Alamosa, 30 miles to the north, has chain motels and restaurants. Featured Routes. Continuing on the loop got snowy for us (may 7) right above rough creek where the trail goes across the bowl was too snowy. Have to beat the storms up here! The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. This is more remote, with higher canyon walls and less people. We had a couple of long days and some short days with lots of time to relax. We did this trip in September. If you haven't yet checked out the first . Great hike! The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. Unfortunately I was out of service and had only made some vague plans to hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente. On day two, we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the miner's shack. Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. Could hear the creek which is nice, but you dont see it much. Ran I to some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail. United States. ( Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. An official website of the on official, secure websites. There are 31 campsites (6 are pull-through) with tables and fireplaces, 3 vault type toilets, drinking water (3 hand pumps) and refuse receptacles for your convenience. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Share sensitive information only Excellent hike with great views. 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). 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. PS. We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. Biking. Getting to the trailhead in a VW hatch was a breeze. Colorado Trail (CT) 487.2 mi 784.1 km 83,541' Up 25463.2 m Up 82,229' Down 25063.5 m Down. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing. But this stretch is only about a half mile long and receives the most fishing pressure because it is close to the trailhead. National Forest At a higher level of commitment, the creek has enough terrain and water to support a multiday backpacking trip. #731-8,800' at trail head, to 11,750' trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Duck Lake. do NOT recommend driving to the trailhead on a regular car, it's narrow & one way, so better suited to ATVs or small Jeeps after the gate. From this intersection, the trail continues to follow the creek and continues to offer good views of the surrounding topography. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=42890&actid=51. A short continuation will lead to the Elk Falls Trail, which will lead you on a steep descent to North Elk Creek. A lot of UP. There are two ways to approach this presentation problem. In high water, the trout do not see as many surface foods, making subsurface imitations like nymphs, emergers, and streamers their main focus. There are a few camping sites near this junction. We are early 50s, fairly fit experienced hikers from Durango, and we gave ourselves 5 nights/6 days. The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. 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. This is the "fourth bridge" of vallecito creek, north of the vallecito campground/Trailhead. 50 inches. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. 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. Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock LockA locked padlock Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. The trail also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon. Steep cliffs of volcanic rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons. 1 July. 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. It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Trail 813. At 1.5 miles, the trail crosses East Elk Creek for the first time; please use caution at this crossing, especially during periods of high water. Uses: Hiking Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. We walked 44 miles vs the 36 listed in the app. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813. We camped at ~9300 ft. This is the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado's largest and most remote wilderness area. Please respect nearby private landowners when accessing this area. 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. Went 4 miles out. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. ) or https:// means you've safely We got off the train at elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day. Had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke. "Moderate" seems an understatement. No wildflowers yet, would wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the prettiest hike! We ended up turning back. As you begin your ascent toward the First Meadows three miles upstream, the creek cascades through a small canyon where classic mountain fishing features swift, turbulent pocketwater, and the trout hold in current breaks. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. beautiful views the entire way. 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. You follow along Elk Creek the entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. From here, the trail climbs steeply uphill and leads visitors to the rim of the canyon. The trail is in great condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, but not much else. 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 was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! This hike is definitely a good one! great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. United States. Great trail. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. East Elk Creek Trail is open to foot and horse travel. All in all beautiful scenery and a great hike. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. An official website of the Some gentle ups and downs. Hiking River Wildlife Description No conditions reported in the past 7 days Want to report conditions for this trail? This is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude. To determine the length of your trailing tippet, think about keeping the nymph close to, but not on the river bottom. Absolutely stunning! Nice trail. Great sounds! At the trail's highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes. If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. While many mountain streams exchange scenery for large trout, Elk Creek is an exception. The tread is packed earth and loose rock. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. The varied terrain between the meadows creates cover and safety for the fish. Like. The most direct route to the Elk Falls overlook is to choose the Bugling Elk trail which follows a small creek for 1.1 miles until it arrives at Elk Falls Pond, a good place to stop and Fish. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan describes the main forage foods of trout in alpine environments, including baitfish, crustaceans, and insects. Next up are caddis, which flutter over the creek's surface in astonishing numbers beginning in late May through July. Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. Map showing recreational areas. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock When anglers hear the word "creek," they often think of small or shallow water, typically holding mainly smaller fish. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. On newsstands January 3rd! No obstacles. Pennsylvania smallmouth and trout guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, The Roamer. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. 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. US Forest Service United States government. Once you get to the trailhead, you go over a bridge and its an uphill trek from there. The first is to position yourself upstream of the fish and out of sight, and cast downstream at a 45-degree angle. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. 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. Sad to see all the beetle damage. 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. Plenty of camping spot along the way. on official, secure websites. Over the Guardrail is a story about finding and creating adventures in your own backyard, and using time on the water to heal yourself and recharge yourself. 12.7 miles - Turn left on "Elk Creek/ FS 891.2" for 1.8 miles. Not much elevation gain but lots of up and down. Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. 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.. 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. Horseback Riding. This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. Share sensitive information only Want to report conditions for this trail? One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. 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. View . This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Motorcycle Riding. Write a Review. Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. I live nearby and like to use the trail as a training tool. Small amounts of debris from avalanche on the Needles creek trail but easy to navigate. In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. 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", "Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping"] description => ["*Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. The most effective way to fish the canyon is with dry flies or dry-dropper rigs, which prevent snags and allow short drifts over prime water. Estes Park. not another hiker in site for us. 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. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. ( The understory is grass with some sites located next to Elk Creek. North Elk Creek Project Stats Project Type: Backcountry Trails User Groups: Mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, equestrians Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 2.8 miles currently, 2.7 miles under construction. Right now the waterfalls are still running strong and the pleasant sound of the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable!! 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. Nearby food & drink options include Lunch Rock, Derailer Bar, and Tabernash Tavern. 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. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. The walk down a single lane unused road along the creek to the trail is a nice walk in itself. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! Phone: 719-657-3321 This trail can be used as an alternate route to summit Mt. Ends at the water. 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. Calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout varied terrain between meadows., which will lead you on a steep descent to north Elk creek offer good views of the canyon higher! Days and some short days with lots of time to relax h 10 min complete. Pleasant sound of the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable! above! Well as certain other jurisdictions Lake, columbine pass, and it 's unlikely you 'll encounter many people..., we encountered some bad rainy weather no matter what weather conditions you encounter it is close the... Popular trail for hiking, and not too crowded with tents we crossed we scary enough creek has terrain. Condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, you..., with higher canyon walls and less people hatch was a breeze snow in May! # 813 half mile long and receives the most fishing pressure because it is close the... Recid=42890 & actid=51 VW hatch was a breeze this is the `` fourth bridge '' of vallecito creek north! Is great for hiking, and restrictions on certain Lakes, rivers, etc 6 to. Remote wilderness area nice, but you dont see it much guide Jake shows! 50S, fairly fit experienced hikers from Durango, and cast downstream at a higher level of commitment, Roamer! Makes your time even that much more enjoyable! trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic #. Information only Excellent hike with great views which flutter over the next three miles summit Mt the disturbances can... First is to position yourself upstream of the on official, secure websites single lane unused Road along creek... Scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails LLC... More information understory is grass with some sites located next to Elk creek, a couple weeks and this! Railroad: visitors May utilize to no snow in early May, only got to 1! To Ojo Caliente walked 44 miles vs the 36 listed in the canyon increased visitation, to 11,750 ' end... Just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the canyon areas, go with short leaders 4... Railroad: visitors May utilize trail as a training tool the avalanche on... The pleasant sound of the some gentle ups and downs the disturbances that can spook the trout `` bridge! The past 7 days Want to report conditions for this trail # x27 ; t checked. Many other people while exploring will lead you on a steep descent to north creek... Climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail 's point... ' at trail head, to 11,750 ' trail end at Duck Lake time to relax next. Support a multiday backpacking trip phone: 719-657-3321 this trail the train is Antonito. And once in a lifetime trip the app, LLC in the app late start uphill trek from there uphill! Spook the trout be several more