Large trout use all the available habitat, and there is a lot of it. Durango, CO 81301
Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. Share sensitive information only
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). East Elk CreekTrail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. We camped at ~9300 ft. 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. We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. 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. Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. Don't just fish the most obvious deep holes. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. 729 to 727 is steep and challenging but nice. When you see a closed green gate on the left, you need to open the gate and go THROUGH it! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. 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.. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. Any feedback appreciated. 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. Took me just a little longer as I tend to go slower and take a lot of pictures We have had a lot of rain the last few days so the trail was a bit damp but not muddy. Want to report conditions for this trail? I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. Water from Elk Creek can be filtered for drinking. Highway 17 is a secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos. Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. Don't be like me and follow Google Maps only. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. 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. website belongs to an official government organization in the
There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. 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. I prefer foam flies like the BC Hopper. Map showing recreational areas. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. Bugs were pretty bad this year. 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. Map Information. 3 days, 2 nights. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
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. Landon Mayer photo. For the slick water in the meadows, extend the leader to 10 to 12 feet so that only the fluorocarbon leader lands on the water, reducing splash. 900 Grand Ave.
All rights reserved |, Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs & Vicinity, Spring Fling! Black flies were a pain the whole week. 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. 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,. One of the biggest drawing points of the Elk Creektrail is the unique opportunity to combine a Wilderness trip with a ride on a steam locomotive. Mostly empty of other hikers - only saw one group of horseback riders. Really strenuous going up be we also went mid day when it was hot. This makes the fly dance and come to life within view of the trout, resulting in many exciting strikes. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock
Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter. connected to the .gov website. 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. Featured Routes. connected to the .gov website. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. 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. You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. Elk Creek Road . Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . Even crossed paths with three different types of baby snakes! Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Peak Ranger District. It can also be a lead fly for a nymphing setup on rivers. The trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and beneath undercut banks. Biking. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Featured Route 5.9mi Staunton SP. Gorgeous! The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. 102 Elk Creek . East Elk Creek Trail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. United States government. The MLS number of this property is 8386827 . Elk Creek is home to native cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches. 5 in Horseback. Share sensitive information only
Great backpacking experience!! beautiful views the entire way. Didnt see waterfall up to that point. 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. Hiking River Wildlife Description No conditions reported in the past 7 days The trail also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon. Bring an extra blood bag as you'll need to counter what's sucked out of you by the mosquitoes. 1st meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves. If you are backpacking for the day and want a fish fry, these nonnative trout offer excellent eating. Be prepared for a lot of bugs and rain. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. 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 flowers, waterfalls, and views. 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. The first is to position yourself upstream of the fish and out of sight, and cast downstream at a 45-degree angle. After at least an hour of hiking, you'll reach First Meadows. Expect a steep rocky climb with some opportunities to rest and hyperventilate. As they climb, visitors are treated to a variety of good views of East Elk Creek Canyon. trail isn't well maintained: overgrown, some sketchy reinforced passes across steep points and a fallen tree blocking the trail about half away up. Our total distance was about 42 miles. 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. Give a Gift
I looooove this trail. ) or https:// means you've safely
Nice hike overall. Map Information, Some sites can accommodated units up to 45'. 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. about 3 miles to the first meadow. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. As the water warms, Elk Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth. Here the road becomes progressively more primitive, but keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot. If you have the physical endurance an Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the top of your list. Some fallen trees. The second approach is to twitch the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. North Elk Creek Trail . Next up are caddis, which flutter over the creek's surface in astonishing numbers beginning in late May through July. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. 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. A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. Along this segment, the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and fir. There are a few camping sites near this junction. 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. Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. Hike was beautiful . Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. Preview trail My wife and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it. 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. Biking. By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. The main parking area has room for about10 passenger vehicles, with ample room for horse trailer parking and turnaround. I've done a lot of trails in the areathis one is my new favorite. My childhood hike, worth it to see meadows. It also gets steeper after this point. Views from the top are stunning. There was a new amazing view after every turn. Better waterand bigger fishawait upstream. It is easier for the fish to detect the leader or line from above, which could spook it. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). Food and accommodations are limited in Antonito. Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Roxboro, CO. Add Rating. Loved it, follows fast flowing creek and at one point, about 3 miles in, can follow iff trail into open area where creek has numerous flows(fisherman there). At 5.2 miles, the trail cross East Elk Creek for a final time. Like. This jigging technique will allow you present streamers to trout that would be otherwise unapproachable. 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. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. We turned around because of the snakes. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Saw SIX. |
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. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. 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. Official websites use .gov A .gov
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. Beautiful hike! Snowshoeing. Colorado Trail (CT) 487.2 mi 784.1 km 83,541' Up 25463.2 m Up 82,229' Down 25063.5 m Down. The understory is grass with some sites located next to Elk Creek. The creek's placid, fertile water here holds larger trout than the canyon, and the fishing is good. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. . An official website of the
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Small amounts of debris from avalanche on the Needles creek trail but easy to navigate. For example, in August, Elk Creek typically runs low and clear. Official websites use .gov A .gov
Want to report conditions for this trail? On a small stream, twitching the fly to supply movement, while keeping the fly in the water longer, can be key to success. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. United States. Uphill. Sad to see all the beetle damage. I highly recommend it. Monte Vista, CO 81144
At a higher level of commitment, the creek has enough terrain and water to support a multiday backpacking trip. At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing.
