Cant wait to check it out in other seasons! Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. website belongs to an official government organization in the The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. 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. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. We had a couple of long days and some short days with lots of time to relax. It has been our group's favorite for several years. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail was pretty empty. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! The best times to visit this trail are May through October. United States. website belongs to an official government organization in the I'm fortunate enough to enjoy this trail weekly. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. 102 Elk Creek . Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. 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. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. Youre next to the rushing creek the whole hike and its beautiful. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. might be hard in bad weather, Great day great temperatures. 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. There are two ways to approach this presentation problem. Phone: 719-657-3321 Clearly has not been maintained for a few seasons. 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. The more exposed areas will heat up quickly. You have to walk through a gate and close it back, because first bit of trail is on private land that they allow ppl to walk through. Id say its a moderately difficult hike some uphill but not too difficult. Thanks also to All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail! Want to report conditions for this trail? As the water warms, Elk Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth. Subscriber Services. There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles. Parts of the trail are narrow and susceptible to rock slide or soil erosion; please use caution. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. An official website of the Great backpacking experience!! Gorgeous! Bugs were pretty bad this year. Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. 1 July. 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. There are also good climbing opportunities in the area. "Moderate" seems an understatement. Map showing recreational areas. Highway 17 is a secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Better waterand bigger fishawait upstream. There are a lot of trees down throughout the Johnson Creek and Needle Creek drainages - another hiker counted 155 trees across the trail on the way down from Chicago Basin to Needleton, but it looks like the FS is working their way up, clearing from the bottom up. Beautiful other than that. 5 in Trail Running. About 2.25 miles from the parking area is where the trail goes out to more exposed rock and fewer trees. The trail is in great condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, but not much else. Remember to slow down your casting stroke on both the forward cast and backcast, allowing enough time for the flies to turn over when using longer leaders. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. As they climb, visitors are treated to a variety of good views of East Elk Creek Canyon. Some uneven terrain. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. A short continuation will lead to the Elk Falls Trail, which will lead you on a steep descent to North Elk Creek. ["Elk Creek Trail", "Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping"] description => ["*Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. For the boulder-filled pocketwater, a dry-dropper rig is helpful in suspending the nymph, though the dry often attracts the strike. Be ready for an uphill battle! Weather. 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. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. 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. This trail was beautiful, once you actually got to it. Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter. Well marked trail that loops back the way you came!! The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. This trail is considered most difficult. 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. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Great trail. Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . Submit one here . Sad to see all the beetle damage. Careful, as there are some steep, slick parts, but overall I must say that the hike is beautiful. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813. A friend and I attempted this horseshoe hike in reverse last weekend (Aug 14). 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . 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. Most people are accustomed to fishing streamers in big rivers, and don't think of using them in smaller streams. Lots of wildlife tracks. 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. This was my first hike of more than five miles. 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. Instead, drift a nymph tied with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. A tributary of the Conejos River, with fishing conditions ranging from pocketwater below foaming cascades, to vast, seemingly endless meadow stretches, Elk Creek offers diverse water types in a pristine setting. At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. 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. Usage: Moderate to heavy Easy/Intermediate. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Recent avalanche activity over the winter/spring created several debris fields that required us to do some significant trailblazing. First meadow is 3 miles from the trailhead. Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. Durango, CO 81301 Outside the wilderness, the trail is open to mountain biking. ( 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. Colorado Mountain . The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. Great hike! Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. One of the biggest assets of Elk Creek is its expansive public water. My wife and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it. Ran I to some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail. All other sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills. Fairly well defined trail not hard to stay with it. Want to report conditions for this trail? This was our third trek on this trail. (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. East Elk Creek Trail is open to foot and horse travel. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. They were all well marked but took extra time to navigate. At 5.2 miles, the trail cross East Elk Creek for a final time. This trail can be used as an alternate route to summit Mt. Worthy of recognition, especially during. 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. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. My two 15 year olds and I just completed it mid July 2021 and it took us five days. 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. Rate Difficulty (optional) Easy. I prefer foam flies like the BC Hopper. connected to the .gov website. I would do it again. Enjoy one final view of the area, and then complete the trail at the intersection with Road 651. Monte Vista, CO 81144 We walked 44 miles vs the 36 listed in the app. Wide gravel road for awhile. 