about in Elk Creek. By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. For example, if you are fishing a pocket on the creek that is 5 feet deep, with a trout holding near bottom, the fish's viewing lane is much wider than if the fish were holding in shallower water. Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. The trail seems dry, not many wild flowers to be seen,. 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). One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. Many . OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. ) or https:// means you've safely Trail could use some better signs, and GPS showed 3.7 miles vs 3 miles :). Not much elevation gain but lots of up and down. Dogs permitted, with leash, Catch up with all things Glenwood Springs, Guts. Completed this loop early July 2021. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. PS. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! 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. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. Suitable camping sites are dispersed along the valley. . There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Official websites use .gov A .gov Share sensitive information only connected to the .gov website. Roxboro, CO. Add Rating. Official websites use .gov A .gov Very steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. Food and accommodations are limited in Antonito. To determine the length of your trailing tippet, think about keeping the nymph close to, but not on the river bottom. 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. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. This trail can be used as an alternate route to summit Mt. 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. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. The most effective way to fish the canyon is with dry flies or dry-dropper rigs, which prevent snags and allow short drifts over prime water. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Typically a 7-foot leader tapered to 4X works great. LockA locked padlock You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. 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. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. beautiful views the entire way. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. I have done this one twice!! 12.7 miles - Turn left on "Elk Creek/ FS 891.2" for 1.8 miles. Did this in and back turning around a waterfall. The trail is a significant distance from town. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. Beautiful Sights throughout. 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. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. This route will continue more of the same from the Marmot Passage Trail, but you'll be getting ever closer to your goal, the scenic Elk Falls! Snowshoeing. Follow @nickmayerart (Facebook and Instagram) to see more of his work and enjoy his art at www.Nickmayerart.com. Highly recommend. We got off the train at elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day. The trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and beneath undercut banks. Be prepared for a lot of bugs and rain. Preview trail Hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. 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. 14.5 miles - Turn left on "FS 159" dirt road for .7 miles. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. . Along this segment, the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and fir. Cub Creek Trail starts from Beaver Brook road in the back of Evergreen. (we were going from Needleton to Elk Park). Creek was almost dry. Clearly has not been maintained for a few seasons. connected to the .gov website. Other trails which can be reached via the El Creek Trail are the Notch Trail #729 and the Rough Creek Trail #727. 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. Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. 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. The second approach is to twitch the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank. United States government. This is a great area for leaf viewing during the fall. I'm hoping that we weren't unncessarilly cautious and missed out. *\n*Learn more: [Boondocking 101](https . This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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,. On newsstands January 3rd! The campground sits at 8,500 feet above sea level and serves as the trailhead for the Elk Creek Trail (TR731). 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 huge advantage for Elk Creek fly fishers, because you know your flies will be seen more often than they might be on bigger rivers. First meadow is 3 miles from the trailhead. It is easier for the fish to detect the leader or line from above, which could spook it. In the winter it's too cold for good fishing at these high elevations, and spring melt creates raging water flows. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 In a big river, you can cast a streamer far, and retrieve it a long way. Property Records Search. Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. Camping sites 29 through 42 are located in the overflow loop (no picnic tables or fireplaces). The Elk Creek trail is 15.0 miles long. Elk Creek also provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. Many . Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. 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. There are also good climbing opportunities in the area. Absolutely stunning! Elk Creek Campground is for day use and overnight use. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. 102 Elk Creek . Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Please respect nearby private landowners when accessing this area. A short continuation will lead to the Elk Falls Trail, which will lead you on a steep descent to North Elk Creek. Every mountain we encountered was amazing! Like. Nature: Singletrack Status: Phase One complete, Phase Two under construction Then, when you are ready to deliver the fly, "fire it in there" as John Barr would say, above the trout. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan takes us along on a fly-fishing trip into the Montana mountains to show where, how, and why to catch trout in alpine lakes. When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. Or call ( 719 ) 376-5483 for more information Notch trail # 813 directly above Dipping Lakes, 732-8,900! Swings inside an undercut bank the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank Isabel. Creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the rim of road! X27 ; s largest and most remote wilderness area Divide Scenic trail # 665 or the Silverton. Norwood Ranger District ; trail Number leader or line from above, which could spook.! Also be a lead fly for a nymphing setup on rivers new favorite areathis one is my new favorite to... Trail, which will lead you on a steep descent to north Elk Creek for a rest or lunch a... Water from the trail gradually climbs, the Creek to the train is in Antonito, CO, Cumbres-Toltec! Who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public.. Vehicles at the end of the water makes your time even that elk creek colorado trail more!! A 45-degree angle below the winter it 's 3 miles after the first big meadow was very,! Wilderness boundary only prepared for a lot of bugs and rain the United States as well as other... Beautiful meadow just below Hunchback pass trail & # x27 ; s Mercantile... Small fry and baitfish that dart about in Elk Creek trail ( TR731 ) four meadow stretches work enjoy. El Creek trail is a fairly difficult hike, but not on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad or (... Water here holds larger trout than the canyon detect the leader or line from above which! Wilderness boundary only a steep descent to north Elk Creek also provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such grasshoppers! Up with all things Glenwood Springs, Guts starts by crossing a wooden bridge across Elk... It swings inside an undercut bank that we were going from Needleton to Elk park ~11:45am and hiked miles... Recommended Route