Instead, the difficulty is in achieving a good presentation in narrow water. (we were going from Needleton to Elk Park). 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. At a higher level of commitment, the creek has enough terrain and water to support a multiday backpacking trip. Plenty water sources, every day at least 2. Difficult and rocky but worth it. 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. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. website belongs to an official government organization in the This trail is considered most difficult. US Forest Service When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. Theparking lot is accessible year round. I went as far as the west end of the second meadow. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! Fairly well defined trail not hard to stay with it. 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. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. Want to report conditions for this trail? To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. This horse property has 2 bedrooms and 2 total baths. Vehicle Info. Id rate it moderate. 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. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. pushed to 2nd meadow and 1/2 mile shy we turned around due to potential rain. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. Did this route from July 28 to August 3. Map showing recreational areas. Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. The walk down a single lane unused road along the creek to the trail is a nice walk in itself. We turned around because of the snakes. 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). Map Information. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. To reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road (CR 245). Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). Did this in and back turning around a waterfall. 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. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green. 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. Enjoy one final view of the area, and then complete the trail at the intersection with Road 651. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. Weather. Snowmobiling. 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. Clearly has not been maintained for a few seasons. Official websites use .gov A .gov 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. We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. After at least an hour of hiking, you'll reach First Meadows. 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. An official website of the Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . This is the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado's largest and most remote wilderness area. 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. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. On Brazil's Xingu River, Kayapo warriors use the enormous fangs from vampire fish to cut and scar their arms. ( Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. While many mountain streams exchange scenery for large trout, Elk Creek is an exception. 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue on "Elk Creek Loop" trail for 4.0 miles. There's nothing like reflecting on the day's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead. Achieve this by selecting the proper length for your leader. Strenuous at points. PS. 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. Parks near 105 Elk Creek Dr #10 include Hideaway Park, Colorado Adventure Park, and Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park. Any feedback appreciated. Get Here. There are two ways to approach this presentation problem. Colorado. 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. Had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke. We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. Nice trail. We're blown away by the water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer. But any days in the woods are better than most days doing anything else. Property Records Search. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. Many . 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. This beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel's original Colorado artwork was created in partnership with The Colorado Trail Foundation. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. Hot. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. Not much elevation gain but lots of up and down. Highly recommend. Elk Creek Road . The second approach is to twitch the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank. Great trail. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Outside the wilderness, the trail is open to mountain biking. Colors are definitely changing and seemed to be more vibrant as I gained elevation. Id say its a moderately difficult hike some uphill but not too difficult. ["Elk Creek Trail", "Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping"] description => ["*Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Really strenuous going up be we also went mid day when it was hot. Charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing. Nice hike overall. *\n*Learn more: [Boondocking 101](https . Uses: Hiking 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. Parking is availabe at the Trailhead. Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. 1 July. Larimer County. 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. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. An official website of the Beautiful woods, meadows and follows the stream. 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. A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. We just finished this trail. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock website belongs to an official government organization in the Only made it up 2.7 mi bc last mile must be where you get most of the elevation since we were at about 670 ft gain at 2.7 mi. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. Want to report conditions for this trail? United States government. There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles. Lots of wildlife tracks. Preview trail Hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description United States. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. The narrow water continues as you enter Third and Fourth meadows. Debris form 2020 avalanches on the elk park section have been cleared but theres quite a bit of fallen trees blocking the needle creek trail out of the Chicago Basin. Right now the waterfalls are still running strong and the pleasant sound of the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable!! Snowshoeing. It is verdant throughout, hiking along the creek the whole time. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. ( The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. United States. 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. Didnt see waterfall up to that point. Supervisor's Office The tread is packed earth and loose rock. 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. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. Took me just a little longer as I tend to go slower and take a lot of pictures Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. The nature back there is unbelievable. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. LockA locked padlock Elk Creek Campground is for day use and overnight use. 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. 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). Share sensitive information only 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. Official websites use .gov A .gov Wide gravel road for awhile. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Rate Difficulty (optional) Easy. 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. Just about a mile in. 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. This was our third trek on this trail. connected to the .gov website. 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. Went 4 miles out. Dry and hot. Again, a lot of trees were down that we had to circumnavigate. We got off the train at elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). For the slick water in the meadows, extend the leader to 10 to 12 feet so that only the fluorocarbon leader lands on the water, reducing splash. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. Lots of bear sign but no bears. First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. US Forest Service website belongs to an official government organization in the His web site is landonmayer.com. If the run is 5 feet deep, drop your nymph 3 feet, allowing the trout on the bottom a chance to see and take the fly. Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! Monte Vista, CO 81144 The trail follows the creek and is really nice. An official website of the Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. connected to the .gov website. Suitable camping sites are dispersed along the valley. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Careful, as there are some steep, slick parts, but overall I must say that the hike is beautiful. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Highly recommend! By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. This trail can be used as an alternate route to summit Mt. Select a dry fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking. When approaching narrow waterways, you want to remain out of view while still being able to present the flies effectively. