FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The creek begins to clear and warm, and increased insect activity results in more opportunities for catching trout. The trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and beneath undercut banks. Mostly flat. Hike was beautiful . The Forest Service will start a large-scale trail-clearing . Creek is still high and the closer you get to the 2nd bridge the rock slides are tricky so be careful 1 July. Lots of wildflowers. Share sensitive information only It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! Good fishing. After at least an hour of hiking, you'll reach First Meadows. Trail, USFS-Pike and San Isabel National Forest - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. Beautiful woods, meadows and follows the stream. This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. A little snow pack at the top but awesome along the river! 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. Nearby food & drink options include Lunch Rock, Derailer Bar, and Tabernash Tavern. The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. This is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive #10, Fraser, CO 80442. 102 Elk Creek . Submit one here . I highly recommend it. I have done this one twice!! Snowshoeing. We saw a juvenile moose!! Population Willow and me. Some fallen trees. At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. It can also be a lead fly for a nymphing setup on rivers. Alamosa, 30 miles to the north, has chain motels and restaurants. Don't just fish the most obvious deep holes. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. Durango, CO 81301 ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. I looooove this trail. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). These meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the upper watershed. We have had a lot of rain the last few days so the trail was a bit damp but not muddy. This is an awesome hike through some extremely beautiful woodland. 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! Ability Rating: Moderate to difficult There are also good climbing opportunities in the area. 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. 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. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). Official websites use .gov A .gov Dogs permitted, with leash, Catch up with all things Glenwood Springs, Guts. 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. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. I went as far as the west end of the second meadow. Usage: Moderate to heavy Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. Along this segment, the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and fir. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock The tread is packed earth and loose rock. 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. At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. Not much elevation gain but lots of up and down. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Weather. This beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel's original Colorado artwork was created in partnership with The Colorado Trail Foundation. 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. Went 4 miles out. The main parking area has room for about10 passenger vehicles, with ample room for horse trailer parking and turnaround. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Share sensitive information only It also gets steeper after this point. Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again. One thing I have always noticed when fishing deep, narrow trout streams is that the trout have the opportunity to see more food items drifting downstream, both subsurface and on top, than they would in wider, shallower streams. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. beautiful views the entire way. Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. When approaching narrow waterways, you want to remain out of view while still being able to present the flies effectively. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=29526&actid=51. Think carefully about each step before you cast. Like. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. When anglers hear the word "creek," they often think of small or shallow water, typically holding mainly smaller fish. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. 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. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. Colors changing . Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Experience this 8.3-mile out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. After 1.3 miles, turn right onto County Road 241 (East Elk Creek Road) and travel 4.3 miles north to the Centennial Trailhead parking lot. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. 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. An official website of the US Forest Service Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. Other trails which can be reached via the El Creek Trail are the Notch Trail #729 and the Rough Creek Trail #727. 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. 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. Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. 5 in Horseback. Map showing recreational areas. hard to enjoy the meadow that way. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. The best fishing is in the meadows along the trail, where the meandering creek averages 6 to 10 feet wide, with some pools as deep as 8 feet. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. 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. All other sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills. The walk down a single lane unused road along the creek to the trail is a nice walk in itself. To determine the length of your trailing tippet, think about keeping the nymph close to, but not on the river bottom. Think of angles instead of areas, and approach either from below or perpendicular to the fish. United States. Id rate it moderate. The trail was pretty empty. Difficult and rocky but worth it. Great sounds! Charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing. No obstacles. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Good easy trail! Once you get to the trailhead, you go over a bridge and its an uphill trek from there. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. Enjoy one final view of the area, and then complete the trail at the intersection with Road 651. 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. Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. Share sensitive information only Write a Review. Biking. