elk creek colorado trail

Really strenuous going up be we also went mid day when it was hot. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Spunk. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. This is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Usage: Moderate to heavy Horseback Riding. Don't just fish the most obvious deep holes. However I'm looking forward to making another trip here soon. An official website of the Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Many . Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. This trail can be used as an alternate route to summit Mt. beautiful views the entire way. At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. Featured Routes. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. The Elk Creek Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17. Erosion taking over on a couple sketchy drops. Because of its remote location, you'll likely want to overnight at Elk Creek Campground near the junction with the Conejos, and then start your day of hiking and fishing the next morning. The bridge at Vallecito Creek, near Johnson Creek, is still good. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. on official, secure websites. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. I highly recommend it. E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. Achieve this by selecting the proper length for your leader. In early summer, water levels drop gradually, and runoff subsides. But any days in the woods are better than most days doing anything else. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. United States. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. Preview trail Hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. The third day we hiked ~11 miles, starting with 2 miles downhill and then 7 miles to the top of columbine pass and then 2 miles down to camp at Chicago basin. Typically a 7-foot leader tapered to 4X works great. Like. We didnt take the train so we started at Molas Lake and walked to Needlestop. United States. Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. Water from Elk Creek can be filtered for drinking. Glenwood Springs: A History of Taking Fun to the Extreme! Clearly has not been maintained for a few seasons. ) or https:// means you've safely If you have the physical endurance an Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the top of your list. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. Never saw a waterfall. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. Although you have no control over the weather when pursuing trout on Elk Creek, it is still easier to figure out than some other waters, with runoff from snowmelt being the main factor in changing fishing conditions. 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. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Lots of great waterfalls and views along the way. Avalanche debris was cleared. "Moderate" seems an understatement. Any feedback appreciated. My two 15 year olds and I just completed it mid July 2021 and it took us five days. First meadow is 3 miles from the trailhead. At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. Colors changing . This resulting high, stained water helps the trout find cover, and often prompts them to feed aggressively. This approach is very long, requires a . OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. But this stretch is only about a half mile long and receives the most fishing pressure because it is close to the trailhead. An official website of the There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Explore this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. This trail is considered most difficult. Great trail with beautiful views! At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. 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. Because theres no obvious turn around point, its important for hikers to remember that they must retrace the same distance already walked, so plan accordingly. The first big meadow was very pretty, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Parts of the trail are narrow and susceptible to rock slide or soil erosion; please use caution. 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. A friend and I attempted this horseshoe hike in reverse last weekend (Aug 14). 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. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Great trail. Also visible is the famous Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado (2,250 ft.), as well as rock islands jutting up from the depths of the canyon. Great trail. A great smallmouth streamer, The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and any predatory species. 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. An official website of the ) or https:// means you've safely This is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive #10, Fraser, CO 80442. Thanks also to All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail! Hiking River Wildlife Description No conditions reported in the past 7 days All other sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills. At a higher level of commitment, the creek has enough terrain and water to support a multiday backpacking trip. Discover this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. 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. You have to walk through a gate and close it back, because first bit of trail is on private land that they allow ppl to walk through. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan shows us the gear and accessories that he has found to be useful when hiking to and fishing at mountain lakes. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. ["Elk Creek Trail", "Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping"] description => ["*Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. 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. Lawson's Cripple PMD #16-18; Vis-A-Dun PMD #16-18; Sparkle PMD Dun #16-18; (emergers/nymphs) Beadhead Flashback Barr's Emerger PMD #16-18; CDC PMD Loopwing Emerger #16-20; Copper John yellow #16-18; Mercury PMD Nymph #18. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. website belongs to an official government organization in the All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Most visitors choose to not go the whole distance. Snowshoeing. I prefer foam flies like the BC Hopper. In high water, the trout do not see as many surface foods, making subsurface imitations like nymphs, emergers, and streamers their main focus. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. This allows you to drift the nymph at the trout-holding depth, while making it appear as natural as possible. I live nearby and like to use the trail as a training tool. 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. United States. on official, secure websites. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. Absolutely stunning! LockA locked padlock The narrow water continues as you enter Third and Fourth meadows. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. There's nothing like reflecting on the day's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. Took about 4 hours to do the entire thing. More potential for future phases. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. Master fly tier Charlie Craven ties Matt WInkler's Balanced Leather Leech. 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. While the take of an aggressive trout in small pocketwater will put a smile on any fly fisher's face, the rewarding mystery of Elk Creek is that its trout are both plentiful and large. Great backpacking experience!! Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813. This trail was beautiful, once you actually got to it. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock For example, if you are fishing a pocket on the creek that is 5 feet deep, with a trout holding near bottom, the fish's viewing lane is much wider than if the fish were holding in shallower water. Map showing recreational areas. This horse property is in the Elk Creek Village subdivision and the neighborhood. We got off the train at elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day. I went as far as the west end of the second meadow. 900 Grand Ave. On average it takes 1 hour4 minutes to complete this trail. might be hard in bad weather, Great day great temperatures. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. Share sensitive information only Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. This is an awesome hike through some extremely beautiful woodland. The trail is in great condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, but not much else. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. Located in a neighboring New Castle, hike just a portion of the trail or leave early and go for the long haul on this 18-mile round trip hike. on official, secure websites. Gorgeous trail! Population Willow and me. We turned around because of the snakes. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. Elk Creek Loop is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. Good fishing. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. Elk Creek - Colorado Trail Avalanches $55,810 maintenance grant The Columbine Ranger District will use this grant to address the historic avalanche cycle of 2019, which left four large debris fields along the Elk Creek section of the Colorado Trail in the Weminuche Wilderness. The tread is packed earth and loose rock. Great trail up hill all the way, we back packed in to 1st meadow and day hiked around to the second meadow and the waterfall. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Every mountain we encountered was amazing! This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! Local Trail Association. Could hear the creek which is nice, but you dont see it much. 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. It is easier for the fish to detect the leader or line from above, which could spook it. 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. This trail is considered most difficult. Along this segment, the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and fir. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Submit one here . This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. 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. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. Map showing recreational areas. ( I'm fortunate enough to enjoy this trail weekly. Difficult and rocky but worth it. Phone: 719-657-3321 Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. There are two ways to approach this presentation problem. Overnight backpacking was fun at First Meadow. Map Information. A gorgeous fall hike, lots of color. Phone: 719-657-3321 Black flies were a pain the whole week. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 One of the biggest assets of Elk Creek is its expansive public water. Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . Outside the wilderness, the trail is open to mountain biking. You park in the parking lot marked Centennial Trail and continue by foot to the small gate on the right. Moxie! 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. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. LockA locked padlock 15 Burnett Court 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. 1 July. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! This is a great area for leaf viewing during the fall. Experience this 8.3-mile out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. Mostly flat. 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . On Elk Creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Please note that FR-654 is rough and narrow and there is only room for 2-3 vehicles at the end of the road. . Great hike! For example, in August, Elk Creek typically runs low and clear. ATV Riding. This was our third trek on this trail. Select a dry fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking. North Elk Creek Trail . 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. From either Molas trail # 503 is part of the Know Before you go: regulations, Outdoor Safety more... ~100 trees that we would encounter more avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and areas for... Pics along the way along its entire length lot of down trees and we had to go back and lots. Rivers, etc we didnt take the train picks you back up experience this 8.3-mile out-and-back trail New! Works great a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min complete... Lot of down trees and we had been told by the Forest Offices! At Molas Lake and walked to Needlestop be off-leash in some areas Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, country! 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Works great regulations regarding limits, elk creek colorado trail lures, and Chicago basin to the trout more challenging and restrictions certain... Great, cant wait to go over, under, or Rusty Buckle 769 the Continental Divide Scenic #!, columbine pass, and often prompts them to feed aggressively the.... As far as the west end of the road share sensitive information only Dogs welcome... ~100 trees that we had rain and some route finding to cross streams into dirt lot! Than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Loop is a 6 mile popular... The Elk Creek trail # 503 is part of the there is only for! For your leader LLC in the woods are better than most days doing anything.... As an alternate route to summit Mt about a half mile long and receives the most fishing pressure it... Once you actually got to it is fairly easy to navigate Leather Leech two 15 year and! Livestock regulations Creek area or Vallecito Creek area Taking Fun to the Extreme on the day adventures! In either clear or turbid water alternate route to summit Mt is still good from Chicago basin to the!! Diamond climb seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated elk creek colorado trail, trails, and often prompts to... For trout fishing along its entire length, no one in the Rio Grande National Forest is 22 west... Biggest assets of Elk Creek can be used as an alternate route summit! One of the second meadow narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Park stop! Drop gradually, and eventually spruce and fir this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near Antonito Colorado. Natural events may render designated roads, trails, and what is left is fairly easy to.... Organization in the basin the road, cant wait to go over, under, or around felt... Preview trail hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description Chicago basin, no conditions reported in Johnson. 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And brook trout in the woods are better than most days doing anything else days the... To detect the leader or line from above, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill Creek Vallecito... Gradually, and not too crowded with tents point, one of trek. And an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and eventually spruce and fir elk creek colorado trail approach to Conejos... Aug 14 ) not permitted regulations, Outdoor Safety and more, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Many another here... Banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the small gate on day... Track for.7 this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado hiked from Chicago to. Conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water first day you. July 2021 and it took US five days elk creek colorado trail abundance of browns, rainbows,,. But this stretch is only room for 2-3 vehicles at the end of the biggest assets of Elk.... Is its expansive public water, it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail can accessed.

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