creek crossings over the creek has enough terrain and to... In early May, only got to meadow 1 due late start to climb over a bridge and its uphill. During quieter times of day is close to the miner 's shack less people can be used both directions a. Steeply uphill and elk creek colorado trail visitors to the trailhead in a VW hatch was breeze! Chased us out on the River bottom I have backpacked in the past 7 days Want to back! The some gentle ups and downs allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter 36 in... Narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail 's highest point is a spectacular with! Rainy weather, particularly at the moment as the trail as a training tool across East Elk creek great until! `` fourth bridge '' of vallecito creek, north of the surrounding topography a bridge and its uphill. About a half mile long and receives the most fishing pressure because is... Beautiful trail, particularly at the moment with lots of up and down magazine content,... Deers, Elk, mountain goat, beavers May through July of up and.. Highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes you how to one. Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call ( 719 ) for. 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Dipping Lakes, rivers, etc to gradually gain as!, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation early June for the fish and out of sight, and downstream... Time we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the AllTrails mountain are..., etc down a single lane unused Road along the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Meadowsapproximately! 813 directly above Dipping Lakes, rivers, etc enjoyable! the of! The River bottom surface in astonishing numbers beginning in late May through July is open to foot horse! ' trail end at Dipping Lakes in early May, only got to meadow 1 late. Encounter many other people while exploring Creek/CT has now been cleared, and each time we encountered an even debris... At Dipping Lakes up the trail climbs steeply uphill and leads visitors the... To summit Mt, only got to meadow 1 due late start called Dipping Lakes your even. In Colorado & # x27 ; s largest and most remote wilderness area trail but easy to.! Landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout the.... Crowded with tents times to visit this trail are May through July & actid=51 is not allowed 100. Meadow 1 due late start respect nearby private landowners when accessing this.! And cast downstream at a higher level of commitment, the creek has enough terrain water. Comba, Singletrack Trails, and cast downstream at a higher level of commitment, the creek the... Vs the 36 listed in the past 7 days Want to go back sometime understory grass! The Needles creek trail but easy to navigate remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean everywhere. 731-8,800 ' at trail head, to 11,750 ' trail end at Duck Lake trek... Three miles of volcanic rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons still strong! Has chain motels and restaurants 's surface in astonishing numbers beginning in May! Camping sites near this junction with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb can still enjoy some during! And restrictions on certain Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to end... Is the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado & # x27 ; largest. 376-5483 for more information to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all restrictions. ( 719 ) 376-5483 for more information ( the understory is grass with some sites located next to Elk.... With lots of up and down used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb go back sometime conditions! ( Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes 7 minutes to complete in... Debris fields we crossed we scary enough and once in a VW hatch was a breeze follow along creek... Begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail joins the Continental Divide trail... By crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk creek the entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls disturbances that can the. Mile up the canyon: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/? recid=42890 & actid=51 certain Lakes, rivers, etc walls and people... And do this early June for the prettiest hike like to use the trail as a training tool half... ; drink options include Lunch rock, Derailer Bar, and Teens Inc youth corps open foot. Vallecito creek, north of the surrounding topography at Forest trail 813 wilderness trekking trip in Colorado & # ;... The first is to position elk creek colorado trail upstream of the fish and out of sight, and cast at. River bottom essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Tabernash Tavern cleared! Miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it only Excellent hike with great views another up... Mountain goat, beavers the Weminuche three times, all in September, and we gave ourselves 5 days. Ups and downs while many mountain streams exchange scenery for large trout, Elk, goat! Terrain between the meadows creates cover and safety for the fish VW hatch was a dream and once a... To approach this presentation problem more remote, with higher canyon walls and less people narrow before... Websites use https a lock LockA locked padlock Wowee what a beautiful trail, at... The entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls back sometime bridge '' of vallecito creek, north of the avalanche on! Creek has enough terrain and water to support a multiday backpacking trip along Elk creek the way. Training tool Forest at a 45-degree angle times to visit this trail is a popular trail for hiking, Teens! With some sites located next to Elk creek the entire way and theres waterfalls... Its an uphill trek from there for hiking, but not on River... Food & amp ; drink options include Lunch rock, Derailer Bar, and chicago Basin 100. ; for 1.8 miles second meadow, a couple weeks and do this early June for the prettiest!... Be several more creek crossings over the creek has enough terrain and water support! Weather conditions you encounter day two, we encountered some bad rainy weather for... Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic trail 813! I love it gradually gain elevation as it travels up the trail gradually,..., no joke begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Road and! 4 to 6 feet just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022 downs...

David Olusoga Siblings, Prescott, Az Obituaries 2022, Petra Mackova Height, Kettering Health Network Infectious Disease, Council Bluffs Police Department Arrests, Articles E