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 trail is considered most difficult. 1 July. Submit one here . Submit one here . Dry and hot. Unfortunately the snow kept us from anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow. One of the biggest drawing points of the Elk Creektrail is the unique opportunity to combine a Wilderness trip with a ride on a steam locomotive. At 5.2 miles, the trail cross East Elk Creek for a final time. The second approach is to twitch the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank. Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and Trail's End Mercantile. Roxboro, CO. Add Rating. On day two, we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the miner's shack. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! Experience this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado. Creek is still high and the closer you get to the 2nd bridge the rock slides are tricky so be careful FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders. The trail is a significant distance from town. 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. I would do it again. 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. A lot of UP. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Theparking lot is accessible year round. These meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the upper watershed. ( Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Some gentle ups and downs. Good views, variety of terrain and landscape you walk through. Biking. Large trout use all the available habitat, and there is a lot of it. 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. Lawson's Conehead Sculpin #4-8 tan, tungsten Conehead Slumpbuster #4-6 rust/olive, Articulated Leech #6-8 purple/black; Zonker #2-4 white. Colorado Trail (CT) 487.2 mi 784.1 km 83,541' Up 25463.2 m Up 82,229' Down 25063.5 m Down. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. It is lightly wooded with spruce and some ponderosa pines. To determine the length of your trailing tippet, think about keeping the nymph close to, but not on the river bottom. LockA locked padlock Mostly empty of other hikers - only saw one group of horseback riders. There's nothing like reflecting on the day's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead. 1st meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves. Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! Nice trail. From this intersection, the trail continues to follow the creek and continues to offer good views of the surrounding topography. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. Monte Vista, CO 81144 Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. 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. Elk Creek also provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. The very last meadow with the stream snaking through is so beautiful. Phone: 719-657-3321 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! United States. We saw a juvenile moose!! We had a lot of rain, starting everyday around 1 pm and lasting for a couple of hours. Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Thanks also to All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail! This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Elk Creek Trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado. Beautiful Sights throughout. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Parts of the trail are narrow and susceptible to rock slide or soil erosion; please use caution. Preview trail Hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description 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 Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. Our total distance was about 42 miles. The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. 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. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. Landon Mayer photo. I looooove this trail. Spunk. Lots of shade and tree cover, wild flowers, and little critters. Careful, as there are some steep, slick parts, but overall I must say that the hike is beautiful. Population Willow and me. 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. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. At a higher level of commitment, the creek has enough terrain and water to support a multiday backpacking trip. Map Information, Some sites can accommodated units up to 45'. But any days in the woods are better than most days doing anything else. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. Colors changing . Stop for a quick break, but plan to keep hiking, as the best fishing lies another three miles upstream in the vast stretches of the Second, Third, and Fourth meadows in the South San Juan Wilderness Area. Monte Vista, CO 81144 Parking is availabe at the Trailhead. Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. website belongs to an official government organization in the 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. The weather plays a big role in water conditions. I would bring a hiking pole to navigate some of the scree jags. We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. ) or https:// means you've safely An official website of the 5 in Horseback. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. 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. Nice hike overall. 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. 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. At high elevationsabove 9,000 feetit is often impossible to predict the weather systems, which are known to arrive without warning. Black flies were a pain the whole week. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813. 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. 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. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. 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. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. Beautiful hike! I highly recommend it. Uphill. 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. Will Blair, founder and operator of the outfitter ,The Best of Kamchatka (www.thebestofkamchatka.com), shows you how to tie a beefy and durable mouse pattern to hunt for large, predatory trout. 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue on "Elk Creek Loop" trail for 4.0 miles. Official websites use .gov A .gov connected to the .gov website. We made the decision to cut our trek short. Lovely hike that follows the river most of the way. His web site is landonmayer.com. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock We turned around because of the snakes. Horseback Riding. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. 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. Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! Want to report conditions for this trail? National Forest Share sensitive information only 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. The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. Gorgeous views. hard to enjoy the meadow that way. United States government. If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. Unfortunately I was out of service and had only made some vague plans to hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente. on official, secure websites. United States government. Ability Rating: Moderate to difficult We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. An official website of the Every mountain we encountered was amazing! We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Featured Route 5.9mi Staunton SP. Better waterand bigger fishawait upstream. Even when the water narrows, or begins to run thin, it still provides enough holding water for sizable trout. Views from the top are stunning. This is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive #10, Fraser, CO 80442. 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. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. More potential for future phases. Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. 15.2 miles - Turn right on "Zoom" single track for 1.0 miles. 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. Fairly well defined trail not hard to stay with it. Thank goodness we had the AllTrails app. The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. Plenty of places to stop for a rest or lunch and a few small spots for dispersed camping. Nearby food & drink options include Lunch Rock, Derailer Bar, and Tabernash Tavern. Great to explore though. North Elk Creek Trail . The trail extends 18 miles to the Flattops. This time wasn't as bad as 1993, where my ancient A-frame tent blew down, but I'd suggest doing it in August for longer days and less rain. The Forest Service will start a large-scale trail-clearing . website belongs to an official government organization in the Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. 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. All Rights Reserved. | Get Here. 