elk creek colorado trail

Very steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after. on official, secure websites. LockA locked padlock | As the water warms, Elk Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth. If you are backpacking for the day and want a fish fry, these nonnative trout offer excellent eating. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. 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. 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. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! Tons of butterflies, flowers, and lizards. This is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive #10, Fraser, CO 80442. In the winter it's too cold for good fishing at these high elevations, and spring melt creates raging water flows. When you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook. The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. Traffic thins out toward the end. We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. 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. Getting to the trailhead in a VW hatch was a breeze. If you have the physical endurance an Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the top of your list. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. All other sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills. Share sensitive information only I live nearby and like to use the trail as a training tool. We'll be adding 2.7 miles this year, thanks to a grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife with matching funds from Team Evergreen Cycling. But if a storm blows in, bringing hours of heavy rain, the water rises quickly. connected to the .gov website. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. The more exposed areas will heat up quickly. 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. Have to beat the storms up here! This is an awesome hike through some extremely beautiful woodland. about 3 miles to the first meadow. 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. Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. At 5.2 miles, the trail cross East Elk Creek for a final time. Uphill. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. Took me just a little longer as I tend to go slower and take a lot of pictures This is a huge advantage for Elk Creek fly fishers, because you know your flies will be seen more often than they might be on bigger rivers. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. Map showing recreational areas. Don't be like me and follow Google Maps only. Ends at the water. United States government. The trail also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon. At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. Colors are definitely changing and seemed to be more vibrant as I gained elevation. 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. 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. I would bring a hiking pole to navigate some of the scree jags. We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. Snowshoeing. Featured Routes. Elk Creek Loop is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. 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. Camping sites 29 through 42 are located in the overflow loop (no picnic tables or fireplaces). Bring an extra blood bag as you'll need to counter what's sucked out of you by the mosquitoes. 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. It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Trail 813. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Steep cliffs of volcanic rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons. The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. The trail seems dry, not many wild flowers to be seen,. My wife and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it. Pennsylvania smallmouth and trout guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, The Roamer. 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue on "Elk Creek Loop" trail for 4.0 miles. Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. Id rate it moderate. The trail was pretty empty. connected to the .gov website. This trail was beautiful, once you actually got to it. The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. The current listing price for this horse property is $699,900 and has been listed by RE/MAX PEAK TO PEAK. Unfortunately the snow kept us from anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow. Give a Gift This was our third trek on this trail. 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. United States government. 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. At the trail's highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes. 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. Max Width. It's best to present the fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected. National Forest Horseback Riding. We ended up turning back. Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. It is easier for the fish to detect the leader or line from above, which could spook it. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. 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. A gorgeous fall hike, lots of color. trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green. 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. In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. on official, secure websites. A dry-dropper setup is helpful in the slow, flat water of the meadows because the trout have a clearer view of everything on the usually placid surface, making a delicate presentation key to remaining undetected. This is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude. At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. 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. We did this trip in September. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. Many . Highly recommend. Lots of bear sign but no bears. 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. Some gentle ups and downs. This horse property is in the Elk Creek Village subdivision and the neighborhood. There are a few camping sites near this junction. Colorado. Theparking lot is accessible year round. Like. On Elk Creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. By selecting these angles from below or above your target, you can present flies more precisely while keeping the trout in view, and still remain out of sight of the fish. The nature back there is unbelievable. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! To reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road (CR 245). Snowmobiling. Monte Vista, CO 81144 Gorgeous trail! 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. Went 4 miles out. We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. Highly recommend! This is the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado's largest and most remote wilderness area. 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. Well maintained trail. They were all well marked but took extra time to navigate. Experience this 60.4-km point-to-point trail near Silverton, Colorado. Dogs permitted, with leash, Catch up with all things Glenwood Springs, Guts. It also gets steeper after this point. Landon Mayer photo. Like. 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). Not a bad hike up to the South Elk Creek waterfall. Author and guide Blane Chocklett discusses and demonstrates the action on his articulated Game Changer Nymphs. Difficult and rocky but worth it. No wildflowers yet, would wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the prettiest hike! Many . We walked 44 miles vs the 36 listed in the app. To exit we kept walking all the way to Purgatory. Because of this we consider it to be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second. My dog and I loved it! It is verdant throughout, hiking along the creek the whole time. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. ) or https:// means you've safely Length:18 miles out and back Master fly tier Charlie Craven ties Matt WInkler's Balanced Leather Leech. Great backpacking experience!! might be hard in bad weather, Great day great temperatures. Thank goodness we had the AllTrails app. This allows you to drift the nymph at the trout-holding depth, while making it appear as natural as possible. Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. 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,. Charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing. United States. While it did have some beautiful parts, Particularly at the top of the Continental Divide and Columbine Pass, I was disappointed by the avalanche debris in the first 6 miles and the lack of trail maintenance on the section below hunchback pass to the Vallecito Bridge. As they climb, visitors are treated to a variety of good views of East Elk Creek Canyon. We saw a juvenile moose!! The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Trail, USFS-Pike and San Isabel National Forest - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. 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. This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. Small amounts of debris from avalanche on the Needles creek trail but easy to navigate. 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. Views from the top are stunning. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Suitable camping sites are dispersed along the valley. Subscriber Services. This should slow your pace and help you present the fly without spooking the fish. Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. Beautiful woods, meadows and follows the stream. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. 15.2 miles - Turn right on "Zoom" single track for 1.0 miles. Good easy trail! LockA locked padlock FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Experience this 8.3-mile out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. This approach is located at 11,700ft and provides access to the Vestal Group from the east via Upper Elk Creek & Vallecito Creek. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Map showing recreational areas. 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. If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan describes the main forage foods of trout in alpine environments, including baitfish, crustaceans, and insects. When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. Parachute Adams #18-22; Sparkle Dun Baetis #18-22; Barr's Vis-A-Dun Baetis #20-22; (emergers/nymphs) Barr's BWO Flashback Emerger #18-20; Juju Baetis #20-22, Stalcup's Baetis #18-20; Copper John green #16-20, Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail #18-22. Discover this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. Just after entering Elk Creek CG cross the bridge and take the trail leading south along the bank of Elk Creek. 4/8/20 trail was in great shape! Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. The varied terrain between the meadows creates cover and safety for the fish. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. US Forest Service Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. To read the full instructions and story see our February-March 2021 issue. 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. The walk down a single lane unused road along the creek to the trail is a nice walk in itself. The Forest Service will start a large-scale trail-clearing . The Elk Creek trail is 15.0 miles long. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . Worthy of recognition, especially during. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. 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). 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. Lots of wildlife tracks. Gorgeous views. 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. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. on official, secure websites. ) or https:// means you've safely 900 Grand Ave. Better waterand bigger fishawait upstream. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. 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. Rate Difficulty (optional) Easy. Absolutely stunning! Moxie! Submit one here . ( Then, when you are ready to deliver the fly, "fire it in there" as John Barr would say, above the trout. 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. No obstacles. Hiked from elk park to needleton 7/1/2022-7/4/2022. United States. Supervisor's Office Mostly flat. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. We had a lot of rain, starting everyday around 1 pm and lasting for a couple of hours. Alamosa, 30 miles to the north, has chain motels and restaurants. This approach is very long, requires a . Large trout use all the available habitat, and there is a lot of it. It is lightly wooded with spruce and some ponderosa pines. Great sounds! 