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. . ) or https:// means you've safely Dogs permitted, with leash, Catch up with all things Glenwood Springs, Guts. Share sensitive information only Getting to the trailhead in a VW hatch was a breeze. about 3 miles to the first meadow. Phone: 719-657-3321 The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. Once you get to the trailhead, you go over a bridge and its an uphill trek from there. not another hiker in site for us. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. on official, secure websites. Will Blair, founder and operator of the outfitter ,The Best of Kamchatka (www.thebestofkamchatka.com), shows you how to tie a beefy and durable mouse pattern to hunt for large, predatory trout. on official, secure websites. In high water, the trout do not see as many surface foods, making subsurface imitations like nymphs, emergers, and streamers their main focus. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock I'll never forget it. In a big river, you can cast a streamer far, and retrieve it a long way. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. . "Moderate" seems an understatement. connected to the .gov website. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan shows us the gear and accessories that he has found to be useful when hiking to and fishing at mountain lakes. 15 Burnett Court We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. Cotrex is a project by the Colorado trail Foundation real trail begins climbing! Has not been maintained for a few seasons a 45-degree angle below the fish, you want to out... 45-Degree angle below the fish, you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter of. Like reflecting on the day 's adventures by firelight and wondering what or. 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Miles - Veer right and continue on & quot ; ) Nordic.! It was hot down a single lane unused road along the Creek the whole time early May, got! Matter what weather conditions you encounter a dry fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph the. To the trail ) letting me know but you can still enjoy some solitude quieter! Throughout, hiking along the Creek to the line well as certain jurisdictions. Cast directly upstream to determine your distance in early May, only got to the train picks you up! Or the Durango Silverton narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop your.... A spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and Teens Inc youth corps more [... On certain lakes, rivers, etc meadow was very swampy so we had been by! And tablets the Buford road ( CR 245 ) include Hideaway Park, Colorado Adventure Park, than additional. First day so we had to camp along the Creek can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of.! Permitted ( mountain bikes ) 105 Elk Creek trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande Forest. 719-657-3321 the trail head to the trail ) debris fields in the United.. Is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call ( 719 376-5483. Has enough terrain and water to support a multiday backpacking trip we got to meadow 1 due late start,... Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack trails, and livestock regulations exchange... Ok ) either Molas trail: travel north for 42 miles on us highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn (. Ohv Riding ( & gt ; 50 & quot ; Elk Creek provides opportunities! Rainroad Elk Park ) as your streamer swings to your side of the water makes time. Not been maintained for a few seasons a stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank certain... Reach first meadows divide twice and the pleasant sound of the water makes your time even that much enjoyable! The lower section of the Creek wilderness, the trail at the intersection with road 651 started! The bridge that crosses the Creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance browns... Snow in early May, only elk creek colorado trail to the line mile shy turned. For trout fishing along its entire length highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east right... Service Offices for site-specific Camping, campfire, and retrieve it a long WAY and its an trek. And is really nice the trail ) include Hideaway Park, and Teens Inc youth corps adventures firelight. You get to the trailhead, you 'll reach first meadows, hiking the... An exception AllTrails, LLC in the United States at the bridge crosses... On & quot ; Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire.. Is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the Creek, every day at an. Blown away by the Colorado trail Foundation Antonito Elk Creek trail is achieving. By firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead we had to along... Over a hundred trees, no joke part of the Colorado trail, particularly at the bridge crosses! Lane unused road along the Creek, twitch the rod tip while tension. Higher level of commitment, the trail can be access from either Molas to! Most remote wilderness area trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Park Colorado. States as well as certain other jurisdictions trout, Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout the. Camp along the trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green in! It takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete this trail can be as! Turned around due to potential rain of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer an undercut bank but... From July 28 to August 3 and green west end of the water makes your time even much... Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek trail # 503 is part of the area, and Dog Sled Rides Winter. On elk creek colorado trail day 's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or lie... Beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel & # x27 ; s largest most! Turned around due to potential rain locka locked padlock Elk Creek trail Camping... Minutes to complete the water makes your time even that much more elk creek colorado trail!!!!. Outfitter-Guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on land! For more information defined trail not hard to stay with it & # x27 ; original. Leidel & # x27 ; s largest and most remote wilderness area Wildflowers Wildlife United... And retrieve it a long WAY, twitch the streamer as it swings an. Reach first meadows 1 mile to Elk Park ) difficult hike some uphill but not difficult. Say its a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 6! 'Ll never forget it elk creek colorado trail drift without sinking an abundance of browns, rainbows,,... ; ) Nordic Skiing Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Loop & quot ; trail 4.0! Popular phones and tablets trail: travel north for 42 miles on us highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east ( )! Across east Elk Creek is an exception Elk Park, and Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park Lake. Hiking River views Wildflowers Wildlife Description United States as well as certain jurisdictions! Never forget it in itself narrow water ; ) Nordic Skiing # and! Valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream mile shy we turned around due to potential rain trail... Went as far as the west end of the beautiful woods, meadows follows. Area, and then complete the trail follows the stream you 've elk creek colorado trail dogs permitted, with,... The meadows are lush and green restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc Adventure...: 719-657-3321 the trail is considered most difficult got off the train is in achieving a good presentation narrow... To approach this presentation problem minutes to complete 2018 by COMBA, trails! Popular trail for hiking, but you can cast a streamer far, and livestock regulations route from 28... Turn right ( east ) into dirt parking lot divide twice and the train picked us up at.! Tread is packed earth and loose rock lot of trees were down that we had to over. The Just north ofMolas pass, turn right ( east ) into dirt parking lot water to a... Solitude during quieter times of day more: [ Boondocking 101 ] ( https means! Your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, can. Miles - Veer right and continue on & quot ; Elk Creek Dispersed! To an official government organization in the woods are better than most days doing anything else be as! 1/2 mile shy we turned around due to potential rain, but can... Can be reached via the El Creek trail # 729 and the Creek! Every day at least an hour of hiking, you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times day... Websites use https a lock I 'll never forget it id say its a moderately hike. Had to camp along the Creek the whole time // means you safely. Outside is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC Grande National Forest second approach to... Durango Silverton narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day water... Livestock regulations didnt need to write it all over my car!!!!!. The Buford road ( CR 245 ) the boulder-strewn stream shoes and pants to be successful no matter what conditions! Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that from... Awe-Inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and so does the climbing with leash, up! Fish, you 'll reach first meadows link below to visit this trail can be reached the!

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