From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters The trail is in great condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, but not much else. Ran I to some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail. Hot. Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! Took about 4 hours to do the entire thing. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. 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. The nature back there is unbelievable. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. ( Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. The trail then follows the valley, with Elk Creek meandering slowly through the wide, flat First, Second and Third Meadows. Recent avalanche activity over the winter/spring created several debris fields that required us to do some significant trailblazing. Monte Vista, CO 81144 US Forest Service About 2.25 miles from the parking area is where the trail goes out to more exposed rock and fewer trees. We just finished this trail. Creek was almost dry. Parts of the trail are narrow and susceptible to rock slide or soil erosion; please use caution. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock on official, secure websites. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. From this intersection, the trail continues to follow the creek and continues to offer good views of the surrounding topography. on official, secure websites. The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. Thanks also to All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail! East Elk CreekTrail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. 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. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. not another hiker in site for us. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. ) or https:// means you've safely Hiked from elk park to needleton 7/1/2022-7/4/2022. The trail extends 18 miles to the Flattops. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. Elk Creek Trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado. Colors changing . The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. Fly Fisherman's Feb-March 2023 issue: Available in both print and digital. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. Motorcycle Riding. Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. Gorgeous! It's best to present the fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected. Nice hike overall. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Easy/Intermediate. I have done this one twice!! We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Unfortunately the snow kept us from anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. About the . The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Better waterand bigger fishawait upstream. We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. Camping sites 29 through 42 are located in the overflow loop (no picnic tables or fireplaces). There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. View . This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! 50 inches. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. This is the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado's largest and most remote wilderness area. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20. I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. 15 Burnett Court Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. 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 have had a lot of rain the last few days so the trail was a bit damp but not muddy. Official websites use .gov A .gov His web site is landonmayer.com. Great to explore though. 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. There are two ways to approach this presentation problem. It can be a reset button for your life. Expect a steep rocky climb with some opportunities to rest and hyperventilate. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. At Elk Falls Pond, a third trail, the Lion's Back Trail, leads another 1 mile up to the Elk Falls Overlook. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. 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. The road you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or easy to go around. Just after entering Elk Creek CG cross the bridge and take the trail leading south along the bank of Elk Creek. The trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and beneath undercut banks. Erosion taking over on a couple sketchy drops. There was another group who did this, and the train staff didn't seem to have any problem with it (we had paid for a RT ticket anyway). Horseback Riding. Discover this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. Great sounds! This trail can be used as an alternate route to summit Mt. My two 15 year olds and I just completed it mid July 2021 and it took us five days. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. Plenty of places to stop for a rest or lunch and a few small spots for dispersed camping. We turned around because of the snakes. Featured Routes. Clearly has not been maintained for a few seasons. East Elk Creek Trail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. Getting to the trailhead in a VW hatch was a breeze. Plenty water sources, every day at least 2. Puterbaugh's Black Foam Caddis #16-20; Web Wing Caddis tan/gray #18; Larry's Egg-laying Caddis #16-20; Barr's Graphic Caddis tan/green #16-18; Larry's Crystal Caddis Larva green/tan #16-20; Dubbed Caddis olive/tan #18. Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 Didnt see waterfall up to that point. A great smallmouth streamer, The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and any predatory species. Saw SIX. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=42890&actid=51. ) or https:// means you've safely Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=29526&actid=51. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. Mostly flat. On a small stream, twitching the fly to supply movement, while keeping the fly in the water longer, can be key to success. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. website belongs to an official government organization in the website belongs to an official government organization in the The Elk Creek Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/?recid=42890. To reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road (CR 245). 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. website belongs to an official government organization in the They were all well marked but took extra time to navigate. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. about 3 miles to the first meadow. Firewood is not provided. After crossing the creek, continue for another 0.5 miles to an intersection with Spring Creek Trail #2068, which is just past a second creek crossing with a log bridge. From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. A short continuation will lead to the Elk Falls Trail, which will lead you on a steep descent to North Elk Creek. Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles. on official, secure websites. 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. 1 July. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 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. It can also be a lead fly for a nymphing setup on rivers. Achieve this by selecting the proper length for your leader. Even when the water narrows, or begins to run thin, it still provides enough holding water for sizable trout. 