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. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. The nature back there is unbelievable. You follow along Elk Creek the entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls. 102 Elk Creek . Strenuous at points. 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. The MLS number of this property is 8386827 . 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 Loop is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. website belongs to an official government organization in the 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. Got there too late in afternoon to make it all the way to the end though. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. Great sounds! ) or https:// means you've safely Parks near 105 Elk Creek Dr #10 include Hideaway Park, Colorado Adventure Park, and Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park. The trail makes several creek crossings, which can be dangerous during high water periods and outright impossible when there's been rain in the area recently, so please be extremely cautious and do not attempt high water creek crossings on your own. Have to beat the storms up here! Did this in and back turning around a waterfall. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. 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. There are two ways to approach this presentation problem. When you see a closed green gate on the left, you need to open the gate and go THROUGH it! connected to the .gov website. Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. We made the decision to cut our trek short. Very isolated in the middle of the trail, we only saw 1 other person each day. Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. LockA locked padlock Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. 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. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. You can also pursue trout with streamers that imitate any of the various small fry and baitfish that dart about in Elk Creek. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. I highly recommend it. Camping sites 29 through 42 are located in the overflow loop (no picnic tables or fireplaces). This route will continue more of the same from the Marmot Passage Trail, but you'll be getting ever closer to your goal, the scenic Elk Falls! It is lightly wooded with spruce and some ponderosa pines. We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. Typically a 7-foot leader tapered to 4X works great. The trail was pretty empty. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. Very steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. United States government. Plenty of places to stop for a rest or lunch and a few small spots for dispersed camping. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. Colorado. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Creek was almost dry. Beautiful other than that. 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. ( Again, a lot of trees were down that we had to circumnavigate. I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! United States. Here the road becomes progressively more primitive, but keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot. Other trails which can be reached via the El Creek Trail are the Notch Trail #729 and the Rough Creek Trail #727. The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. In a big river, you can cast a streamer far, and retrieve it a long way. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. It's best to present the fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected. Right now the waterfalls are still running strong and the pleasant sound of the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable!! pushed to 2nd meadow and 1/2 mile shy we turned around due to potential rain. 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. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. Rate Difficulty (optional) Easy. Nice hike overall. Never saw a waterfall. Hiked from elk park to needleton 7/1/2022-7/4/2022. Supervisor's Office Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock 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. If you haven't yet checked out the first . Lots of great waterfalls and views along the way. on official, secure websites. Colorado Trail (CT) 487.2 mi 784.1 km 83,541' Up 25463.2 m Up 82,229' Down 25063.5 m Down. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. hard to enjoy the meadow that way. Only made it up 2.7 mi bc last mile must be where you get most of the elevation since we were at about 670 ft gain at 2.7 mi. This 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. This is more remote, with higher canyon walls and less people. Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter. . 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. Steep cliffs of volcanic rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons. National Forest If you have the physical endurance an Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the top of your list. 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. Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. Official websites use .gov A .gov Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. The biggest challenge to using streamers in the creek is not the rigging, which can be a simple, 7-foot leader tapered to 0X or 2X, connected to the fly with either an improved clinch knot or a nonslip mono loop. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. This approach is located at 11,700ft and provides access to the Vestal Group from the east via Upper Elk Creek & Vallecito Creek. On day one, between the Elk Park Train Drop Off Trail Head and Beaver Pond, we encountered 3 large debris fields. Share sensitive information only About 2.25 miles from the parking area is where the trail goes out to more exposed rock and fewer trees. Careful, as there are some steep, slick parts, but overall I must say that the hike is beautiful. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock But this stretch is only about a half mile long and receives the most fishing pressure because it is close to the trailhead. Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. The trail extends 18 miles to the Flattops. Some fallen trees. Share sensitive information only Larimer County. 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. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/?recid=42890. We made it to Chicago Basin and I made it to the "saddle" of Sunlight peak before talking myself out of going up the rest of the way (regretting it to this day). 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. Please note that FR-654 is rough and narrow and there is only room for 2-3 vehicles at the end of the road. There was a new amazing view after every turn. This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! United States. A Couples Guide to Glenwood Springs. Just after entering Elk Creek CG cross the bridge and take the trail leading south along the bank of Elk Creek. Preview trail The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. Moxie! Think carefully about each step before you cast. On Elk Creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. Lots of shade and tree cover, wild flowers, and little critters. 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. Nice but thanks for the earlier tip that right about .7 mi you go to the left to go through the green gate. 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. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. 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 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. This resulting high, stained water helps the trout find cover, and often prompts them to feed aggressively. Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . When you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook. By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Difficult and rocky but worth it. 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. The varied terrain between the meadows creates cover and safety for the fish. 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. LockA locked padlock US Forest Service 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. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! 3 days, 2 nights. The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. Good easy trail! 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 saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. 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. An official website of the 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. Sad to see all the beetle damage. Ran I to some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail. A gorgeous fall hike, lots of color. After at least an hour of hiking, you'll reach First Meadows. Submit one here . The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. We have had a lot of rain the last few days so the trail was a bit damp but not muddy. There are also good climbing opportunities in the area. Well marked trail that loops back the way you came!! The meadow at 3 miles in is beautiful and great spot to fish. United States. The very last meadow with the stream snaking through is so beautiful. To reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road (CR 245). Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Parking is availabe at the Trailhead. 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. Lots of wildlife tracks. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. 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. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. . It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. This jigging technique will allow you present streamers to trout that would be otherwise unapproachable. When anglers hear the word "creek," they often think of small or shallow water, typically holding mainly smaller fish. I would do it again. Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. Estes Park. If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. North Elk Creek Trail . The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. The second approach is to twitch the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank. I missed the gate comment but it is CRITICAL. When approaching narrow waterways, you want to remain out of view while still being able to present the flies effectively. When the creek is low and clear, the trout are usually looking up, making drys better choices. Submit one here . Mostly empty of other hikers - only saw one group of horseback riders. The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. When I returned there was a note on my car not to park there!! Good fishing. Preview trail Hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description On a small stream, twitching the fly to supply movement, while keeping the fly in the water longer, can be key to success. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. An official website of the I looooove this trail. Beautiful hike! ATV Riding. 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. 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. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. 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 The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. Thanks also to All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail! Ability Rating: Moderate to difficult FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Wide gravel road for awhile. Elk Creek Road . There's nothing like reflecting on the day's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead. Small amounts of debris from avalanche on the Needles creek trail but easy to navigate. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. Experience this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado. They were all well marked but took extra time to navigate. Our total distance was about 42 miles.