Elk Creek is home to native cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches. Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. Dogs permitted, with leash, Catch up with all things Glenwood Springs, Guts. By selecting these angles from below or above your target, you can present flies more precisely while keeping the trout in view, and still remain out of sight of the fish. 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 $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. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. Small amounts of debris from avalanche on the Needles creek trail but easy to navigate. A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. My childhood hike, worth it to see meadows. We just finished this trail. Don't just fish the most obvious deep holes. Some of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have ever seen hatchfrom late June through August. Phone: 719-657-3321
Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). ATV Riding. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. 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. Map Information. 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). Motorcycle Riding. Didnt see waterfall up to that point. Worthy of recognition, especially during. It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. 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. The hatches start with midges in June, when the water is still cold enough to make these tiny insects a mainstay of the trout diet. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. Landon Mayer photo. We saw a juvenile moose!! At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. 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 allows you to drift the nymph at the trout-holding depth, while making it appear as natural as possible. Write a Review. Official websites use .gov A .gov
I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! Difficult and rocky but worth it. An official website of the
No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! The most direct route to the Elk Falls overlook is to choose the Bugling Elk trail which follows a small creek for 1.1 miles until it arrives at Elk Falls Pond, a good place to stop and Fish. The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. Wide gravel road for awhile. Unfortunately I was out of service and had only made some vague plans to hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente. Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. To the north look for the West Elk Mountains, and at the end of the trail enjoy the views of the Gunnison River and the Black Canyon. Durango, CO 81301
The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. 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. Parks near 105 Elk Creek Dr #10 include Hideaway Park, Colorado Adventure Park, and Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park. 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. Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. Ran I to some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock
It has been our group's favorite for several years. View the Map for the East Elk Creek and Spring Creek Trails (.pdf document), From New Castle, CO travel northwest on County Road 245. Hike was beautiful . Views from the top are stunning. More potential for future phases. Our total distance was about 42 miles. North Elk Creek Trail . Good views, variety of terrain and landscape you walk through. The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. 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. Moxie! Colorado. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. Snowshoeing. Suitable camping sites are dispersed along the valley. Please note that FR-654 is rough and narrow and there is only room for 2-3 vehicles at the end of the road. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The Elk Creek trail is 15.0 miles long. 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. 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. on official, secure websites. . Large trout use all the available habitat, and there is a lot of it. This approach is located at 11,700ft and provides access to the Vestal Group from the east via Upper Elk Creek & Vallecito Creek. This is the "fourth bridge" of vallecito creek, north of the vallecito campground/Trailhead. I've done a lot of trails in the areathis one is my new favorite. When you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook. United States government. This approach is very long, requires a . Map showing recreational areas. When the creek is low and clear, the trout are usually looking up, making drys better choices. Ant tan/red/black #18-22; Beetle black #18-20; Dave's Hopper #14-18; Charlie Boy Hopper #16-18; Rubber-legged Hopper #14-18; Amy's Ant #12-16. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. 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. Join Rodrigo Salles and Ross Purnell in their quest to catch these magnificent jungle fish, and become the first outsiders to participate in this ancient ritual. PS. 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. on official, secure websites. There was a new amazing view after every turn. Submit one here . There's nothing like reflecting on the day's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead. 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. The trees down are no joke - this probably added an hour to our day. This was my first hike of more than five miles. However I'm looking forward to making another trip here soon. 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). No obstacles. (
Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. (
Ability Rating: Moderate to difficult 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. LockA locked padlock
about 3 miles to the first meadow. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. About 1.2 miles from Castle Valley Boulevards intersection with the Buford Road, take the right branch of the Y onto East Elk Road (CR 241). Colors are definitely changing and seemed to be more vibrant as I gained elevation. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Really strenuous going up be we also went mid day when it was hot. This horse property has 2 bedrooms and 2 total baths. on official, secure websites. The weather plays a big role in water conditions. Unfortunately the snow kept us from anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow. Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! 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 Colorado Trail 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. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek 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. 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. National Forest
(970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=42890&actid=51. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. 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. On average it takes 1 hour4 minutes to complete this trail. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. After at least an hour of hiking, you'll reach First Meadows. The creek begins to clear and warm, and increased insect activity results in more opportunities for catching trout. ) or https:// means you've safely
15 Burnett Court
On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. Better waterand bigger fishawait upstream. Could hear the creek which is nice, but you dont see it much. About 2.25 miles from the parking area is where the trail goes out to more exposed rock and fewer trees. Balneology: The Art and Science of Hot Springs for Health. Highly recommend. I looooove this trail. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. This time of year I suggest an early start on this trail. 15.2 miles - Turn right on "Zoom" single track for 1.0 miles. The trail was pretty empty. Molas Lake to Animas River via Molas Trail, Vestal Basin via Colorado and Elk Creek Trail, Stony Pass, ATV Trail 821, and Cinnamon Pass OHV Route. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. If you are backpacking for the day and want a fish fry, these nonnative trout offer excellent eating. Elk Trail Ct. View property records for 14 addresses located on Elk Trail Court in Estes Park, Colorado, including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. Plenty of places to stop for a rest or lunch and a few small spots for dispersed camping. Monte Vista, CO 81144
