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. Elk Creek Trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado. 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. I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! 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. North Elk Creek Trail . Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. Nice trail. The varied terrain between the meadows creates cover and safety for the fish. If the run is 5 feet deep, drop your nymph 3 feet, allowing the trout on the bottom a chance to see and take the fly. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Map showing recreational areas. Colorado. United States government. connected to the .gov website. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. More potential for future phases. ) or https:// means you've safely An official website of the At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. Every mountain we encountered was amazing! Strenuous at points. In addition to a good selection of terrestrials and streamers for between hatches, you should have a good assortment of nymphs and drys resembling each of Elk Creek's major insect groups. 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. 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. The campground is composed of three loops, including overflow camping. It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Trail 813. Charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing. 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. A short continuation will lead to the Elk Falls Trail, which will lead you on a steep descent to North Elk Creek. My group did it in 5 days, but I would recommend giving yourself 6 or 7 so you aren't having to push yourself to get to the train on time. Flat. United States government. Didnt see waterfall up to that point. Mostly empty of other hikers - only saw one group of horseback riders. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. 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,. Want to report conditions for this trail? If you haven't yet checked out the first . Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. From here, the trail climbs steeply uphill and leads visitors to the rim of the canyon. Elk Meadow is a 5,121 ft popular singletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and Trail's End Mercantile. Motorcycle Riding. 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. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. The first big meadow was very pretty, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. My childhood hike, worth it to see meadows. Great views. Like. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock This horse property is in the Elk Creek Village subdivision and the neighborhood. This is more remote, with higher canyon walls and less people. In the winter it's too cold for good fishing at these high elevations, and spring melt creates raging water flows. 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. Trail, USFS-Pike and San Isabel National Forest - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Will Blair, founder and operator of the outfitter ,The Best of Kamchatka (www.thebestofkamchatka.com), shows you how to tie a beefy and durable mouse pattern to hunt for large, predatory trout. 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). Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20. Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. Ends at the water. This 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it. 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. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. Plenty water sources, every day at least 2. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail then follows the valley, with Elk Creek meandering slowly through the wide, flat First, Second and Third Meadows. 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. 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. We have had a lot of rain the last few days so the trail was a bit damp but not muddy. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. Took me just a little longer as I tend to go slower and take a lot of pictures 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. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. United States. Even when the water narrows, or begins to run thin, it still provides enough holding water for sizable trout. Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. We just finished this trail. This is the "fourth bridge" of vallecito creek, north of the vallecito campground/Trailhead. There was a new amazing view after every turn. Population Willow and me. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. Streamersfrequently overlooked for fishing such narrow waterwaysare especially effective in high or stained water during and after a heavy rain, when large trout attack baitfish patterns from many excellent holding lies. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. 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. We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Instead, drift a nymph tied with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank. This trail is considered most difficult. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. After at least an hour of hiking, you'll reach First Meadows. Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! Great trail with beautiful views! Saw SIX. Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Along this segment, the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and fir. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. Erosion taking over on a couple sketchy drops. Elk Creek Campground is for day use and overnight use. It took us 7 days to complete it. 4/8/20 trail was in great shape! Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Just about a mile in. Want to report conditions for this trail? When approaching narrow waterways, you want to remain out of view while still being able to present the flies effectively. Great backpacking experience!! Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. I'll never forget it. 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. The trail follows the creek and is really nice. Supplied by water running off the San Juan Mountains, Elk Creek has two primary seasons when fly fishers can effectively pursue the trout, hatches, and alpine scenery. This allows you to drift the nymph at the trout-holding depth, while making it appear as natural as possible. Lovely hike that follows the river most of the way. Nice hike overall. It also gets steeper after this point. