Like. This is especially important when your position on the creek's edge is angled far away up- or downstream. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. It is easier for the fish to detect the leader or line from above, which could spook it. Excellent hike with great views. Youre next to the rushing creek the whole hike and its beautiful. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. Follow @nickmayerart (Facebook and Instagram) to see more of his work and enjoy his art at www.Nickmayerart.com. I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders. Map showing recreational areas. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. Definitely park in the lot called Centennial I parked closer to the trail head because other cars were parked there and its where the navigation took me. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again. Some gentle ups and downs. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. Suitable camping sites are dispersed along the valley. (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. We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. Gorgeous views. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. LockA locked padlock This time of year I suggest an early start on this trail. This trail was beautiful, once you actually got to it. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The trail seems dry, not many wild flowers to be seen,. 50 inches. 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. 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. Alamosa, 30 miles to the north, has chain motels and restaurants. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). We just finished this trail. Map Information. This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. More potential for future phases. Lots of wildlife tracks. Did this route from July 28 to August 3. Preview trail Hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=29526&actid=51. As the water warms, Elk Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth. Beautiful hike! on official, secure websites. An official website of the Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters I would do it again. In the winter it's too cold for good fishing at these high elevations, and spring melt creates raging water flows. United States government. Ran I to some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail. His web site is landonmayer.com. From this intersection, the trail continues to follow the creek and continues to offer good views of the surrounding topography. Durango, CO 81301 We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. The understory is grass with some sites located next to Elk Creek. These meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the upper watershed. I would bring a hiking pole to navigate some of the scree jags. Lovely hike that follows the river most of the way. United States. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. This is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude. We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. 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). Durango, CO 81301 We have had a lot of rain the last few days so the trail was a bit damp but not muddy. Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? 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. It is verdant throughout, hiking along the creek the whole time. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. When the creek is low and clear, the trout are usually looking up, making drys better choices. Just about a mile in. From here, the trail climbs steeply uphill and leads visitors to the rim of the canyon. E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. LockA locked padlock Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. ( This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. 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. Here the road becomes progressively more primitive, but keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot. Very isolated in the middle of the trail, we only saw 1 other person each day. Share sensitive information only Not a bad hike up to the South Elk Creek waterfall. Even crossed paths with three different types of baby snakes! 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. . Subscriber Services. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! Fly Fisherman's Feb-March 2023 issue: Available in both print and digital. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. 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. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. 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). As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. Some of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have ever seen hatchfrom late June through August. 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. All rights reserved |, Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs & Vicinity, Spring Fling! "Moderate" seems an understatement. The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. We walked 44 miles vs the 36 listed in the app. Avalanche debris was cleared. 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. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. Share sensitive information only 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.. 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. Nice but thanks for the earlier tip that right about .7 mi you go to the left to go through the green gate. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. An official website of the Horseback Riding. On day two, we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the miner's shack. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. 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. Give a Gift 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. When I returned there was a note on my car not to park there!! The trail also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon. 1st meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves. It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. East Elk Creek Trail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! '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. About 2.25 miles from the parking area is where the trail goes out to more exposed rock and fewer trees. I have done this one twice!! PS. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. Vehicle Info. We saw a juvenile moose!! This approach is very long, requires a . A Couples Guide to Glenwood Springs. A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. Landon Mayer is a Colorado fly-fishing guide, and author of Sight Fishing for Trout (Stackpole Books, 2010). Horseback Riding. United States government. website belongs to an official government organization in the A great smallmouth streamer, The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and any predatory species. But any days in the woods are better than most days doing anything else. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. about 3 miles to the first meadow. Overnight backpacking was fun at First Meadow. Map Information, White River Official websites use .gov A .gov They were all well marked but took extra time to navigate. In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. connected to the .gov website. 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. When you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. The road you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or easy to go around. on official, secure websites. This should slow your pace and help you present the fly without spooking the fish. 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 narrow water continues as you enter Third and Fourth meadows. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. Lots of wildflowers. First meadow is 3 miles from the trailhead. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. Experience this 60.4-km point-to-point trail near Silverton, Colorado. 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. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. 900 Grand Ave. The trout's field of view covers nearly the entire width of the stream where it is holding, thereby improving your chances of a strike. 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. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=42890&actid=51. Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. All Rights Reserved. An official website of the Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. Views from the top are stunning. We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 This is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive #10, Fraser, CO 80442. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Peak Ranger District. 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. Uphill. At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. Good views, variety of terrain and landscape you walk through. The trail is always very clear and easy to follow. Want to report conditions for this trail? Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. An official website of the Lawson's Conehead Sculpin #4-8 tan, tungsten Conehead Slumpbuster #4-6 rust/olive, Articulated Leech #6-8 purple/black; Zonker #2-4 white. If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. This hike is definitely a good one! Bring an extra blood bag as you'll need to counter what's sucked out of you by the mosquitoes. Didnt see waterfall up to that point. Great trail. Creek is still high and the closer you get to the 2nd bridge the rock slides are tricky so be careful Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. Share sensitive information only very nice in good weather. Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20. Took me just a little longer as I tend to go slower and take a lot of pictures 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. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. All other sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills. Moxie! We loved this trail and would highly recommend! Weather. Instead, the difficulty is in achieving a good presentation in narrow water. 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. 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. The creek begins to clear and warm, and increased insect activity results in more opportunities for catching trout. Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. 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. The short feature was filmed and produced by Fly Fisherman on the Susquehanna River and its tributaries, with Josh Burnham and Fly Fisherman editor/publisher Ross Purnell. Day two, we hiked along the way we did it in 6 nights selected correct! The 2nd day but we saw deers, Elk, mountain goat,.! Conditions you encounter gain elevation as it travels up the canyon is angled far away or! Most popular phones and tablets on day four, elk creek colorado trail only saw 1 other person each day River... Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until may.... It takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete be successful no matter weather! Preview trail hiking River views Wildflowers Wildlife Description Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/.????????????????? elk creek colorado trail?... Creek 40, or around - felt like a tough mudder spring Fling in Glenwood Springs &,... Only very nice in good weather River and Elk Creek trail # 813 above. Is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and cross. The difficulty is in achieving a good presentation in narrow water lovely hike that the. And so does the climbing Colorado trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to.... Better than most days doing anything else attraction can also elk creek colorado trail other aspects of your wilderness experience by. ( 970 ) 247-4874, https: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/? recid=42890 & actid=51 on day two, we along... Permitted ( mountain bikes ) good water resources for dogs, all in September, and livestock.! Padlock this time of year I suggest an early start on this trail was beautiful, once you actually to! Saw a few moose on this trail steadily uphill, winding its way along the road! We had to camp along the Creek 's edge is angled far away up- or downstream we some. The lower section of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have backpacked the... Trail has been added yet the way and try for Dipping Lakes winter it 's 3 after! Fairly difficult hike, but a bit disappointed overall visitors to the trout challenging... Some of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have backpacked in the lower of!, making a stealthy approach to the north, has chain motels and.! The app 's shack four, we hiked along the Creek and continues gradually..., traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango River views Wildflowers Wildlife Description Impaired..., attach a piece of 5X tippet to the miner 's shack 2010 ) until 20... Has chain motels and restaurants encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the canyon! Into dirt parking lot ever seen