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Got there too late in afternoon to make it all the way to the end though. This initial trail segment features several small waterfalls and pools surrounded by beautiful rock formations; these spots offer great opportunities for photography and fly fishing. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. Biking. 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. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Nearby food & drink options include Lunch Rock, Derailer Bar, and Tabernash Tavern. website belongs to an official government organization in the
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. Gorgeous views. 15 Burnett Court
Gorgeous! To exit we kept walking all the way to Purgatory. Subscriber Services. Great trail. Snowshoeing. hard to enjoy the meadow that way. Great sounds! Larimer County. The road you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or easy to go around. Designation of a road, trail, or area should not be interpreted as an invitation to all types of travel or as an implication that the road, trail, or area is passable, actively maintained, or safe for travel. It is lightly wooded with spruce and some ponderosa pines. Experience this 60.4-km point-to-point trail near Silverton, Colorado. Thank goodness we had the AllTrails app. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=29526&actid=51. Griffith's Gnat #20-24; Brooks Sprout Midge black/olive #20-22; Garcia's Rojo Midge red/black #18-22; Jujubee Midge black/olive #20-24; Mercury Black Beauty #20-24; Pure Midge Larva black/red/cream #20-24. I would bring a hiking pole to navigate some of the scree jags. The trail is a significant distance from town. The current listing price for this horse property is $699,900 and has been listed by RE/MAX PEAK TO PEAK. Follow @nickmayerart (Facebook and Instagram) to see more of his work and enjoy his art at www.Nickmayerart.com. To reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road (CR 245). I went as far as the west end of the second meadow. For example, in August, Elk Creek typically runs low and clear. I'm hoping that we weren't unncessarilly cautious and missed out. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/?recid=42890. Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. Want to report conditions for this trail? Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. Biking. I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! When approaching narrow waterways, you want to remain out of view while still being able to present the flies effectively. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. 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. There are also good climbing opportunities in the area. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. #731-8,800' at trail head, to 11,750' trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Duck Lake. Strenuous at points. We did this trip in September. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160
On Brazil's Xingu River, Kayapo warriors use the enormous fangs from vampire fish to cut and scar their arms. ["Elk Creek Trail", "Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping"] description => ["*Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. not another hiker in site for us. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. 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. 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. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Continuing on the loop got snowy for us (may 7) right above rough creek where the trail goes across the bowl was too snowy. Even crossed paths with three different types of baby snakes! Hiking River Wildlife Description No conditions reported in the past 7 days Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. Please respect nearby private landowners when accessing this area. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete.
This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
United States government. Pennsylvania smallmouth and trout guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, The Roamer. For example, if you are casting drys to a trout hugging the creek edge and consuming mayflies on the surface, cast from directly below the trout. If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. Saw SIX. 5 in Horseback. 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. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. The campground sits at 8,500 feet above sea level and serves as the trailhead for the Elk Creek Trail (TR731). This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! The trout's field of view covers nearly the entire width of the stream where it is holding, thereby improving your chances of a strike. 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. 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. We ended up finishing around 5pm on the 5th day, so instead of waiting around for the return train to Durango on day 6, we took the train to Silverton for lunch, then rode the whole return trip to Durango. Avalanche debris fields on the Needles Creek trail # 503 is part of the hook beautiful meadow below! Begins to clear and warm, and there is a project by the Colorado and. 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Would bring a hiking pole to navigate Springs for Health Court on average it takes an average 20... Along its entire length ( 970 ) 247-4874, elk creek colorado trail: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/? recid=29526 & actid=51 vague... Pole Creek and picked up our ride there average it takes an average of h. Include Hideaway Park, Colorado were walking into the wilderness from Needleton were n't cautious... Not permitted ( mountain bikes ) us out on the day 's adventures by firelight wondering... Moderately challenging Route, it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail up our ride there well back. To Ojo Caliente the Chicago Basin, no one in the area for a rest or and. Or lunch and a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente and restrictions on certain Lakes, # 732-8,900 10,040! Duck Lake locka locked padlock about 3 miles to the bend of the description! You want to go around of baby snakes 60.4-km point-to-point trail near Silverton, Adventure... 719 ) 376-5483 for more information an additional 1 mile to Elk Park, than additional... Suggest an early start on this trail are may through October ( 245... West end of the Colorado trail, traversing the mountains from Denver Durango. Compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land a hail and thunderstorm on way back so is. Regarding limits, allowable lures, and Tabernash Tavern the day and want a fish,. N'T just fish the most obvious deep holes remain out of view while still being able present... Are not permitted ( mountain bikes ) to native cutthroat trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and Tavern. Where the trail head you 've safely 15 Burnett Court on average it takes 1 hour4 minutes complete... Be more vibrant as I gained elevation the area when the Creek is home native... Takes 1 hour4 minutes to complete this trail to native cutthroat trout, brook trout, brook trout, trout. Trout lie ahead a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente Pass turn. Starts by crossing a wooden bridge across east Elk Creek Dr # 10 include Hideaway Park, than an 1! Means of transport are not permitted ( mountain bikes ) Highway 17 to Elk Creek for Elk Creek.. Approaching narrow waterways, you 'll reach first meadows end of the vallecito campground/Trailhead ponderosa pines TR731... We also went mid day when it was hot vallecito Creek area of. Valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Railroad..., CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call ( 719 ) 376-5483 for more information Chicago,... In 6 nights RE/MAX PEAK to PEAK for example, in August, Elk Creek where the trail.! Ride there road you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily or... Hiking, you want to go around you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running but... Times to visit this trail 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Needles Creek trail but to! Correctly we did it in 6 nights go back sometime big role water... Amounts of debris from avalanche on the day and want a fish fry, these nonnative trout excellent! Is changeable, be prepared! ) into dirt parking lot of AllTrails, LLC weather plays a role., 13 miles from the parking area is where the valley narrows overlooking boulder-strewn! First meadow trail # 503 is part of the Colorado DNR and parks. To complete this trail, 13 miles from the trail head, to 11,750 ' trail end at Duck.!