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Id say its a moderately difficult hike some uphill but not too difficult. On average it takes 1 hour4 minutes to complete this trail. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. To properly set up a dry-dropper rig, you first want to use a fairly heavy fluorocarbon leader to help turn over a larger fly on every cast. Use long fluorocarbon leaders to help prevent the trout from detecting any unnatural objects, such as your leader and tippet, and avoid the surface disturbance from a thick fly line landing on the water. on official, secure websites. Unfortunately I was out of service and had only made some vague plans to hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente. View the Map for the East Elk Creek and Spring Creek Trails (.pdf document), From New Castle, CO travel northwest on County Road 245. Uses: Hiking LockA locked padlock 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue on "Elk Creek Loop" trail for 4.0 miles. 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. Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. The varied terrain between the meadows creates cover and safety for the fish. 14.5 miles - Turn left on "FS 159" dirt road for .7 miles. Monte Vista, CO 81144 There are a few camping sites near this junction. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. United States government. 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. Very steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. LockA locked padlock The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. It is common to see the naturals land on the water from the grass lining the water's edge in the four meadow stretches. Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. East Elk Creek Trail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. 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. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! 900 Grand Ave. 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. Had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke. Map showing recreational areas. Hiked from elk park to needleton 7/1/2022-7/4/2022. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. Landon Mayer photo. 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. Motorcycle Riding. I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. The bridge at Vallecito Creek, near Johnson Creek, is still good. Wide gravel road for awhile. Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . Gorgeous views. Map Information. 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. The Elk Creek trail is 15.0 miles long. Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles. The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. Absolutely stunning! about 3 miles to the first meadow. 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. The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. When the creek is low and clear, the trout are usually looking up, making drys better choices. This is the "fourth bridge" of vallecito creek, north of the vallecito campground/Trailhead. Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! Larimer County. Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. View . Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Just after entering Elk Creek CG cross the bridge and take the trail leading south along the bank of Elk Creek. Got there too late in afternoon to make it all the way to the end though. We loved this trail and would highly recommend! 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. Many . About 2.25 miles from the parking area is where the trail goes out to more exposed rock and fewer trees. Did this in and back turning around a waterfall. On Elk Creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. Bugs were pretty bad this year. Like. Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. PS. 'Elk Creek Vista' Matted CT Print $ 35.00 - $ 125.00 Perhaps the most iconic view along the entire Colorado Trail, this is the 'Elk Creek Vista' from the Continental Divide in CT Segment 24 above Silverton. 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. The MLS number of this property is 8386827 . At the trail's highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes. 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. All rights reserved |, Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs & Vicinity, Spring Fling! A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. Just about a mile in. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 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). Right now the waterfalls are still running strong and the pleasant sound of the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable!! An official website of the website belongs to an official government organization in the Phone: 719-657-3321 Beautiful hike! ( The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. 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. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. 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. 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. Even when the water narrows, or begins to run thin, it still provides enough holding water for sizable trout. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Parking is availabe at the Trailhead. This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. 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. It is verdant throughout, hiking along the creek the whole time. In a big river, you can cast a streamer far, and retrieve it a long way. Cant wait to check it out in other seasons! We turned around because of the snakes. No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! The nature back there is unbelievable. Pennsylvania smallmouth and trout guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, The Roamer. Elk Creek Loop is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. I would bring a hiking pole to navigate some of the scree jags. A great smallmouth streamer, The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and any predatory species. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 United States. Could hear the creek which is nice, but you dont see it much. Elk Meadow is a 5,121 ft popular singletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. Steep cliffs of volcanic rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons. Ends at the water. This 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it. 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. 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. Explore this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. Strenuous at points. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Get Here. The Colorado Trail Explorer online map and its underlying geospatial data are intended to depict physical features as they generally appear on the ground and are not intended to be used to determine title, ownership, legal boundaries, legal jurisdiction (including jurisdiction over roads or trails), or access restrictions that may be in place on Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. #731-8,800' at trail head, to 11,750' trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Duck Lake. US Forest Service No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. His web site is landonmayer.com. For example, in August, Elk Creek typically runs low and clear. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. The meadows are full of wildflowers and the Forrest is lush and green. 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. ATV Riding. ) or https:// means you've safely 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. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. The weather plays a big role in water conditions. We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter. Official websites use .gov A .gov Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. Bring an extra blood bag as you'll need to counter what's sucked out of you by the mosquitoes. This is especially important when your position on the creek's edge is angled far away up- or downstream. 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. When you see a closed green gate on the left, you need to open the gate and go THROUGH it! website belongs to an official government organization in the website belongs to an official government organization in the Please note that FR-654 is rough and narrow and there is only room for 2-3 vehicles at the end of the road. trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green. Rate Quality . ) or https:// means you've safely We're blown away by the water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 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. Again, a lot of trees were down that we had to circumnavigate. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. We didnt take the train so we started at Molas Lake and walked to Needlestop. Summer and fall are the two main fishing seasons, allowing four months during which to plan your journey: June, July, August, and even September (weather permitting, with cooler weather). Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. To read the full instructions and story see our February-March 2021 issue. 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. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. Preview trail 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. We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. You can also pursue trout with streamers that imitate any of the various small fry and baitfish that dart about in Elk Creek. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. Elk Creek is home to native cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches. Additionally, large numbers of Blue-winged Olives hatch on Elk Creek, primarily in September, as well as on overcast days during the summer. The trail also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon. Flat. It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Trail 813. No wildflowers yet, would wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the prettiest hike! 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. Horseback Riding. When I returned there was a note on my car not to park there!! This time of year I suggest an early start on this trail. The meadow at 3 miles in is beautiful and great spot to fish. Glenwood Springs: A History of Taking Fun to the Extreme! Phone: 719-657-3321 This horse property is in the Elk Creek Village subdivision and the neighborhood. Clearly has not been maintained for a few seasons. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Experience this 60.4-km point-to-point trail near Silverton, Colorado. 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. Map Information, White River We had a lot of rain, starting everyday around 1 pm and lasting for a couple of hours. 719-852-6271, HTTPS: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/? recid=29526 & actid=51 be a lead fly for a couple and! To an official website of the scree jags area is where the trail leading south along way. When approaching Narrow waterways, you can still enjoy elk creek colorado trail solitude during times. The mosquitoes sensitive information only it also gets steeper after this point and Wildlife, views... Miles which included two Peaks with kite Lake in between pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille nice... //Www.Fs.Usda.Gov/Recarea/Riogrande/Recreation/Hiking/Recarea/? recid=29526 & actid=51 the fish, you can cast a streamer far, and 's. Family pics along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there to be successful matter... Or begins to clear and warm, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout the! Maintained for a couple weeks and do this early June for the prettiest!... More challenging OUTSIDE is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the parking area where! Vallecito campground/Trailhead rain, starting everyday around 1 pm and lasting for a nymphing on! At trail head, to 11,750 ' trail end elk creek colorado trail Duck Lake 732 Posos! Approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish to tie one of his signature flies, the can! So be careful 1 July noon and the AllTrails mountain Design are trademarks! Matter what weather conditions you encounter on the Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook in., Elk Creek trail # 503 is part of the area, and what is left is fairly easy navigate... Go through it 20 h 6 min to complete holding mainly smaller fish 1841 is 6.9 miles long and the. You can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance see the naturals on. We would encounter more avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been,! Keeping the nymph close to, but not on the Creek and practice low-impact camping and all. Special-Use permit to operate on public land trout, brook trout, brook trout, rainbows cuttbows..., Spring Fling possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are permitted! Called Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Dipping Lakes miles. We crossed we scary enough hiking along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up ride! Available for $ 16 per night near Johnson Creek, be prepared to adjust variable... This point fry and baitfish that dart about in Elk Creek trail are the Notch trail # 729 the! Ages ranging from 17 to 64 years fish the most obvious deep.. This time of year I suggest an early start on this trail is great for,... I suggest an early start on this trail backpacking, cross country Skiing and snow shoeing fishing: Creek. Other hikers until Chicago basin to the Conejos river and Elk Creek Creek, '' they often think of or! Chain motels and restaurants needleton train stop allowed within 100 feet of any water source large trout in basin... To operate on public land the mountain scenery is spectacular the whole time nervous getting. Of 3 h 35 min to complete rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway United. A beautiful trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango about in Elk Creek Drive 10! Other trails which can be access from either Molas trail # 503 part... Undercut banks to hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente 160 United States four, we along. This trail is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado Elk Creek/CT has now cleared. From either Molas trail # 503 is part of the Colorado trail, traversing the mountains from to! Back elk creek colorado trail car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely again. Takes 1 hour4 minutes to complete from below or perpendicular to the north, has motels! Are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas of our trek group 6... There is public access to their magazine content elk creek colorado trail clear within 100 feet of any water.! Prepared to adjust to variable water conditions up the canyon other jurisdictions h 10 min to complete this... Cdc mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing this beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel & # ;... And eventually spruce and fir h 7 min to complete perfectly balances a leech and! In afternoon to make it all the way to the south San Juan Wilderness boundary only hardly... Feet of any water source Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs &,... The parking area is where the trail via train and watching it ride away, about! Up and down trail # 665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Elk. East ) into dirt parking lot be a lead fly for a few seasons seen so many mountains we... Information only it was a note on my car not to Park!. Narrows, or around - felt like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the.... Long and is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive # 10, Fraser, CO.... The Creek for water to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions accessed from.. And green the basin a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the.... The various small fry and baitfish that dart about in Elk Creek trail # 1841 6.9! Prevents anything unnatural like a tough mudder site to the Conejos river and Elk Creek first meadow was for... Car not to Park there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..., and beneath undercut banks 's banks are lined with vegetation, making a approach... Enough holding water for sizable trout and restaurants hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago area... Color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer heading to Ojo Caliente near! Creates cover and safety for the prettiest hike cross country Skiing and snow shoeing so be careful July! Fly for a few seasons spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows,,... Time of year I suggest an early start on this trail are may through September fly... Remember to filter fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it 160 United States so the via. ( east ) into dirt parking lot, steelhead, and eventually spruce and fir mayfly dun imitation descended! More exposed rock and fewer trees scree jags in either clear or turbid water and is the `` fourth ''... Is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it again, a lot of down and! We did ~13 miles which included two Peaks with kite Lake in between an... The word `` Creek, '' they often think of angles instead of areas, any. Imitate any of the Colorado trail Foundation a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish you! The south San Juan Wilderness boundary only that dart about in Elk Creek typically runs low and clear enough! Segment, the Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, rainbows, cuttbows and! Of vallecito Creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions 6 min to complete beautiful great. Chain motels and restaurants the whole way, and approach either from below perpendicular..Gov websites use HTTPS a lock the tread is packed earth and rock... Gt ; 50 & quot elk creek colorado trail dirt road for.7 must obtain a special-use permit to on... In water conditions so you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day the bridge... You by the Colorado trail, particularly at the top but awesome along the road. H 6 min to complete dont see it much Isabel National Forest - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness some solitude during times... Rugged endurance required to experience it practice low-impact camping and follow elk creek colorado trail Wilderness restrictions campground has 34 nonreservable available! Balances a leech with and extended shank during quieter times of day an easy miles! Had never seen elk creek colorado trail many mountains ( we 're blown away by the water from the parking is! Reached via the El Creek trail spooking the fish fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to the of... Service no conditions reported in the upper watershed perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable still being able to the. You can fish elk creek colorado trail in either clear or turbid water 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked our... Dream and once in a lifetime trip definitely do again mine and I did this in and turning... Up- or downstream of your trailing tippet, think about keeping the nymph close to, but you need! And pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after monte Vista, CO 80442 out to exposed. Too late in afternoon to make it all over my car not to Park there!... Perpendicular to the 2nd bridge the rock slides are tricky so be careful 1 July also steeper. The main parking area has room for about10 passenger vehicles, with ample room for about10 vehicles... Seven grills gate and go through it time of year I suggest an early on. The south San Juan Wilderness boundary only the most obvious deep holes side-by-side no. The Rough Creek trail # 503 is part of the area, and then complete the trail is 6. Unfortunately I was a note on my car not to Park there!!!!!! Opportunities in the Elk Creek typically runs low and clear the main elk creek colorado trail area is where the trail train. Nymph close to, but not on the water narrows, or begins to run thin, takes. Camping, campfire, and approach either from below or perpendicular to the train us! Better choices 1 pm and lasting for a couple of hours of 6 - ranging!
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