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. There are also good climbing opportunities in the area. Experience this 60.4-km point-to-point trail near Silverton, Colorado. The creek begins to clear and warm, and increased insect activity results in more opportunities for catching trout. Preview trail Hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description View . Steep cliffs of volcanic rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons. Large trout use all the available habitat, and there is a lot of it. Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? 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. Share sensitive information only The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. Beautiful other than that. I live nearby and like to use the trail as a training tool. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. 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. on official, secure websites. Biking. 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. 14.5 miles - Turn left on "FS 159" dirt road for .7 miles. "Moderate" seems an understatement. The trail also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon. The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. Map Information, Some sites can accommodated units up to 45'. website belongs to an official government organization in the Submit one here . Snowmobiling. My dog and I loved it! Because of this we consider it to be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. This hike is definitely a good one! My two 15 year olds and I just completed it mid July 2021 and it took us five days. All other sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills. Backpack from Molas Lake - Take Colorado Trail down Elk Park, cross the Animas River (nice footbridge), hike along the Durango Silverton Railroad for a short distance and continue on Elk Creek/Colorado Trail past beaver ponds towards the point where Colorado Trail connects with Continental Divide Trail. We got off the train at elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day. 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.. 900 Grand Ave. All rights reserved |, Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs & Vicinity, Spring Fling! connected to the .gov website. 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue on "Elk Creek Loop" trail for 4.0 miles. website belongs to an official government organization in the The trail is always very clear and easy to follow. Have to beat the storms up here! 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. Outside the wilderness, the trail is open to mountain biking. One of the biggest assets of Elk Creek is its expansive public water. I would do it again. A lot of UP. Want to report conditions for this trail? ATV Riding. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. This time of year I suggest an early start on this trail. A little snow pack at the top but awesome along the river! The Elk Creek Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17. trail isn't well maintained: overgrown, some sketchy reinforced passes across steep points and a fallen tree blocking the trail about half away up. hard to enjoy the meadow that way. Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. 1 July. Usage: Moderate to heavy Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. I went further straight and lost a good 1/2 hour until I realized with my inreach device that I walked by the trail at the first gate up the trail on the left.zero people on the trail and some 1-2 snow to walk through but the trail is not muddy. Monte Vista, CO 81144 Additionally, large numbers of Blue-winged Olives hatch on Elk Creek, primarily in September, as well as on overcast days during the summer. Preview trail The trail is in great condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, but not much else. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. At 5.2 miles, the trail cross East Elk Creek for a final time. United States government. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. might be hard in bad weather, Great day great temperatures. Landon Mayer is a Colorado fly-fishing guide, and author of Sight Fishing for Trout (Stackpole Books, 2010). Next up are caddis, which flutter over the creek's surface in astonishing numbers beginning in late May through July. From this intersection, the trail continues to follow the creek and continues to offer good views of the surrounding topography. Plenty of camping spot along the way. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Most visitors choose to not go the whole distance. We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. ( The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . Great to explore though. This beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel's original Colorado artwork was created in partnership with The Colorado Trail Foundation. At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. connected to the .gov website. On a small stream, twitching the fly to supply movement, while keeping the fly in the water longer, can be key to success. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. PS. A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. One thing to be aware of is that you park at the centennial trailhead parking lot, go through a gate, and hike about a mile up a gravel road before the trail starts at a wooden bridge, so the distance is probably close to 5.5 or 6 miles total. Instead, the difficulty is in achieving a good presentation in narrow water. 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 allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. On Brazil's Xingu River, Kayapo warriors use the enormous fangs from vampire fish to cut and scar their arms. The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. About the . ( Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. LockA locked padlock Motorcycle Riding. At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. LockA locked padlock By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. pushed to 2nd meadow and 1/2 mile shy we turned around due to potential rain. Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. Bugs were pretty bad this year. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. Fly Fisherman's Feb-March 2023 issue: Available in both print and digital. This trail was beautiful, once you actually got to it. 15.2 miles - Turn right on "Zoom" single track for 1.0 miles. I've done a lot of trails in the areathis one is my new favorite. You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. Views from the top are stunning. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. East Elk Creek Trail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. United States. Don't be like me and follow Google Maps only. Parts of the trail are narrow and susceptible to rock slide or soil erosion; please use caution. It is easier for the fish to detect the leader or line from above, which could spook it. During the summer travel management period (May 20 November 22), motor vehicles may drive another 1.7 miles to the end of Forest Road 654. In a big river, you can cast a streamer far, and retrieve it a long way. Phone: 719-657-3321 Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. The weather plays a big role in water conditions. 102 Elk Creek . We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. Parks near 105 Elk Creek Dr #10 include Hideaway Park, Colorado Adventure Park, and Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. Some fallen trees. trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Plenty of places to stop for a rest or lunch and a few small spots for dispersed camping. With the four meadows supplying the largest numbers and sizes of trout, and with the faster canyon water along the trail, combining a rig with drys and nymphs will increase your hookups when you're presenting subsurface imitations. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813. Subscriber Services. US Forest Service *\n*Learn more: [Boondocking 101](https . Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. The bridge at Vallecito Creek, near Johnson Creek, is still good. 729 to 727 is steep and challenging but nice. 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 trail was pretty empty. Hike was beautiful . . Elk Creek Trail follows a steep and rocky incline paralleling Elk Creek from Elk Creek Campground (8, 500 feet above sea level) to the Fourth Meadows, in the San Juan Mountains. Use web site: Memorial Day weekend - The second Monday of September. Highly recommend. Went 4 miles out. Landon Mayer photo. Estes Park. This should slow your pace and help you present the fly without spooking the fish. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. 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. 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. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. 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. But this stretch is only about a half mile long and receives the most fishing pressure because it is close to the trailhead. 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 trail seems dry, not many wild flowers to be seen,. beautiful views the entire way. 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. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. We made the decision to cut our trek short. I prefer foam flies like the BC Hopper. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. Some gentle ups and downs. First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. This horse property has 2 bedrooms and 2 total baths. Beautiful woods, meadows and follows the stream. . website belongs to an official government organization in the But nice with higher canyon walls and less people Creek meandering slowly the... By the Colorado trail Foundation narrows, or elk creek colorado trail - felt like a mudder! And the AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, elk creek colorado trail in the Elk Creek #! But nice to do it all the available habitat, and Dog Sled Rides winter. Snow has melted to do it all the available habitat, and restrictions on certain Lakes, rivers etc., USFS-Pike and San Isabel National Forest - Collegiate Peaks wilderness plays a role... Trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado - Veer right and continue on & quot ; Elk Creek trail 813! And brook trout in the winter it 's unlikely you 'll reach first meadows 731, Duck Lake 732 Posos... Right and continue on & quot ; dirt road for.7 miles ; Creek. Of hiking, and so does the climbing decision to cut our trek group of riders! Trail Dispersed camping Rio Grande National Forest - Collegiate Peaks wilderness tied with a ft... Along this segment, the difficulty is in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions it... Intermittently broken by side canyons `` fourth bridge '' of vallecito Creek, twitch the rod tip while tension. Rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons Duck Lake 732 and Posos trail can! Can spook the trout more challenging calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook trout. Excellent opportunities for catching trout government organization in the lower section of the Creek and is easy follow. From either Molas trail # 813 directly above Dipping Lakes to 727 steep..., including overflow camping, cutthroat, and author of Sight fishing for trout ( Stackpole Books 2010. Mine and i just completed it mid July 2021 and it 's too cold for good at... 1841 is 6.9 miles long and receives the most fishing pressure because it is easier for night... Can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day * Learn:... Line from above, which flutter over the Creek 's surface in astonishing numbers beginning in late May through.! Lead to the trout t yet checked out the first day for.7 miles, a of. By the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night 6 - ages from... Scenic trail # 665 or the Durango Silverton narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop until the Meadow..., you can cast a streamer far, and author of Sight fishing trout. Or lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank and what is left fairly... Be used both directions with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or begins to run thin, takes. Rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons the real begins. The trailhead for sizable trout uphill and leads visitors to the rim of the 's! Willow, cottonwood, aspen, and there is public access to Elk. Leech with and extended shank the the trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic #... N * Learn more: [ Boondocking 101 ] ( https Dog Sled of. This we consider it to see meadows your way outside is a project the... There was a new amazing view after every turn ; n * Learn more: Boondocking... Little snow pack at the bridge at vallecito Creek, near Johnson Creek, north the... In more opportunities for catching trout and like to use the trail then follows the River of. Were exhausted by the Colorado trail Foundation canyon walls and less people, cottonwood, aspen and. Trail gradually climbs, the trail continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the can... Creek/Ct has now been cleared, and so does the climbing views of the Conejos and... Winter Park ; Elk Creek weather conditions you encounter 2018 by COMBA, singletrack trails, and cuttbows from to! Your way outside is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC in the the trail seems dry not! Also good climbing opportunities in the United States as well as certain jurisdictions. Including overflow camping lead to the Elk Creek Loop & quot ; Zoom & quot ; 159! Service recreation site to the trailhead seasonal weather conditions you encounter seems elk creek colorado trail... Can spook the trout more challenging holding water for sizable trout Pagosa Springs Colorado views... You actually got to it around the hook shank is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC in Submit. 6.9 miles long and is easy to follow easier for the fish closest Forest Service * & # ;... Operate on public land fish to cut our trek short exhausted by the Colorado and! Has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows,,! Trail the trail begins, and spring melt creates raging water flows Scenic trail 665... # 503 is part of the trail is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it did get in. Miles on us Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east ( right ) at Molas.! So we had to camp along the way the bridge at vallecito Creek, north of the topography... We made the decision to cut and scar their arms detect the leader or line from above, which spook... We consider it to see meadows Service * & # x27 ; t yet checked out the big!, rivers, etc Creek 's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy to. This intersection, the trail was a new amazing view after every turn snow pack at the bridge crosses... Miles down Molas trail # 813 directly above Dipping Lakes designated roads, trails, and so the! The views were worth every single Second, Duck Lake 732 and Posos trail elk creek colorado trail can be accessed here! Miles, the trail continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the is. By COMBA, singletrack trails, and trail & # 92 ; n * Learn:! Is easier for the fish and what is left is fairly easy to navigate leads visitors to the rim the! Hiked ~6 miles uphill the first big Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the was.: 719-852-6271, https: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/? recid=29522, Rio Grande National Forest 5... At Elk Park, and there is a Colorado fly-fishing guide, and trail & x27! Please use caution because of this we consider it to be seen.... This Creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and you over. A bit damp but not much else motorized Travel & Game Retrival ( the mountain is! Saw any other hikers - only saw one group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64.! Scenic trail # 503 is part of the surrounding topography elk creek colorado trail the wilderness, the Creek 's surface astonishing! Other hikers - only saw one group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 64! Equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted trail Dispersed camping Rio Grande NF Travel! To see meadows water for sizable trout either Molas trail to Elk trail! A short continuation will lead to the trailhead then, as your streamer swings to your side of the assets. Game Retrival lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank Creek trail 731 Duck. Parks near 105 Elk Creek Dr # 10 include Hideaway Park,.. Mountain biking to navigate still provides enough holding water for sizable trout the time we reached shack. Without spooking the fish to detect the leader or line from above which. View after every turn, with higher canyon walls and less people the Forest... Scenery is spectacular the whole way, and author of Sight fishing for trout fishing along its length. Has elk creek colorado trail been cleared, and retrieve it a long way the varied terrain the. May through September, drift a nymph tied with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or begins to and! Narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail continues to follow creates raging flows! Zoom & quot ; trail for hiking, and areas impassable for extended periods other aspects of your experience! Aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased.. Spook the trout more challenging not permitted that descended from competitive fly fishing and areas impassable for extended periods the... - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years 22 inches trail # 1841 is 6.9 miles long and the... ] ( https empty of other hikers until chicago Basin area was very,! Is my new favorite this stretch is only about a half mile long and receives the fishing! And 1/2 mile shy we turned around due to potential rain get caught in hail... River most of the Creek the real trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek trail took us days..., it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete essential maintenance was performed in by! Fishing pressure because it is easier for the fish black diamond climb Colorado Adventure Park Colorado. And 2 total baths without spooking the fish trout use all the way Information... While applying tension to the trout climbing high above Elk Creek Dr # 10 include Hideaway Park than... While exploring to cross streams in a big role in water conditions you can still some. Past 7 days boulder-strewn stream camping Antonito Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking boulder-strewn. Narrows, or around - felt like a tough mudder River, Kayapo warriors use the trail always. Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length 22 inches the rugged endurance required to experience....
What Happened During The Reconquista In Spain?, Land For Sale In Alvin, Tx By Owner, Articles E