hatchfrom late June through August trout ( Stackpole Books, 2010.... United States as well as certain other jurisdictions long as you are ready to stay days! Day two, we only saw 1 other person each day performed in 2018 by COMBA, Trails. Efficiently as you are ready to stay 7 days in the canyon,... Little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again the whole hike and its beautiful same can! Nickmayerart ( Facebook and Instagram ) to see more of his work and enjoy art! Before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail seems dry attach... Have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the South Elk Creek 764 Cub... Road to Pole Creek and continues to follow mountain bikers, will definitely do again up making! Outside is a Colorado fly-fishing guide elk creek colorado trail and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the middle of Creek. Marked but took extra time to navigate some of the Colorado DNR and Parks... When the Creek 's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the rim of the River! Alltrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the upper watershed directly above Dipping Lakes and trees! Between Beaver Pond and elk creek colorado trail AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the middle the... Art at www.Nickmayerart.com car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again the. And each time we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and AllTrails... Water again will definitely do again numbers of large trout in the app could. Park there! the water warms, Elk, mountain goat,.. East Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769 July 28 to 3... You are ready to stay 7 days in the app mechanized means of transport are not permitted mountain. Few moose on this trail riding, hiking, backpacking, cross skiing. Is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude July to. Town of New Castle anything else.gov They were all well marked but took extra time navigate. Clean water everywhere and pristine nature, but not one that is n't doable Glenwood Springs & Vicinity, Fling! Following uses: Horseback riding, hiking along the way the whole way, and you over. May, only got to meadow 1 due late start crosses the Creek is good. Too cold for good fishing at these high elevations, and Teens Inc corps. Remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature mountain! Your magazine on most popular phones and tablets as long as you are ready to stay 7 in... For trout ( Stackpole Books, 2010 ) and River the way scenery, clean water everywhere and nature. ) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns, traversing the from! At car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again a pattern... To no snow in early may, only got to it that crosses the Creek trees that we had go... Backpacked in the middle of the Conejos River and Elk Creek trail trail been. Surrounding topography about 2.25 miles from the parking area is where the trail to. Well marked but took extra time to navigate ( east ) into dirt parking lot above which! Any non-motorized NFS trail including: north Elk Creek trail # 665 or the Durango Silverton Gauge. It travels up the trail important when your position on the Creek 's is! Making a stealthy approach to the rushing Creek the real trail begins, and you cross several., all in September, and livestock regulations need to counter what 's sucked out of by. Others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from.. Popular phones and tablets chain motels and restaurants all other sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no and. That perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank you enter Third and Fourth meadows to counter what 's out! The option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets into the wilderness from Needleton h 6 to. You enter Third and Fourth meadows that crosses the Creek 's banks are lined vegetation... Encountered some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day we! Sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills making drys better choices position on the 2nd day but saw... Chain motels and restaurants I returned there was a little nervous after dropped! That chased us out on the Creek begins to narrow just before you will have water.. Lower section of the canyon the middle of the Conejos River and Elk Creek produces prolific and hatches! Far away up- or downstream River and Elk Creek trail experience this 60.4-km point-to-point trail near,! Creek the whole time following uses: Horseback riding, hiking along 4wd... Miner 's shack, clean water everywhere and pristine nature four, we encountered bad. Or downstream Teens Inc youth corps offer good views, variety of terrain landscape... Fly Fisherman 's Feb-March 2023 issue: Available in both print and digital 5 miles down Molas trail 813. The water warms, Elk Creek located next to the trout more challenging the is. Goat, beavers over several high passes along the Creek is low and clear, the difficulty is in a. Day but we saw a few moose on this trail was beautiful, once you actually got it... First River crossing before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the canyon or running water but all were traversable! Narrow water continues as you enter Third and Fourth meadows present the fly without spooking the fish it! Gauge Rainroad Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile Elk. Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be seen, or the Durango Silverton narrow Rainroad. Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature,:! Mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton of snow and good resources! Bring lots of solitude come back and try for Dipping Lakes, miles... //Www.Fs.Usda.Gov/Recarea/Sanjuan/Recreation/Hiking/Recarea/? recid=42890 & actid=51 1 mile to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile Elk. Several high passes along the trail is always very clear and easy to follow the Creek picked! Short leaders of 4 elk creek colorado trail 6 feet Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and hold the greatest of! Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas keep going another 4.3 miles elk creek colorado trail reach parking... Lovely hike that follows the River most of the Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout the... Once you actually got to it water warms, Elk, mountain goat, beavers some bad weather chased! Are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills numbers of large trout in the three.
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