This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. Give a Gift 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. US Forest Service This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. Achieve this by selecting the proper length for your leader. Hike was beautiful . Great trail. The Forest Service will start a large-scale trail-clearing . I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. Snowmobiling. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. ( Population Willow and me. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. The first is to position yourself upstream of the fish and out of sight, and cast downstream at a 45-degree angle. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. (we were going from Needleton to Elk Park). Nice trail. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. 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. 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. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. I'm hoping that we weren't unncessarilly cautious and missed out. Didnt see waterfall up to that point. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. . Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. When I returned there was a note on my car not to park there!! A little snow pack at the top but awesome along the river! On day one, between the Elk Park Train Drop Off Trail Head and Beaver Pond, we encountered 3 large debris fields. | We saw a juvenile moose!! Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. 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). Dry and hot. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. 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. As they climb, visitors are treated to a variety of good views of East Elk Creek Canyon. Share sensitive information only FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. Here the road becomes progressively more primitive, but keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot. Really strenuous going up be we also went mid day when it was hot. One stream crossing after the Vallecito bridge about mid calf. We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. 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. Other trails which can be reached via the El Creek Trail are the Notch Trail #729 and the Rough Creek Trail #727. Motorcycle Riding. 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. We have had a lot of rain the last few days so the trail was a bit damp but not muddy. Typically a 7-foot leader tapered to 4X works great. Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. 15.2 miles - Turn right on "Zoom" single track for 1.0 miles. Then, when you are ready to deliver the fly, "fire it in there" as John Barr would say, above the trout. There's nothing like reflecting on the day's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead. Worthy of recognition, especially during. Great hike! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. In early summer, water levels drop gradually, and runoff subsides. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. 15 Burnett Court At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. Official websites use .gov A .gov Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. An official website of the Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. Great sounds! Overnight backpacking was fun at First Meadow. Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and Trail's End Mercantile. 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. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Spunk. At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. Fairly well defined trail not hard to stay with it. Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. 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. Discover this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. Elk Creek is home to native cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches. Elk Creek Trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado. Official websites use .gov A .gov Id say its a moderately difficult hike some uphill but not too difficult. 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. Creek was almost dry. Share sensitive information only We're blown away by the water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. Hiked from elk park to needleton 7/1/2022-7/4/2022. Map showing recreational areas. An official website of the Even when the water narrows, or begins to run thin, it still provides enough holding water for sizable trout. This makes the fly dance and come to life within view of the trout, resulting in many exciting strikes. 900 Grand Ave. We had a couple of long days and some short days with lots of time to relax. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! One of the biggest assets of Elk Creek is its expansive public water. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Trail 813. Master fly tier Charlie Craven ties Matt WInkler's Balanced Leather Leech. Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. Roxboro, CO. Add Rating. pushed to 2nd meadow and 1/2 mile shy we turned around due to potential rain. Horseback Riding. Featured Routes. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/?recid=42890. On average it takes 1 hour4 minutes to complete this trail. Write a Review. Elk Creek also provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. This horse property is in the Elk Creek Village subdivision and the neighborhood. 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). Very steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after. You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. I'm fortunate enough to enjoy this trail weekly. Some gentle ups and downs. At the trail's highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes. Colorado Trail (CT) 487.2 mi 784.1 km 83,541' Up 25463.2 m Up 82,229' Down 25063.5 m Down. Completed this loop early July 2021. A gorgeous fall hike, lots of color. View . Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. Located in a neighboring New Castle, hike just a portion of the trail or leave early and go for the long haul on this 18-mile round trip hike. The trail was pretty empty. All in all beautiful scenery and a great hike. We got off the train at elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day. Plenty of camping spot along the way. 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. I liked it better than the Grizzly Creek hike in Glenwood Canyon. The canyon water makes for a fun, fast-paced game with shotgun casting and eager trout, but they are mostly small. website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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 visitors choose to not go the whole distance. It is lightly wooded with spruce and some ponderosa pines. Lots of great waterfalls and views along the way. Lots of wildflowers. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. I would bring a hiking pole to navigate some of the scree jags. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! The trail is always very clear and easy to follow. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. The trail follows the creek and is really nice. On Brazil's Xingu River, Kayapo warriors use the enormous fangs from vampire fish to cut and scar their arms. On a small stream, twitching the fly to supply movement, while keeping the fly in the water longer, can be key to success. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. This is the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado's largest and most remote wilderness area. Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Featured Route 5.9mi Staunton SP. Map Information. Larimer County. Recent avalanche activity over the winter/spring created several debris fields that required us to do some significant trailblazing. 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. They were all well marked but took extra time to navigate. Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving. The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. The more exposed areas will heat up quickly. website belongs to an official government organization in the One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan describes the main forage foods of trout in alpine environments, including baitfish, crustaceans, and insects. At 5.2 miles, the trail cross East Elk Creek for a final time. Mostly flat. Well maintained trail. As the water warms, Elk Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth. This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders. 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. Careful, as there are some steep, slick parts, but overall I must say that the hike is beautiful. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. Never saw a waterfall. The Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! Sad to see all the beetle damage. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. For example, in August, Elk Creek typically runs low and clear. While many mountain streams exchange scenery for large trout, Elk Creek is an exception. The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. Better waterand bigger fishawait upstream. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. You park in the parking lot marked Centennial Trail and continue by foot to the small gate on the right. Elk Creek - Colorado Trail Avalanches (Maintenance Grant) Address the historic avalanche cycle of 2019 Daniel's Pass, Phase 1 (Construction Grant) Phase 1 of the Daniel's Pass Trail System,. Share sensitive information only View the Map for the East Elk Creek and Spring Creek Trails (.pdf document), From New Castle, CO travel northwest on County Road 245. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. 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. ( On the Elk Creek Trail, which is part of the Colorado Trail stretching from Denver to Durango, four debris piles took out the path, leaving mounds of dead trees, dirt, ice and snow.. Just after entering Elk Creek CG cross the bridge and take the trail leading south along the bank of Elk Creek. 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. This is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive #10, Fraser, CO 80442. trail isn't well maintained: overgrown, some sketchy reinforced passes across steep points and a fallen tree blocking the trail about half away up. To reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road (CR 245). Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Snowmobiling. Monte Vista, CO 81144 The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Biking. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. Theparking lot is accessible year round. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Experience this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado. Snow has melted to do some significant trailblazing section of the Colorado trail, traversing mountains... Road 128 and ends at Forest trail 813 becomes the Buford Road ( CR 245.. Hike in Glenwood Canyon //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/? recid=42890 would bring a hiking pole to some! Warriors use the enormous fangs from vampire fish to cut and scar their arms the Rough Creek trail # is... 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