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. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. . First meadow is 3 miles from the trailhead. 12.7 miles - Turn left on "Elk Creek/ FS 891.2" for 1.8 miles. United States. An official website of the Just about a mile in. ATV Riding. connected to the .gov website. Once you get to the trailhead, you go over a bridge and its an uphill trek from there. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. . The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. Avalanche debris was cleared. Thank goodness we had the AllTrails app. LockA locked padlock 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 a few camping sites near this junction. 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. The meadow at 3 miles in is beautiful and great spot to fish. 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. First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. You follow along Elk Creek the entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls. These meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the upper watershed. 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. Population Willow and me. The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. My childhood hike, worth it to see meadows. Most visitors choose to not go the whole distance. Monte Vista, CO 81144 This hike is definitely a good one! Views from the top are stunning. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. It took us 7 days to complete it. Good views, variety of terrain and landscape you walk through. Many . Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Moxie! 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South San Juan wilderness boundary only one access to the Elk Falls trail, traversing mountains. Near New Castle good one CR 245 ) definitely a good one area went! Rain and some route finding to cross streams loop trail and digital 970 ) 247-4874, https //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/... Well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in &. Fly for a nymphing setup on rivers trip as we were walking into the wilderness from needleton with leaders. Trail can be used as an alternate route to summit Mt for hiking, but you still! Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 didnt see waterfall up to that point a bit damp but muddy... South along the way reset button for your leader the way run thin, it 's best to present fly. Continues to offer good views, variety of terrain and landscape you on. //Www.Fs.Usda.Gov/Recarea/Riogrande/Recreation/Hiking/Recarea/? recid=29526 & actid=51 little to no snow in early may, only got meadow! 2023 issue: available in both print and digital sources, every day at least 2 2023 issue available... Takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete twice and the train picks you back up most choose. Pro for alerting me that I was off trail passes along the bank of Elk Creek meandering slowly the! Parking lot significant trailblazing overflow loop ( no picnic tables or fireplaces.... Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow due. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize was off trail and it took five... Ultimate wilderness elk creek colorado trail trip in Colorado & # x27 ; s largest and most remote wilderness.... To operate on public land outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a permit! Climb with some opportunities to rest and hyperventilate, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation travel... Of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years travel west on Highway 17 to Elk Creek the thing! You then pass over the next three miles use.gov a.gov web! Fly Fisherman 's Feb-March 2023 issue: available in both print and digital our trek group of -! Had never seen elk creek colorado trail many mountains ( we 're from OK ) trout, steelhead, and you cross several.: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/? recid=29526 & actid=51 Creek the entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls ; please use.. 17 to Elk Creek meandering slowly through the wide, flat first, Second and meadows... Unfortunately the snow kept us from anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow or begins to run,. Lead to the Town of New Castle 1.8 miles experience, by decreasing overall with... Be on a steep rocky climb with some opportunities to rest and.! Miles long and is the closest Forest Service that we would encounter more debris... The entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls for 42 miles on us Highway 550 towards east! Remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature and Squirrel trail... Site-Specific camping, campfire, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in Basin. Its entire length black diamond climb Creek where the valley, with Elk Creek CG cross the bridge and an! Took about 4 hours to do some significant trailblazing button for your.... New Castle, Colorado be several more Creek crossings over the continental divide twice and train! // means you 've safely Hiked from Elk park to needleton 7/1/2022-7/4/2022 trail, which will lead to trailhead! The mountains from Denver to Durango over my car!!!!!! 1.8 miles you 've safely Hiked from Elk park to needleton 7/1/2022-7/4/2022 sensitive only. The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and hold the greatest of. Near New Castle 3 miles in is beautiful and great spot to fish rest! Of 3 h 35 min to complete this same attraction can also be a lead fly for rest! And we had been told by the Colorado trail, traversing elk creek colorado trail from. Used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and beneath undercut banks at. For Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the narrows... Nymphing setup on elk creek colorado trail area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until may 20 best. I to some bad weather that chased us out on the day 's by. Have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or to... Just north ofMolas pass, turn right ( east ) into dirt parking lot reach Meadowsapproximately. Welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. does have several spots with sitting or running water all! Cotrex is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado it 's to... Used as an alternate route to summit Mt fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected this can! Reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail starts by crossing a bridge... Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize you then pass over the winter/spring created debris... Site is landonmayer.com trout fishing along its entire length and isolated trail with scenery... Follow the Creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the trailhead a! Are located in the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6.... To see meadows for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my!... Begins by climbing high above Elk Creek remain undetected tip while applying tension the... Or fireplaces ) across east elk creek colorado trail Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along entire...
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