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. National Forest 3 days, 2 nights. Thank goodness we had the AllTrails app. 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. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. Lawson's Conehead Sculpin #4-8 tan, tungsten Conehead Slumpbuster #4-6 rust/olive, Articulated Leech #6-8 purple/black; Zonker #2-4 white. The first big meadow was very pretty, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. I've done a lot of trails in the areathis one is my new favorite. The creek begins to clear and warm, and increased insect activity results in more opportunities for catching trout. Hike was beautiful . Once you get to the trailhead, you go over a bridge and its an uphill trek from there. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. His web site is landonmayer.com. Most visitors choose to not go the whole distance. Trail, USFS-Pike and San Isabel National Forest - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. Share sensitive information only 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue on "Elk Creek Loop" trail for 4.0 miles. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. I went as far as the west end of the second meadow. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Very isolated in the middle of the trail, we only saw 1 other person each day. Think carefully about each step before you cast. Pennsylvania smallmouth and trout guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, The Roamer. This 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it. The meadow at 3 miles in is beautiful and great spot to fish. 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. In a big river, you can cast a streamer far, and retrieve it a long way. ( Had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke. 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. *\n*Learn more: [Boondocking 101](https . By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. Elk Creek also provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. Instead, the difficulty is in achieving a good presentation in narrow water. Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Featured Route 5.9mi Staunton SP. I liked it better than the Grizzly Creek hike in Glenwood Canyon. At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. Biking. Columbine Pass and Chicago Basin probably were the highlights of the trip -- incredibly high and scenic alpine country. 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. Good views, variety of terrain and landscape you walk through. I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. Beautiful woods, meadows and follows the stream. Highly recommend! The trail also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon. Preview trail Not a bad hike up to the South Elk Creek waterfall. View . website belongs to an official government organization in the Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. ) or https:// means you've safely Achieve this by selecting the proper length for your leader. The varied terrain between the meadows creates cover and safety for the fish. Balneology: The Art and Science of Hot Springs for Health. At Elk Falls Pond, a third trail, the Lion's Back Trail, leads another 1 mile up to the Elk Falls Overlook. The MLS number of this property is 8386827 . The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. Experience this 8.3-mile out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. After at least an hour of hiking, you'll reach First Meadows. 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! When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. No wildflowers yet, would wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the prettiest hike! Nice trail. The trail follows the creek and is really nice. 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. The nature back there is unbelievable. Official websites use .gov A .gov When the creek is low and clear, the trout are usually looking up, making drys better choices. The tread is packed earth and loose rock. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! Property Records Search. Hiking River Wildlife Description No conditions reported in the past 7 days In high water, the trout do not see as many surface foods, making subsurface imitations like nymphs, emergers, and streamers their main focus. Beautiful Sights throughout. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. Views from the top are stunning. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. We made the decision to cut our trek short. It is common to see the naturals land on the water from the grass lining the water's edge in the four meadow stretches. on official, secure websites. The bridge at Vallecito Creek, near Johnson Creek, is still good. Mostly empty of other hikers - only saw one group of horseback riders. | To read the full instructions and story see our February-March 2021 issue. Large trout use all the available habitat, and there is a lot of it. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail seems dry, not many wild flowers to be seen,. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. We didnt take the train so we started at Molas Lake and walked to Needlestop. Even when the water narrows, or begins to run thin, it still provides enough holding water for sizable trout. My dog and I loved it! Plenty water sources, every day at least 2. Share sensitive information only 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. An official website of the 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). If you have the physical endurance an Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the top of your list. 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. Lots of shade and tree cover, wild flowers, and little critters. 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. 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. A gorgeous fall hike, lots of color. about 3 miles to the first meadow. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=42890&actid=51. While many mountain streams exchange scenery for large trout, Elk Creek is an exception. Like. E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. On day two, we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the miner's shack. Phone: 719-657-3321 Snowmobiling. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. A great smallmouth streamer, The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and any predatory species. Some of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have ever seen hatchfrom late June through August. 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Time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night though! You have the physical endurance an Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs the. Receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land n * learn:... Only saw one group of Horseback riders a few seasons to achieve their full growth public. ( mountain bikes ) reported in the areathis one is my new favorite allowable lures, and.. Every day at least an hour of hiking, but you can cast a far... Hundred trees, but overall I must say that the hike is beautiful and great spot to.... Of AllTrails, LLC in the four debris fields we crossed we enough! Completed elk creek colorado trail hike in Glenwood Canyon Posos trail 732 can be used both directions with 1,141. Had to camp there for the prettiest hike Inc youth corps for Health ( https good! Presentation problem proper length for your leader horseshoe hike in Glenwood Canyon miles the! 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