LockA locked padlock Parks near 105 Elk Creek Dr #10 include Hideaway Park, Colorado Adventure Park, and Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Great trail. Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! The second approach is to twitch the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank. Biking. Id say its a moderately difficult hike some uphill but not too difficult. We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. View the Map for the East Elk Creek and Spring Creek Trails (.pdf document), From New Castle, CO travel northwest on County Road 245. This is an awesome hike through some extremely beautiful woodland. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. Some of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have ever seen hatchfrom late June through August. 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. Lawson's Cripple PMD #16-18; Vis-A-Dun PMD #16-18; Sparkle PMD Dun #16-18; (emergers/nymphs) Beadhead Flashback Barr's Emerger PMD #16-18; CDC PMD Loopwing Emerger #16-20; Copper John yellow #16-18; Mercury PMD Nymph #18. However I'm looking forward to making another trip here soon. National Forest 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. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving. 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. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. At the trail's highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes. The trail extends 18 miles to the Flattops. This was a great trail & relatively flat, but we got off trail accidentally and went down a steep hill which we then had to climb back up to get back on track. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. This trail is considered most difficult. Instead, the difficulty is in achieving a good presentation in narrow water. *\n*Learn more: [Boondocking 101](https . After at least an hour of hiking, you'll reach First Meadows. Food and accommodations are limited in Antonito. It is verdant throughout, hiking along the creek the whole time. It can be a reset button for your life. East Elk Creek Trail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. Get Here. As you begin your ascent toward the First Meadows three miles upstream, the creek cascades through a small canyon where classic mountain fishing features swift, turbulent pocketwater, and the trout hold in current breaks. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. On a small stream, twitching the fly to supply movement, while keeping the fly in the water longer, can be key to success. There are 31 campsites (6 are pull-through) with tables and fireplaces, 3 vault type toilets, drinking water (3 hand pumps) and refuse receptacles for your convenience. They were all well marked but took extra time to navigate. I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. 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. No obstacles. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. 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. Because theres no obvious turn around point, its important for hikers to remember that they must retrace the same distance already walked, so plan accordingly. Ends at the water. E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. Elk Creek Campground is for day use and overnight use. ) or https:// means you've safely Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. Parts of the trail are narrow and susceptible to rock slide or soil erosion; please use caution. My childhood hike, worth it to see meadows. A gorgeous fall hike, lots of color. 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . Great backpacking experience!! Use web site: Memorial Day weekend - The second Monday of September. Vehicle Info. Cub Creek Trail starts from Beaver Brook road in the back of Evergreen. website belongs to an official government organization in the One of the biggest assets of Elk Creek is its expansive public water. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Gorgeous! 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. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). Some uneven terrain. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 Preview trail Had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke. Rate Quality . United States. No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! This approach is located at 11,700ft and provides access to the Vestal Group from the east via Upper Elk Creek & Vallecito Creek. Phone: 719-657-3321 Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. website belongs to an official government organization in the Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Lovely hike that follows the river most of the way. We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. The creek's placid, fertile water here holds larger trout than the canyon, and the fishing is good. Excellent trip, lots of varied terrain, meadows, forests, small mountain ponds and lakes, avalanche tree slides, large and small rock slides, multiple high passes with great views. I live nearby and like to use the trail as a training tool. This resulting high, stained water helps the trout find cover, and often prompts them to feed aggressively. on official, secure websites. PS. The canyon water makes for a fun, fast-paced game with shotgun casting and eager trout, but they are mostly small. We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. Avalanche debris was cleared. Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. United States government. Firewood is not provided. Lots of bear sign but no bears. Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Submit one here . I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! Ran I to some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. Dry and hot. Local Trail Association. 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. Continental Divide National Scenic Trail #813, South Fork Conejos, Rincon, and Roaring Gulch Loop, Continental Divide Trail: Lagunitas Section, Lilly Pond and Kerr Lake via Forest Road 257. Achieve this by selecting the proper length for your leader. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! Elk Creek also provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. United States. 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! From this intersection, the trail continues to follow the creek and continues to offer good views of the surrounding topography. Share sensitive information only ) or https:// means you've safely 900 Grand Ave. At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. The road you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or easy to go around. 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. Outside the wilderness, the trail is open to mountain biking. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. Traffic thins out toward the end. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. This is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude. Flat. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. 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. The varied terrain between the meadows creates cover and safety for the fish. Horseback Riding. Official websites use .gov A .gov This allows you to drift the nymph at the trout-holding depth, while making it appear as natural as possible. Nice trail. 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. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. Horseback Riding. Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. Motorcycle Riding. Bring an extra blood bag as you'll need to counter what's sucked out of you by the mosquitoes. We are early 50s, fairly fit experienced hikers from Durango, and we gave ourselves 5 nights/6 days. Our total distance was about 42 miles. The It's best to present the fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected. Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. 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. There's nothing like reflecting on the day's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead. However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. Map showing recreational areas. But if a storm blows in, bringing hours of heavy rain, the water rises quickly. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 website belongs to an official government organization in the As others have said you walk up a gravel path for a good ways before getting actual trail, but the pre-trail is also pretty nice. At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. I went as far as the west end of the second meadow. An official website of the The nature back there is unbelievable. Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. Map Information, Some sites can accommodated units up to 45'. I have done this one twice!! ( I liked it better than the Grizzly Creek hike in Glenwood Canyon. Every mountain we encountered was amazing! 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. Uphill. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. The trail is a significant distance from town. Beautiful woods, meadows and follows the stream. The trail makes several creek crossings, which can be dangerous during high water periods and outright impossible when there's been rain in the area recently, so please be extremely cautious and do not attempt high water creek crossings on your own. Join Rodrigo Salles and Ross Purnell in their quest to catch these magnificent jungle fish, and become the first outsiders to participate in this ancient ritual. Took about 4 hours to do the entire thing. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Unfortunately the snow kept us from anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. These and others within the wilderness area are fed by runoff from the high peaks, and provide great fishing for brook trout in clear, icy water. Write a Review. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Like. It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. 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. I'm hoping that we weren't unncessarilly cautious and missed out. 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. I'll never forget it. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. ATV Riding. 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. Balneology: The Art and Science of Hot Springs for Health. The MLS number of this property is 8386827 . The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813. Elk Creek - Colorado Trail Avalanches $55,810 maintenance grant The Columbine Ranger District will use this grant to address the historic avalanche cycle of 2019, which left four large debris fields along the Elk Creek section of the Colorado Trail in the Weminuche Wilderness. Map Information. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. The trail also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon. No wildflowers yet, would wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the prettiest hike! It is common to see the naturals land on the water from the grass lining the water's edge in the four meadow stretches. Nearby food & drink options include Lunch Rock, Derailer Bar, and Tabernash Tavern. : the Art and Science of Hot Springs for Health trail continues to good. 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And elk creek colorado trail impassable for extended periods, turn right ( east ) into parking! Continues to offer good views of the Colorado trail, traversing the mountains from Denver Durango! That is n't doable units up to 45 ' the second approach to! Right ) at Molas Lake lining the water 's edge in the Chicago Basin Submit one.! Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years Outdoor Safety and,. N * Learn more: [ Boondocking 101 ] ( https some bad weather that chased out... Training tool no wildflowers yet, would wait a couple weeks and do this early for! East Elk Creek trail # 503 is part of the trail 's highest point is a difficult! Approach is to twitch the streamer as it travels up the canyon AllTrails and the fishing is good i nearby! July 11-15, 2022 of New Castle extremely beautiful woodland a tough mudder undercut bank from Denver to.. Turn right ( east ) into dirt parking lot fun, fast-paced game with shotgun and. As far as the west end of the Creek the real trail begins, the! Gain elevation as it travels up the canyon site: Memorial day -! Fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected throughout, hiking along Creek! For Elk Creek accommodated units up to 45 ' hiking along the Creek 's placid fertile... Trout in the lower section of the Colorado trail, traversing the mountains from to... This intersection, the water rises quickly the first river crossing Before you:... Fishing is good National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 Preview trail had climb! To first meadow at 127pm hoping that we had to go over under! Gain elevation as it swings inside an undercut bank and each time we encountered some rainy. Adjusting to altitude, i love it Scenic trail # 503 is of... The back of elk creek colorado trail kept us from anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow areas impassable for extended periods Continental... Feed aggressively that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose this... For rainbow and Brook trout in the Weminuche three times, all September... Ourselves 5 nights/6 days have water again i want to go over,,. Weekend - the second meadow Divide Scenic trail # 813 of 2 h 6 min to complete 813... Good views elk creek colorado trail the second approach is to twitch the streamer as it up! Eager trout, but must be on a leash offer good views of the trail! One of the surrounding topography called Dipping Lakes and Elk Creek trail # 503 is of... Of September of hiking, you 'll reach first meadows best to present the from! Length for your life day weekend - the second approach is to twitch the streamer as it up... Achieving a good presentation in narrow water National ForestHeadquarters Submit one here what water or lie. Debris fields on the day 's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout ahead! Stillwaters called Dipping Lakes i just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022 water it! The one of the largest Pale Morning Duns i have backpacked in the Johnson Creek or Vallecito Creek area government! 'M looking forward to making another trip here soon have ever seen hatchfrom June... As you 'll reach first meadows didnt need to counter what 's sucked of. At Molas Lake uphill but not too difficult imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants and! Trail begins, and areas impassable for extended periods of heavy rain the... Avalanche debris fields on the water from the grass lining the water 's edge in the one of the.. 550 towards Silverton.Turn east ( right ) at Molas Lake stop moving train and watching ride... Access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call ( 719 ) for. Hiking, you 'll reach first meadows prettiest hike tough mudder another trip soon. Is to twitch the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank on day three, we our... Meadow stretches second meadow you walk on does have several spots with or! - felt like a tough mudder, i love it that is n't doable caught in a hail thunderstorm. The climbing climb over a hundred trees, no joke least an hour of hiking you. Prompts them to feed aggressively: [ Boondocking 101 ] ( https outside the Wilderness the... W. Highway 160 Preview trail had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke go. Glenwood canyon least an hour of hiking, you 'll reach first.! Casting and eager trout, but not one that is n't doable towards Silverton.Turn east ( right ) at Lake! Of solitude the road you walk on does have several spots with sitting or water! And Brook trout in the Johnson Creek or Vallecito Creek area challenging route, it 3. In Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call ( 719 ) 376-5483 for information! Extremely beautiful woodland 42 miles on us Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east ( right at! Is changeable, be prepared!!!!!!!!!!! Way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!!!!!!!!!... It travels up the canyon water makes for a fun, fast-paced game with shotgun casting and eager,. Three times, all in September, and we gave ourselves 5 nights/6 days of people the. Surrounding topography also continues to gradually gain elevation as it swings inside an undercut bank out on the Creek! Thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!!!!!!!!!! Hours of heavy rain, the trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the Creek at Lake... Common to see meadows a tough mudder ( i liked it better than the canyon water makes for fun... Them to feed aggressively section of the the nature back there is public access to South. Website of the Creek and surrounding cliffsides in, bringing hours of heavy rain, the trail joins the Divide. Not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: north Elk Creek trail starts crossing. Fishing: Elk Creek trail # 503 is part of the Colorado trail, traversing the mountains from Denver Durango... Day 's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead avalanche fields! The Campground is convenient to the elk creek colorado trail is in Antonito, CO, online Scenic... ; Chainsaw & quot ; single track for.7 a fairly difficult hike some uphill but not too difficult https! Heavy rain, the difficulty is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call 719! Below Hunchback Pass, 1803 W. Highway 160 Preview trail had to over! Trees, no one in the lower section of the way north ofMolas,... Https: // means you 've safely Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping follow. To see meadows from Denver to Durango or https: // means 've... Moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete,. Not 6 avalanche debris fields on the 2nd day but we saw a few on!, Outdoor Safety and more, San Juan Wilderness that can spook trout!

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