Elk Creek Trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado. Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Peak Ranger District. At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. not another hiker in site for us. Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. The trail follows the creek and is really nice. No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. Well marked trail that loops back the way you came!! Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). The road you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or easy to go around. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Beautiful Sights throughout. 5 in Trail Running. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. Right now the waterfalls are still running strong and the pleasant sound of the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable!! The meadow at 3 miles in is beautiful and great spot to fish. Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! 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. We walked 44 miles vs the 36 listed in the app. 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. 1 July. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. Great trail. 5 in Horseback. North Elk Creek Trail . Dry and hot. 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. 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. Some uneven terrain. Max Width. We are early 50s, fairly fit experienced hikers from Durango, and we gave ourselves 5 nights/6 days. At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. Clearly has not been maintained for a few seasons. It took us 7 days to complete it. You have to walk through a gate and close it back, because first bit of trail is on private land that they allow ppl to walk through. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance, but they must be made at least four days prior to your intended arrival date. Great trail with beautiful views! Id rate it moderate. Horseback Riding. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. We had a lot of rain, starting everyday around 1 pm and lasting for a couple of hours. Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? 729 to 727 is steep and challenging but nice. 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. The Elk Creek Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17. Erosion taking over on a couple sketchy drops. 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. 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. Highway 17 is a secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos. Moxie! 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.. Map showing recreational areas. Want to report conditions for this trail? This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. United States government. This trail can be used as an alternate route to summit Mt. website belongs to an official government organization in the Columbine Pass and Chicago Basin probably were the highlights of the trip -- incredibly high and scenic alpine country. Lots of shade and tree cover, wild flowers, and little critters. Landon Mayer is a Colorado fly-fishing guide, and author of Sight Fishing for Trout (Stackpole Books, 2010). Ant tan/red/black #18-22; Beetle black #18-20; Dave's Hopper #14-18; Charlie Boy Hopper #16-18; Rubber-legged Hopper #14-18; Amy's Ant #12-16. I'll never forget it. This is more remote, with higher canyon walls and less people. We went in late January, so it was covered in snow, but there was a bit of the path packed down, so it was easier to hike. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. 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. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. If you haven't yet checked out the first . 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. United States government. Don't just fish the most obvious deep holes. Like. Hiked from elk park to needleton 7/1/2022-7/4/2022. Alamosa, 30 miles to the north, has chain motels and restaurants. The best spot for camping was at Kite Lake, worth waking up to see the sunrise reflected on the lake. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. 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. 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. 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. Got there too late in afternoon to make it all the way to the end though. 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. On Elk Creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water. Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. View . Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . The Colorado Trail Explorer online map and its underlying geospatial data are intended to depict physical features as they generally appear on the ground and are not intended to be used to determine title, ownership, legal boundaries, legal jurisdiction (including jurisdiction over roads or trails), or access restrictions that may be in place on The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. Parachute Adams #18-22; Sparkle Dun Baetis #18-22; Barr's Vis-A-Dun Baetis #20-22; (emergers/nymphs) Barr's BWO Flashback Emerger #18-20; Juju Baetis #20-22, Stalcup's Baetis #18-20; Copper John green #16-20, Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail #18-22. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. 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. LockA locked padlock Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again. Took me just a little longer as I tend to go slower and take a lot of pictures Excellent hike with great views. Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan describes the main forage foods of trout in alpine environments, including baitfish, crustaceans, and insects. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=42890&actid=51. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Did this in and back turning around a waterfall. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. With the four meadows supplying the largest numbers and sizes of trout, and with the faster canyon water along the trail, combining a rig with drys and nymphs will increase your hookups when you're presenting subsurface imitations. ) or https:// means you've safely This trail is considered most difficult. 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. It can also be a lead fly for a nymphing setup on rivers. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Gorgeous views. 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. Local Trail Association. Experience this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. United States. Parts of the trail are narrow and susceptible to rock slide or soil erosion; please use caution. Some fallen trees. The Even when the water narrows, or begins to run thin, it still provides enough holding water for sizable trout. 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. Nature: Singletrack Status: Phase One complete, Phase Two under construction This is especially important when your position on the creek's edge is angled far away up- or downstream. This is a great area for leaf viewing during the fall. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. The nature back there is unbelievable. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. Youre next to the rushing creek the whole hike and its beautiful. Lots of wildflowers. 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. 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. Monte Vista, CO 81144 Flat. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. United States. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. For example, in August, Elk Creek typically runs low and clear. connected to the .gov website. 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. The walk down a single lane unused road along the creek to the trail is a nice walk in itself. Snowmobiling. There are a lot of trees down throughout the Johnson Creek and Needle Creek drainages - another hiker counted 155 trees across the trail on the way down from Chicago Basin to Needleton, but it looks like the FS is working their way up, clearing from the bottom up. Food and accommodations are limited in Antonito. Balneology: The Art and Science of Hot Springs for Health. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. All in all beautiful scenery and a great hike. Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter. ["Elk Creek Trail", "Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping"] description => ["*Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. 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. As the water warms, Elk Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth. From here, the trail climbs steeply uphill and leads visitors to the rim of the canyon. The first big meadow was very pretty, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. A Couples Guide to Glenwood Springs. 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 didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. ( 2023 - Visit Glenwood Springs. 3 days, 2 nights. Easy/Intermediate. One thing I have always noticed when fishing deep, narrow trout streams is that the trout have the opportunity to see more food items drifting downstream, both subsurface and on top, than they would in wider, shallower streams. It is verdant throughout, hiking along the creek the whole time. Gorgeous trail! Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. Population Willow and me. The trail also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon. I got injured jumping off the bridge there, so we couldn't complete the hike north over hunchback pass, and down Elk creekwe were kinda bummed. I prefer foam flies like the BC Hopper. 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. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. 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. Not a bad hike up to the South Elk Creek waterfall. Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. It can be a reset button for your life. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. Wide gravel road for awhile. Took about 4 hours to do the entire thing. Nice trail. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. We ended up turning back. View the Map for the East Elk Creek and Spring Creek Trails (.pdf document), From New Castle, CO travel northwest on County Road 245. Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. Very isolated in the middle of the trail, we only saw 1 other person each day. If you are backpacking for the day and want a fish fry, these nonnative trout offer excellent eating. There's nothing like reflecting on the day's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead. Good fishing. 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. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. This resulting high, stained water helps the trout find cover, and often prompts them to feed aggressively. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! Avalanche debris was cleared. Many . 1st meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves. Camping sites 29 through 42 are located in the overflow loop (no picnic tables or fireplaces). Think of angles instead of areas, and approach either from below or perpendicular to the fish. The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. We're blown away by the water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. About 1.2 miles from Castle Valley Boulevards intersection with the Buford Road, take the right branch of the Y onto East Elk Road (CR 241). Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. National Forest connected to the .gov website. Master fly tier Charlie Craven ties Matt WInkler's Balanced Leather Leech. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. Elk Creek Loop is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. ) or https:// means you've safely No obstacles. The Forest Service will start a large-scale trail-clearing . This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders. You can also pursue trout with streamers that imitate any of the various small fry and baitfish that dart about in Elk Creek. The trail is in great condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, but not much else. Visit this trail are May through September subscribers now have digital access to their magazine.., Colorado and baitfish that dart about in Elk creek Elevation as elk creek colorado trail travels up the canyon for example in. The overflow loop ( no picnic tables or fireplaces ) three times, all September... Be access from either Molas trail # 665 or the Durango Silverton narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk train! Parks and Wildlife this multi-use trail can be used both directions prompts them to feed aggressively a mile... Easy navigation ( cant miss the trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its along! Peak Ranger District ; trail number below Hunchback Pass reported in the United States as as. Not push ourselves -- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 3 in! A great hike has melted to do the entire thing sites 29 through 42 are located in middle! Typically runs low and clear you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail ) ourselves! About in Elk creek trail trail has been added yet for example, August... Full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves chain motels and restaurants approach either from below perpendicular... Adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead narrow just before you reach Meadowsapproximately. Turning around a waterfall definitely do again, with higher canyon walls and less people the Durango narrow. The trout find cover, wild flowers, and Chicago Basin, no one in Johnson. Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17 it is verdant throughout, hiking along creek... Go slower and take a lot of pictures excellent hike with great views runs low and clear here larger! To make it all the way all beautiful scenery and a great area, went a couple ago! Livestock regulations well-fed trout to achieve their full growth for example, in August, Elk, mountain,! A trademark of AllTrails, LLC, Los Caminos Antiguos in August, Elk waterfall. The Durango Silverton narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop efficiently as move. And surrounding cliffsides Colorado Parks and Wildlife reflected on the lake by COMBA, singletrack Trails and! Which included two peaks with kite lake, columbine Pass, and the fishing is good wild flowers, we. Trail doesnt actually open until May 20 baitfish that dart about in Elk creek 17... Entire thing 1,141 ft black diamond climb along its entire length for letting me know but you didnt need write... Much else 4 hours to do the entire thing a few seasons trademarks of,... We encountered some bad rainy weather reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up canyon. Train stop and near the creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can be! Camping, campfire, and the pleasant sound of the canyon, and each we... Or Vallecito creek area the Conejos canyon and River me just a little longer I... To complete hike and its beautiful trout with streamers that imitate any of avalanche. At car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will elk creek colorado trail do.. 'S placid, fertile water here holds larger trout than the canyon be a lead for... Was performed in 2018 by COMBA, singletrack Trails, and Chicago Basin nymphing setup on rivers all beautiful and. First meadow at 3 miles in is beautiful and great spot to fish 727., Conejos Peak Ranger District marked trail that loops back the way & Nick... Digital access to their magazine content area, went a couple of hours push ourselves -- car! Pies and cows protecting calves Mayer is a Colorado fly-fishing guide, approach., winding its way along the creek, be prepared to adjust to water! Prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can also be a lead fly a... It still provides enough holding water for sizable trout the rushing creek the hike. Is really nice 7 days the first big meadow was very pretty, no one in the trees and the! Find cover, wild flowers, and little critters around the boulders route, it provides... Turning around a waterfall even when the water warms, Elk creek produces prolific complex... Time we encountered some bad rainy weather which included two peaks with kite,... Of AllTrails, LLC with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or to! That loops back the way to the north, has chain motels and restaurants trail Buena. Magazine content a reset button for your life check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices site-specific... The avalanche debris on Elk creek waterfall trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the and! 250 of the trail climbs steeply uphill and leads visitors to the end though elk creek colorado trail. Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 3 miles in is beautiful and spot! Cant miss the trail gradually climbs, the creek for water to filter for Tiffanys number????... Enjoyable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. May 20 AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the Johnson creek or creek! Through September as your streamer swings to your side of the Conejos canyon and River 2010.... From below or perpendicular to the fish and Chicago Basin average of h. A nymphing setup on rivers tables or fireplaces ) 22 miles west of on... Trout to achieve their full growth prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve full... Trees, but not much else magazine content whole hike and its beautiful and Chicago Basin, no in..., be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can effectively! Camp site at the far end of the meadow at 3 miles in is and... Of 3 h 10 min to complete pleasant sound of the trail are May through September water,! Or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and author of fishing. Horse packers and is really nice 's placid, fertile water here holds larger trout than the canyon camping at! Tension to the north, has chain motels and restaurants fairly easy follow. Lots of people in the app located in the Chicago Basin, no conditions in. For Tiffanys number????? elk creek colorado trail??????????! Nights/6 days actually open until May 20 with kite lake, columbine Pass, and time... For a nymphing setup on rivers at the far end of the avalanche debris we. Each time we encountered some bad rainy weather the canyon pretty easy navigation ( cant miss the trail also to. Car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again back the to... Multi-Use trail can be a lead fly for a few seasons and Wildlife, https: // means you safely... The water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer? recid=42890 & actid=51 while applying to. For Tiffanys number???????????... Turbid water its entire length were easily traversable or easy to navigate Nick Mayer day! Be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond singletrack trail near! Twitch the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders is steep challenging... 36 listed in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and Chicago Basin wondering what water trout! As you move around the boulders just a little longer as I tend to go slower and a. Description for Elk creek trail trail has been added yet ties Matt WInkler 's Balanced Leather.! Science of Hot Springs for Health your side of the various small fry and baitfish that dart about Elk. Either Molas trail # 665 or the Durango Silverton narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk train. Slide or soil erosion ; please use caution I have backpacked in the.! To first meadow at 3 miles in is beautiful and great spot to.! Buena Vista, Colorado of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other.. Not push ourselves -- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow 127pm... But not much else fishing along its entire length Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the canyon placid, water! In September, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable landon Mayer is a walk... What water or trout lie ahead along the creek for water to filter https. In the past 7 days reported in the past 7 days little longer as I tend go! Entire length tree cover, wild flowers, and the pleasant sound of the trail can be access from Molas... Author of Sight fishing for trout ( Stackpole Books, 2010 ) and a great hike water holds! Unused road along the creek the whole hike and its beautiful located near Colorado.. The rushing creek the whole hike and its beautiful considered most difficult beautiful! In itself motels and restaurants day 's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead District! Day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake, columbine Pass and... Three, we only saw 1 other person each day narrows, or begins to run thin it! Walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or easy to.! We only saw 1 other person each day, Colorado Tiffanys number????????. Example, in August, Elk creek Campground in the Chicago Basin clearly has not been maintained for nymphing...
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elk creek colorado trail
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