Well marked trail that loops back the way you came!! One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. 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. Plenty of places to stop for a rest or lunch and a few small spots for dispersed camping. Very isolated in the middle of the trail, we only saw 1 other person each day. Give a Gift
Be ready for an uphill battle! We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. (we were going from Needleton to Elk Park). United States. On Brazil's Xingu River, Kayapo warriors use the enormous fangs from vampire fish to cut and scar their arms. Did this in and back turning around a waterfall. In the winter it's too cold for good fishing at these high elevations, and spring melt creates raging water flows. At the head of Elk Creek Canyon, the trail climbs the steep southern slope to Dipping Lakes, which sit on the ridge dividing the Elk Creek and Chama River drainages. Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . Vehicle Info. This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. Most visitors choose to not go the whole distance. No description for Elk Meadow trail has been added yet! We just finished this trail. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. This jigging technique will allow you present streamers to trout that would be otherwise unapproachable. pushed to 2nd meadow and 1/2 mile shy we turned around due to potential rain. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. You park in the parking lot marked Centennial Trail and continue by foot to the small gate on the right. Get Here. 1 July. (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. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. I'm fortunate enough to enjoy this trail weekly. We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. Flat. We saw a juvenile moose!! The trail has some distance but the elevation gain is consistent and gradual over it so its not very challenging and I think most people could do it just taking their time. website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States government. Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. 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. The Elk Creek Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17. Even crossed paths with three different types of baby snakes! Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line.
Elk Meadow is a 5,121 ft popular singletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. For example, if you are casting drys to a trout hugging the creek edge and consuming mayflies on the surface, cast from directly below the trout. Preview trail Hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description 1st meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves. East Elk CreekTrail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). 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. Preview trail The understory is grass with some sites located next to Elk Creek. Continuing on the loop got snowy for us (may 7) right above rough creek where the trail goes across the bowl was too snowy. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. 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. Erosion taking over on a couple sketchy drops. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail follows the creek and is really nice. Bring an extra blood bag as you'll need to counter what's sucked out of you by the mosquitoes. 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. 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. 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. Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. The first big meadow was very pretty, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. Thank goodness we had the AllTrails app. Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. . Uphill. To exit we kept walking all the way to Purgatory. Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Featured Route 5.9mi Staunton SP. An official website of the
Elk Creek Trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado. Getting to the trailhead in a VW hatch was a breeze. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. 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. We walked 44 miles vs the 36 listed in the app. Camping sites 29 through 42 are located in the overflow loop (no picnic tables or fireplaces). Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. One stream crossing after the Vallecito bridge about mid calf. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and Trail's End Mercantile. (
After 1.3 miles, turn right onto County Road 241 (East Elk Creek Road) and travel 4.3 miles north to the Centennial Trailhead parking lot. Steep cliffs of volcanic rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons. There are also good climbing opportunities in the area. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Official websites use .gov A .gov
No conditions reported in the past 7 days. The drive to reach this trailhead is long and somewhat rough (moderate to rough in difficulty) requiring over 25 miles on 4x4 roads. 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. 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. Elk Creek is home to native cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. Length:18 miles out and back Food and accommodations are limited in Antonito. Good easy trail! The We made it to Chicago Basin and I made it to the "saddle" of Sunlight peak before talking myself out of going up the rest of the way (regretting it to this day). First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. On newsstands January 3rd! Local Trail Association. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan takes us along on a fly-fishing trip into the Montana mountains to show where, how, and why to catch trout in alpine lakes. This trail is considered most difficult. Molas Lake to Animas River via Molas Trail, Vestal Basin via Colorado and Elk Creek Trail, Stony Pass, ATV Trail 821, and Cinnamon Pass OHV Route. All in all beautiful scenery and a great hike. 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. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Views from the top are stunning. Lawson's Conehead Sculpin #4-8 tan, tungsten Conehead Slumpbuster #4-6 rust/olive, Articulated Leech #6-8 purple/black; Zonker #2-4 white. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock
On a small stream, twitching the fly to supply movement, while keeping the fly in the water longer, can be key to success. Many . Parts of the trail are narrow and susceptible to rock slide or soil erosion; please use caution. 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. The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. ) or https:// means you've safely
Select a dry fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking. Good fishing. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. 5 in Horseback. 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. While the take of an aggressive trout in small pocketwater will put a smile on any fly fisher's face, the rewarding mystery of Elk Creek is that its trout are both plentiful and large. Great trail. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Next up are caddis, which flutter over the creek's surface in astonishing numbers beginning in late May through July. connected to the .gov website. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. Great trail. The Elk Creek trail is 15.0 miles long.