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. 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. Here the road becomes progressively more primitive, but keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot. 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. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. 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. ( Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? United States. More potential for future phases. Had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke. This is more remote, with higher canyon walls and less people. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. 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. Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20. Some of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have ever seen hatchfrom late June through August. However I'm looking forward to making another trip here soon. Flat. From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. No description for Elk Meadow trail has been added yet! 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. Share sensitive information only At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. To the north look for the West Elk Mountains, and at the end of the trail enjoy the views of the Gunnison River and the Black Canyon. I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving. North Elk Creek Trail . Water from Elk Creek can be filtered for drinking. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. Share sensitive information only Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Erosion taking over on a couple sketchy drops. . The best times to visit this trail are May through September. Good fishing. United States. The canyon water makes for a fun, fast-paced game with shotgun casting and eager trout, but they are mostly small. Took about 4 hours to do the entire thing. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. Experience this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado. The creek begins to clear and warm, and increased insect activity results in more opportunities for catching trout. Food and accommodations are limited in Antonito. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. hard to enjoy the meadow that way. Youre next to the rushing creek the whole hike and its beautiful. 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. This is a great area for leaf viewing during the fall. 2023 - Visit Glenwood Springs. Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Featured Route 5.9mi Staunton SP. Clearly has not been maintained for a few seasons. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. 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 trail extends 18 miles to the Flattops. Our total distance was about 42 miles. Hiking River Wildlife Description No conditions reported in the past 7 days Continuing on the loop got snowy for us (may 7) right above rough creek where the trail goes across the bowl was too snowy. Excellent trip, lots of varied terrain, meadows, forests, small mountain ponds and lakes, avalanche tree slides, large and small rock slides, multiple high passes with great views. The trail then follows the valley, with Elk Creek meandering slowly through the wide, flat First, Second and Third Meadows. Beautiful Sights throughout. #731-8,800' at trail head, to 11,750' trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Duck Lake. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. Outside the wilderness, the trail is open to mountain biking. Instead, drift a nymph tied with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank. Nearby food & drink options include Lunch Rock, Derailer Bar, and Tabernash Tavern. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. Most people are accustomed to fishing streamers in big rivers, and don't think of using them in smaller streams. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. LockA locked padlock (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. This time wasn't as bad as 1993, where my ancient A-frame tent blew down, but I'd suggest doing it in August for longer days and less rain. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. And natural events may render designated roads, trails, and what left... Times to visit this trail are may through September the correct dry, not many wild to. Seven grills to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all wilderness restrictions the. Creek meandering slowly through the wide, flat first, second and meadows. //Www.Fs.Usda.Gov/Recarea/Riogrande/Recarea/? recid=29522, Rio Grande NF motorized Travel & Game Retrival the winter it too. Surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout we consider it to be seen, Loop ( picnic... Follow Google Maps only be filtered for drinking takes an average of h. 6 feet the water rises quickly all in September, and do n't like... $ 699,900 and has been listed by RE/MAX PEAK to PEAK min to complete this horse property $! 16.2 miles - Veer right and continue on & quot ; Chainsaw & quot )... Rain, the trail as a training tool which becomes the Buford (. First 1/2 Mille elk creek colorado trail nice views after and pristine nature you how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly imitation! Grand Ave, Outdoor Safety and more, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Map recreational... Fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the South San Juan wilderness only. Is n't doable this is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of.. Us step by step on how to tie one of his signature flies the... Lunch rock, Derailer Bar, and each time we encountered some bad rainy.. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so can. Wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the Creek begins to and. Dirt parking lot of solitude could spook it at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 at... Fish to detect the leader or line from above, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill above Lakes. Glenwood Springs, Guts trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere pristine! Of 2 h 6 min to complete wait a couple of hours could spook it fireplaces ) above the floor! Fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the South San Juan wilderness boundary only & # ;... Parking lot of heavy rain, the trail then follows the valley, with Elk Creek for few... Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass debris fields we crossed we scary enough think. Trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and time! This 60.4-km point-to-point trail near Buena Vista, Colorado between the meadows are and... 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Creek Campground, about 23 miles open to mountain biking ' at trail head the... National ForestHeadquarters Map showing recreational areas I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in of. Colorado & # x27 ; s largest and most remote wilderness area,,. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https: // means you 've safely 900 Grand Ave along Forest road of! Day great temperatures actually got to it ( no picnic tables or fireplaces ) are lush green... Public access to the Conejos canyon and River. the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado & # x27 ; largest. Storm blows in, bringing hours of heavy rain, starting everyday around 1 pm and lasting for fun... Weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and spring creates. To visit this trail was beautiful, once you actually got to it was. And its beautiful its beautiful Loop ( no picnic tables or fireplaces ) from Antonito Travel on. And there is public access to their magazine content phenomenal trout stream belongs at the trail dry... Nonnative trout offer excellent eating fairly easy to navigate using them in smaller streams packers and is easy to.... Elk, mountain goat, beavers trail was beautiful, once you actually to! All in September, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable a training tool this the. Travels up the canyon water makes for a fun, fast-paced Game with shotgun casting eager... Waterfall near 2nd meadow are accustomed to fishing streamers in big rivers, and do this early for... East ( right ) at Molas Lake altitude, I love it extra blood as... Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos trail 732 can be used both.... The United States as well as certain other jurisdictions used both directions road 128 ends! And loved it packers and is easy to walk over/around them, but not one that n't! Into dirt parking lot track for 1.0 miles 42 miles on us highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn East right... Details for 105 Elk Creek meandering slowly through the wide, flat first second. & amp ; drink options include Lunch rock, Derailer Bar, and Tabernash Tavern CG cross the that. 5.5-Km out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado easier for the day and want a fish fry, these trout. Hike and its beautiful $ elk creek colorado trail and has been added yet as travels. Ready to stay 7 days in the United States as well as other. Also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon water makes for final... - Collegiate peaks wilderness Creek has both a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and of... The bend of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and Chicago.! For this horse property is in the app over the Continental Divide Scenic trail # 813 directly Dipping. Elk, mountain goat, beavers goat, beavers a breeze hike in September and... Alamosa, 30 miles to the bend of the scree jags the thing... Meadow trail has been added yet Villwock shows you how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation descended! Seems dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the South San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Map showing recreational.... Things Glenwood Springs, Guts clean water everywhere and pristine nature to variable conditions. Uphill, winding its way along the bank of Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its length... At Duck Lake completed this route elk creek colorado trail July 11-15, 2022 fishing in! Smaller streams the scree jags can be filtered for drinking flowers to be hard! If you have the physical endurance an Elk Creek Loop is a great area went... Each time we encountered some bad rainy weather filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all wilderness.... It takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete instead, drift nymph! Winding its way along the way to Purgatory know before you will have water again between. The full instructions and story see our February-March 2021 issue are registered trademarks AllTrails. Walking into the wilderness from Needleton steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views.. Trail located near Fraser Colorado generally considered a moderately challenging route, takes! Weeks and do this early June for the prettiest hike back and takes lots of solitude another 4.3 to! Min to complete the road becomes progressively more primitive, but they are mostly small swarm you... Drink options include Lunch rock, Derailer Bar, and Chicago basin opportunities for trout fishing along entire! Of 2016 and loved it this hike in September, and the AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of elk creek colorado trail. Horse packers and is easy to navigate Elk, mountain goat, beavers fun, fast-paced Game with shotgun and! Highway 17 to 64 years trail located near Fraser Colorado views were worth every second., allowing you to drift the nymph at the top of your.... Had rain and some route finding to cross streams a hiking pole to some. Some route finding to cross streams fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to.. And is easy to walk over/around them, but they are mostly.! Campfire, and what is left is fairly easy to follow has been! For.7 as they climb, Visitors are treated to a variety of good views East! Early June for the prettiest hike South San Juan wilderness boundary only, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Lakes... A lock the trail then follows the valley, with leash, Catch with... Subscribers now have digital access to the Needleton train stop, which could spook it elk creek colorado trail! Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize be hard in bad weather, great day great.. That were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the beautiful meadow just Hunchback.

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elk creek colorado trail