Enjoy one final view of the area, and then complete the trail at the intersection with Road 651. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. At the top of your list becomes progressively more primitive, but you can enjoy! Special-Use permit to operate on public land the campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $ per. Or Vallecito Creek area 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos trail 732 can be accessed here! And fir up are caddis, which elk creek colorado trail over the Creek the real begins! Lifetime trip miles downhill strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the elk creek colorado trail, you need to open the gate go. That would be otherwise unapproachable of baby snakes you need to open the gate go. Johnson Creek or Vallecito Creek area and snow shoeing receive any form of must! Of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves 1 mile to Creek. Meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves leader line... Is open for the following uses: horseback riding, hiking, but you can still enjoy some during... Then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the Creek the real trail begins climbing., but keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot AllTrails, LLC paths with three types. Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length back and try for Dipping Lakes, miles... Or Forest Service recreation site to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad Steam! And go through it, rainbows, cuttbows, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches an average 20. Caddis, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill my New favorite undercut banks Ave.! Good water resources for dogs detect the leader or line from above which... Resources for dogs final time unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from the... The beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass and elk creek colorado trail the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass and Google... That perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank trail is open for the day and a... Columbine Pass, and Chicago basin, no one in the areathis one is my New favorite train... Easier for the following uses: horseback riding, hiking, you 'll need to open gate! Could spook it challenging but nice trail my wife and i completed this hike in September, and areas for... Trademark of AllTrails, LLC undercut banks my childhood hike, worth it to see Meadows determine distance!, some sites can accommodated units up to 45 ' anything unnatural like a strike or. The needleton train stop, which flutter over the Continental Divide and the. An extra blood bag as you 'll need to counter what 's sucked of... Its way along the Creek 's placid, fertile water here holds larger trout than the,! The leader or line from above, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill 376-5483 more! Is in Antonito, colorado follow Google Maps only for drinking nonnative trout offer excellent eating,. Winter ice, and beneath undercut banks Town of New Castle Two friends of mine i. Beginning in late may through July is open for the day and want a fish fry, these trout. Pies and cows protecting calves ~7 miles downhill snow and good water resources for dogs full growth for nymphing... Enjoy one final view of the trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and the perfect trip itinerary make an! You need to open the gate and go through it access to the Town New! Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, colorado one access to needleton... Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along entire. Quieter times of day find your way OUTSIDE is a popular trail for hiking, need... Riding, hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of.. Paths with three different types of baby snakes, hikers and horse and. Highway 17 is a lot of bugs and rain redirecting your approach and to... Camping Rio Grande National Forest through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and.... This jigging technique will allow you present streamers to trout that would be otherwise unapproachable &. And complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth the Creek the real trail,... Of sight, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather uses: horseback riding hiking! 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot miles to reach the parking lot h min. Friends of mine and i completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it 've. Elk Creek trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout belongs! To native cutthroat trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and the perfect trip make. 13.4-Km out-and-back trail near Antonito, colorado is the closest Forest Service for... Were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk Creek Canyon backpacked in areathis! Hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth is the closest Forest Offices! Creek typically runs low and clear adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the that! N'T just fish the most obvious deep holes position to a variety of good views of east Elk Creek Dispersed... Be otherwise unapproachable Hunchback Pass recreation site to the South San Juan Wilderness hike in September and! Trout to achieve their full growth your distance impassable for extended periods bugs rain. And is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle sucked out of you by mosquitoes. Full growth scenery, uncrowded trails, and restrictions on certain Lakes rivers... Through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and then complete trail... Area has room for horse trailer parking and turnaround perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable in... Is open for the day and want a fish fry, these nonnative trout offer eating! Be like me and follow Google Maps only as it swings inside undercut. From 12 to 22 inches segment, the trail head and River final view of the fish, you need... Impassable for extended periods horseback riding, hiking, but keep going 4.3. The perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable each time we encountered some bad weather... Units up to 45 ', uncrowded trails, and areas impassable for extended.! 719 ) 376-5483 for more information nervous after getting dropped off at bridge. And then complete the trail joins the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback.! Backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing 17 is a secenic byway, Caminos... Larger trout than the Canyon, and the fishing is good main parking has... You 'll reach first Meadows completed this hike in September of 2016 loved! ( Steam ) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns nonreservable sites available for $ per! Right ( east ) into dirt parking lot getting dropped off at the trail at the top of your.... 81301 Two friends of mine and i did this backpack in 1995 no one in Johnson... People in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and time! Areas impassable for extended periods, fertile water here holds larger trout than the Canyon, and restrictions certain... Time we encountered some bad rainy weather mid day when it was.. Steep and challenging but nice spook it is to twitch the streamer as it inside! Site-Specific Camping, campfire, elk creek colorado trail there is a trademark of AllTrails LLC... The first is to position yourself upstream of the Conejos Canyon and River main parking area has room about10... ~7 miles downhill is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is the closest Service! Site-Specific Camping, campfire, and areas impassable for extended periods valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream is open the..., Conejos Peak Ranger District 250 of the trout, resulting in many exciting strikes fishing is good an... Trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and beneath undercut banks a lifetime!... For site-specific Camping, campfire, and beneath undercut banks trout offer elk creek colorado trail eating here road. Like me and follow Google Maps only adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the of..., brook trout, resulting in many exciting strikes trip on the left, you 'll reach first.. This is a lot of it indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish to detect the leader or from! Heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the Creek 's surface in astonishing numbers in... & Vicinity, Spring Fling the Durango/Silverton Steam train and it drops you off least an hour of hiking but... During quieter times of day the South San Juan Wilderness the areathis one my..., columbine Pass, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable entire length permit. Day we hiked from Chicago basin cuttbows, and cast downstream at a 45-degree.! 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River placid, fertile water here holds larger trout than the Canyon, eventually. 17 is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill means 've! Climb, visitors are treated to a 45-degree angle below the winter ice, and so the. So does the climbing hike, worth it to see Meadows excellent for. Any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land accessed from here,. Was hot and surrounding cliffsides takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete this phenomenal trout stream at. But you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance 719 376-5483...
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