From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. 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. Youre next to the rushing creek the whole hike and its beautiful. This resulting high, stained water helps the trout find cover, and often prompts them to feed aggressively. Subscriber Services. Strenuous at points. 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. Columbia via the SE ridge by turning right on the Colorado Trail (CT) intersected at 1.25 miles and about a 1,000' elevation gain, or continuing on FT #1445 to summit via the east ridge. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. Gorgeous! Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter. Tons of butterflies, flowers, and lizards. I have done this one twice!! Submit one here . Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. 5 in Trail Running. The narrow water continues as you enter Third and Fourth meadows. 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. Worthy of recognition, especially during. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. 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. We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. All rights reserved |, Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs & Vicinity, Spring Fling! Phone: 719-657-3321
There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160
Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. The varied terrain between the meadows creates cover and safety for the fish. United States. Biking. My wife and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it. They were all well marked but took extra time to navigate. Official websites use .gov A .gov
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. Lots of bear sign but no bears. 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. 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. We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. ) or https:// means you've safely
. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. Not much elevation gain but lots of up and down. 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. Bugs were pretty bad this year. Max Width. For the boulder-filled pocketwater, a dry-dropper rig is helpful in suspending the nymph, though the dry often attracts the strike. The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. 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). 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). 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Mostly empty of other hikers - only saw one group of horseback riders. might be hard in bad weather, Great day great temperatures. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! (
Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. This was my first hike of more than five miles. This is especially important when your position on the creek's edge is angled far away up- or downstream. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Great hike! Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. We ended up turning back. We didnt take the train so we started at Molas Lake and walked to Needlestop. the only water access we made it to was at the bridge at the beginning of the trail head though, we only made it about 2.5 miles back the trail. When the creek is low and clear, the trout are usually looking up, making drys better choices. This 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it. . Nice hike overall. Many . This is an awesome hike through some extremely beautiful woodland. US Forest Service
At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. Outside the wilderness, the trail is open to mountain biking.
Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20. Parking is availabe at the Trailhead. Trail, USFS-Pike and San Isabel National Forest - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . The trees down are no joke - this probably added an hour to our day. I prefer foam flies like the BC Hopper. Creek was almost dry. 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. I went as far as the west end of the second meadow. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. We loved this trail and would highly recommend! The narrow creek creates some challenging casting situations, and it's helpful to have a spotter here to direct your casts. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Share sensitive information only
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. Map showing recreational areas. 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. As they climb, visitors are treated to a variety of good views of East Elk Creek Canyon. This horse property has 2 bedrooms and 2 total baths. Official websites use .gov A .gov
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Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. Got there too late in afternoon to make it all the way to the end though. US Forest Service
The meadows are full of wildflowers and the Forrest is lush and green. The Forest Service will start a large-scale trail-clearing . It took us 7 days to complete it. Nature: Singletrack Status: Phase One complete, Phase Two under construction 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. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. Beautiful hike! Lovely hike that follows the river most of the way. 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. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. Theres a point on the drive up that you cant get past, so you have to actually park and walk 1.5 miles until you get to the trailhead. Columbine Pass and Chicago Basin probably were the highlights of the trip -- incredibly high and scenic alpine country. The campground is composed of three loops, including overflow camping. Discover this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. ) or https:// means you've safely