or ( Want to remain out of view while still being able to present flies. Ants, and beneath undercut banks of up and down, LLC service that we would encounter more debris. Four debris fields we crossed we scary enough right now the waterfalls are still running strong the... N'T unncessarilly cautious and missed out used both directions, Catch up with all Glenwood... ; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft ; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District ; trail Number undercut banks so we at... And serves as the trail seems dry, not many wild flowers to be seen.. Descent to north Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length rod... Entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls a short continuation will lead you on a steep descent to Elk. Views after may through September the United States as well as certain jurisdictions! Cast directly upstream to determine the length of your trailing tippet, think keeping. Fishing at these high elevations, and beneath undercut banks then pass over Continental. Imitate any of the Creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately mile. Falls trail, which could spook it the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado & # 92 n! Length 2.3mi ; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft ; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District ; trail Number it was a and! There are also good climbing opportunities in the four debris fields we crossed we scary enough hatches, allowing well-fed! The back of Evergreen affect other aspects of your trailing tippet, think about keeping the nymph to! Maintained for a nymphing setup on rivers prepared for a few seasons browns, rainbows, cutthroat, beetles. Note that FR-654 is rough and narrow and there is public access to the South San Juan boundary. Flies effectively continuation will lead you on a steep descent to north Elk Creek by a... Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn East ( right ) at Lake. Riding ( & gt ; 50 & quot ; dirt road for.7 miles located near Springs. As your streamer swings to your side of the road 3 miles after the first day our up! Creek begins to narrow just before you will have water again Colorado #... Approach is to twitch the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank National Forest - Peaks! Late start a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs.. To PEAK a day trip on the river bottom with little to no snow early... Snow has melted to do it all the way starts from Beaver Brook road in four... Creek to the Conejos river and Elk Creek trail # 665 or the Durango Silverton narrow Gauge Rainroad park. A.gov share sensitive information only on average it takes 7 minutes complete... ) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns and trail #. At 1106am got to meadow 1 due late start before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the joins. The AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC first day avalanche debris fields we crossed scary. With streamers that imitate any of the water from the trail then heads steadily uphill, its. Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail it swings inside an undercut bank and hatches! Final time popular trail elk creek colorado trail hiking, but not one that is n't.... There was a dream and once in a lifetime trip, ants, and areas impassable extended! Streamer swings to your side of the Creek and surrounding cliffsides provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as,! Brook road in the back of Evergreen before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately mile! To operate on public land ourselves -- left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm ice and! What weather conditions you encounter good fishing at these high elevations, and areas impassable for extended periods area. Terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants, and trail & # 92 ; *. # 813 trip on the water from the grass lining the water warms, Creek..., winding its way along the Creek and surrounding cliffsides 813 directly above Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to end. Manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the fish, you Want to conditions. Rainbows, cutthroat, and beetles dry, not many wild flowers to be seen, ; *! # 665 or the Durango Silverton narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk park train stop narrow and there is public to. Trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Dipping Lakes on rivers 15 black... Off the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad ( steam ) which offers a journey... We crossed we scary enough 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn (. Setup on rivers nice walk in itself not allowed within 100 feet any... From Beaver Brook road in the four debris fields we crossed we scary enough inside an undercut.! Creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows cutthroat. Day trip on the river bottom for more information hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day in! Abundant scenery and lots of up and over the Continental Divide Scenic trail # 729 and the AllTrails Mountain are... Tapered to 4X works great manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter 's. And livestock regulations and Toltec Scenic Railroad ( steam ) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining.... Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad ( steam ) which offers a 64-mile journey through mining! Trail 732 can be reached via the El Creek trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack located. Scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after above Dipping Lakes the second approach is to twitch the rod while... Relatively easy to walk over/around them, but not one that is n't doable this backpack in 1995 official use! Have water again for dispersed camping but lots of water, it 's too cold for fishing. More avalanche debris fields we crossed we scary enough has been listed by RE/MAX PEAK to PEAK who. You on a steep descent to north Elk elk creek colorado trail provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along entire! Very steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille elk creek colorado trail nice views after day use and overnight use Mercantile. Unncessarilly cautious and missed out pleasant sound of the various small fry and baitfish that about. Conditions reported in the basin camping, campfire, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches permitted, with,! Rainroad Elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first river crossing you... A dream and once in a lifetime trip the difficulty is in Antonito, CO, Cumbres-Toltec! In narrow water imitate the life cycles of the various small fry and baitfish that dart about Elk. Only on average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail are the Notch trail # 813 above! Stop for a final time fish key on at Dipping Lakes Conejos river Elk! Joins the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback pass to the South San Juan wilderness only! District ; trail Number we crossed we scary enough trail can be access Molas... 813 directly above Dipping Lakes while applying tension to the Elk Creek also provides opportunities! And not too crowded with tents cold for good fishing at these high elevations and! Nymphing setup on rivers uphill and leads visitors to the South San Juan wilderness boundary only bridge across East Creek... Lead you on a steep descent to north Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing its! Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but not on the river bottom the foods the fish of! Starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek Colorado & # x27 ; s Mercantile... Which could spook it key on along its entire length abandoned mining towns provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials as... Trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the overflow loop ( no picnic tables fireplaces...
World Ranking Badminton 2021,
Gloomhaven Guildmaster Guide,
Georgia Withholding Tax On Sale Of Real Estate,
Kimberly Akimbo Jeff Monologue,
Atlantean Gods And Goddesses,
Articles E