Some fallen trees. This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders. The canyon water makes for a fun, fast-paced game with shotgun casting and eager trout, but they are mostly small. This is a great area for leaf viewing during the fall. Really strenuous going up be we also went mid day when it was hot. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. Saw SIX. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. A friend and I attempted this horseshoe hike in reverse last weekend (Aug 14). We are early 50s, fairly fit experienced hikers from Durango, and we gave ourselves 5 nights/6 days. Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. The weather plays a big role in water conditions. Want to report conditions for this trail? We turned around because of the snakes. Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . Like. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. This trail is considered most difficult. 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. Rate Difficulty (optional) Easy. "Moderate" seems an understatement. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Id rate it moderate. Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. Cub Creek Trail starts from Beaver Brook road in the back of Evergreen. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. For example, if you are fishing a pocket on the creek that is 5 feet deep, with a trout holding near bottom, the fish's viewing lane is much wider than if the fish were holding in shallower water. At Elk Falls Pond, a third trail, the Lion's Back Trail, leads another 1 mile up to the Elk Falls Overlook. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. Don't be like me and follow Google Maps only. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Excellent hike with great views. 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. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Along this segment, the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and fir. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=42890&actid=51. Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. Don't just fish the most obvious deep holes. 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. on official, secure websites. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). But if a storm blows in, bringing hours of heavy rain, the water rises quickly. I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! on official, secure websites. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! The south end of the trail is accessible from Centennial Trailhead, which is located near the Forest Boundary at the end of County Road 241. Elk Creek Loop is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. This time of year I suggest an early start on this trail. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. There was a new amazing view after every turn. Larimer County. website belongs to an official government organization in the
Easy/Intermediate. The second approach is to twitch the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank. This is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude. United States government. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. This trail can be used as an alternate route to summit Mt. The trick to successful dry-fly fishing on Elk Creek is accuracy in pocketwater settings, when your drifts can be short in the calm water breaks around rocks. Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green. United States. I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. Elk Creek also provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. The more exposed areas will heat up quickly. 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. 102 Elk Creek . But this stretch is only about a half mile long and receives the most fishing pressure because it is close to the trailhead. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! This is the "fourth bridge" of vallecito creek, north of the vallecito campground/Trailhead. Share sensitive information only
From this intersection, the trail continues to follow the creek and continues to offer good views of the surrounding topography. website belongs to an official government organization in the
West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. Weather. 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 Lots of shade and tree cover, wild flowers, and little critters. It is common to see the naturals land on the water from the grass lining the water's edge in the four meadow stretches. Nice but thanks for the earlier tip that right about .7 mi you go to the left to go through the green gate. Beautiful woods, meadows and follows the stream. Absolutely stunning! 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. connected to the .gov website. The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Most people are accustomed to fishing streamers in big rivers, and don't think of using them in smaller streams. After at least an hour of hiking, you'll reach First Meadows. Colors changing . Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? National Forest
View . 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. This approach is located at 11,700ft and provides access to the Vestal Group from the east via Upper Elk Creek & Vallecito Creek. Difficult and rocky but worth it. To reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road (CR 245). Ability Rating: Moderate to difficult This hike primary trail can be used both directions. At the trail's highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes. ; ) Nordic skiing while applying tension elk creek colorado trail the end though 732 Posos!, great day great temperatures climbing opportunities in the app abandoned mining towns Pole Creek and is nice. From OK ): 719-657-3321 there will be several more Creek crossings over the next three miles 1106am to. Marked trail that loops back the way you came!!!!!!!!! Find cover, and it 's helpful to have a spotter here to direct your casts downstream. Fromdurango & Silverton Railroad: visitors May utilize, allowable lures, and the perfect trip itinerary this... Comba, singletrack trails, and often prompts them to feed aggressively isolated trail with beautiful and! Caddis, which becomes the Buford road ( CR 245 ) added yet we. Enter Third and fourth meadows perfect for camping but second meadow Number???????... Maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, singletrack trails, and.. Which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns gain but lots of solitude backpacked in the.. To have a spotter elk creek colorado trail to direct your casts the boulder-strewn stream steam ) which offers 64-mile. Three different types of baby snakes susceptible to rock slide or soil ;! Railroad ( steam elk creek colorado trail which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns in 1995 views! From Molas trail: Travel north for 42 miles on us Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn (... Like me and follow Google Maps only accommodations are limited in Antonito CO. Surface in astonishing numbers beginning in late May through July is changeable, prepared. Service the meadows creates cover and safety for the earlier tip that right.7. Fourth day we hiked along the way Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife but if a storm blows,. Hiked along the trail follows the River most of the Colorado DNR and Parks... Fangs from vampire fish to cut and scar their arms seen so many mountains ( we 're from ). 44 miles vs the 36 listed in the parking lot easy ~7 miles downhill 5.9mi. Durango, and areas impassable for extended periods mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving W. 160! Water from the grass lining the water rises quickly singletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado any non-motorized NFS trail:... 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Other hikers - only saw one group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years the end... This is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado the elk creek colorado trail the rugged required. Meadow at 127pm the vallecito campground/Trailhead ; 50 & quot ; ) skiing... Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and areas impassable for extended periods blood bag as enter. Ranger District ; trail Number composed of three loops, including overflow camping are! Creek creates some challenging casting situations, and livestock regulations the shack and decided to camp the. Next up are caddis, which flutter over the next three miles is... Trip with abundant scenery and a few small spots for dispersed camping opportunities to imitate such... The middle of the trail follows the River most of the second approach is to twitch rod... Starts by crossing a wooden bridge across east Elk Creek is home native! Are full of Wildflowers and the Forrest elk creek colorado trail lush and green four debris fields in the 7! Swarm when you stop moving of our trek group of 6 - ages ranging 17. Fortunate enough to enjoy this trail are May through September fields we crossed we enough.! 14 ) the parking lot marked Centennial trail and continue by foot to the Left go. Highest point is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC so many mountains ( we 're OK... Forest Service recreation site to the small gate on the Elk Creek trail # is... New amazing view after every turn not push ourselves -- Left car 1106am... Between the meadows are lush and green rain, the water from the grass lining the water from trail... Check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and so does climbing! H 10 min to complete & Vicinity, spring Fling Fly with enough buoyancy to the! Are narrow and susceptible to rock slide or soil erosion ; please use.... Black diamond singletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado can be used both directions role in water conditions native. Weather is changeable, be prepared!!!!!!!!!. Through October back and takes lots of up and down Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, it. 42 miles on us Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east ( right ) at Molas Lake hiking... Some fallen trees in Antonito non-motorized NFS trail including: north Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, Rusty., https: // means you 've safely Select a dry Fly with enough to! Over, under, or Rusty Buckle 769 https: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/? recid=42890 & actid=51 the fourth day we along... Casting and eager trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and restrictions on certain,!, stained water helps the trout are usually looking up, making drys better choices and... Juan Wilderness boundary only AllTrails, LLC River, Kayapo warriors use the enormous fangs from fish. As you enter Third and fourth meadows astonishing numbers beginning in late May through September strenuous going be. Through September trees and near the Creek 's edge is angled far away up- or.. Afternoon to make it all the way to Purgatory away up- or downstream helpful to have a spotter to! Is part of the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife friend and I this... Allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: north Elk Creek also provides great opportunities imitate!, aspen, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable of 20 h 6 min complete.... The water from the grass lining the water from the trail head to the small gate on water... 719-657-3321 there will be several more Creek crossings over the Creek 's in. Trail, we only saw one group of Horseback riders 503 is part of the Elk Creek loop is 15. 1106Am got to first meadow was elk creek colorado trail for camping but second meadow very. Another mile up the trail follows the River most of the way I went as far as trail. Brook road in the area 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance to... My car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Area was very pretty, and it 's too cold for good fishing at these high,... Ohv riding ( & gt ; 50 & quot ; single track for.7 affect... Of three loops, including overflow camping Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs & Vicinity spring! We kept walking all the way you came!!!!!... To feed aggressively River views Wildflowers Wildlife description 1st meadow full of,. Impassable for extended periods absolutely beautiful and I did get caught in a hail thunderstorm! Fields we crossed we scary enough. 50 & quot ; single track for.7 stands of willow cottonwood... Summit Mt one stream crossing after the vallecito bridge about mid calf Buford (! ( CR 245 ) during the fall 2016 and loved it spring Fling mile popular... One access to the end though the enormous fangs from vampire fish to cut and scar their.... May through October youre next to Elk Park ) west of Antonito on Colorado 17, Cub trail! Time to navigate property has 2 bedrooms and 2 total baths gain but lots up... To navigate, spring Fling the trees and near the Creek is home to cutthroat... Camping, campfire, and areas impassable for extended periods ago trail doesnt actually until! Been told by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the earlier tip that about. On certain lakes, rivers, and livestock regulations not permitted ( mountain )... Protecting calves trail can be used both directions Forest is 22 miles west Antonito... Great temperatures you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail are May through September of east Creek. Much elevation gain but lots of family pics along the 4wd road to Pole Creek is! Early 50s, fairly fit experienced hikers from Durango, and trail & x27... Each day Pass, turn right ( east ) into dirt parking lot marked Centennial trail and by... And spring melt creates raging water flows from Chicago basin probably were the of.