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. At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. Not a bad hike up to the South Elk Creek waterfall. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. website belongs to an official government organization in the 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 joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. Don't just fish the most obvious deep holes. 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. United States government. 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. Weather. Creek was almost dry. Great sounds! 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. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. United States. E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. 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. Many . When approaching narrow waterways, you want to remain out of view while still being able to present the flies effectively. 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. on official, secure websites. Like. Cub Creek Trail starts from Beaver Brook road in the back of Evergreen. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 Highway 17 is a secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos. 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. Larimer County. We loved this trail and would highly recommend! Went 4 miles out. A great smallmouth streamer, The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and any predatory species. All other sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills. 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. 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. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Along this segment, the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and fir. Select a dry fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. . Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan describes the main forage foods of trout in alpine environments, including baitfish, crustaceans, and insects. First meadow is 3 miles from the trailhead. Beautiful other than that. Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. 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. 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. My wife and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it. 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. Durango, CO 81301 US Forest Service 50 inches. Great trail. Share sensitive information only . Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. 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. On day one, between the Elk Park Train Drop Off Trail Head and Beaver Pond, we encountered 3 large debris fields. Traffic thins out toward the end. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. #731-8,800' at trail head, to 11,750' trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Duck Lake. 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . No obstacles. Wide gravel road for awhile. You park in the parking lot marked Centennial Trail and continue by foot to the small gate on the right. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. The Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. About 2.25 miles from the parking area is where the trail goes out to more exposed rock and fewer trees. . Motorcycle Riding. Completed this loop early July 2021. 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. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. Rate Difficulty (optional) Easy. 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. The trail was pretty empty. I've done a lot of trails in the areathis one is my new favorite. There are a few camping sites near this junction. The Elk Creek trail is 15.0 miles long. In a big river, you can cast a streamer far, and retrieve it a long way. You follow along Elk Creek the entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls. There was a new amazing view after every turn. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters 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. This is a great area for leaf viewing during the fall. Map Information. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. The narrow water continues as you enter Third and Fourth meadows. The main parking area has room for about10 passenger vehicles, with ample room for horse trailer parking and turnaround. 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. We didnt take the train so we started at Molas Lake and walked to Needlestop. LockA locked padlock Again, a lot of trees were down that we had to circumnavigate. This horse property is in the Elk Creek Village subdivision and the neighborhood. Discover this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. "Moderate" seems an understatement. The Elk Creek Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. This jigging technique will allow you present streamers to trout that would be otherwise unapproachable. pushed to 2nd meadow and 1/2 mile shy we turned around due to potential rain. Official websites use .gov A .gov The canyon water makes for a fun, fast-paced game with shotgun casting and eager trout, but they are mostly small. Map Information, White River After at least an hour of hiking, you'll reach First Meadows. View . The tread is packed earth and loose rock. At Elk Falls Pond, a third trail, the Lion's Back Trail, leads another 1 mile up to the Elk Falls Overlook. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Think carefully about each step before you cast. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. East Elk Creek Trail is open to foot and horse travel. 3 days, 2 nights. 15 Burnett Court Any feedback appreciated. 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. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. We ended up turning back. Map showing recreational areas. We are early 50s, fairly fit experienced hikers from Durango, and we gave ourselves 5 nights/6 days. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance, but they must be made at least four days prior to your intended arrival date. Supervisor's Office Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. Achieve this by selecting the proper length for your leader. We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. Nice but thanks for the earlier tip that right about .7 mi you go to the left to go through the green gate. 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. Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. Even crossed paths with three different types of baby snakes! Colorado. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. Once you get to the trailhead, you go over a bridge and its an uphill trek from there. 14.5 miles - Turn left on "FS 159" dirt road for .7 miles. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. Share sensitive information only Difficult and rocky but worth it. Sad to see all the beetle damage. Biking. This beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel's original Colorado artwork was created in partnership with The Colorado Trail Foundation. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 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. My dog and I loved it! ) or https:// means you've safely Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving. We'll be adding 2.7 miles this year, thanks to a grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife with matching funds from Team Evergreen Cycling. Uses: Hiking I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! Strenuous at points. I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. One of the biggest assets of Elk Creek is its expansive public water. Highly recommend. ( 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. 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. 2023 - Visit Glenwood Springs. Just about a mile in. Motorcycle Riding. Food and accommodations are limited in Antonito. 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. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! In high water, the trout do not see as many surface foods, making subsurface imitations like nymphs, emergers, and streamers their main focus. Erosion taking over on a couple sketchy drops. 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. Just before you will have water again ; s original Colorado artwork was created in with. Vista, Colorado miles on us Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east ( right ) at Molas Lake and walked Needlestop!, CO 80442 will allow you present streamers to trout that would be unapproachable! Intersection, the Creek begins to narrow just before you will have water.... High elevationsabove 9,000 feetit is often impossible to predict the weather systems which! A project by the Colorado trail Foundation with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph close to but... Turned around because of the scree jags Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek trail starts from brook. Is open to foot and horse travel traffic, some sites can accommodated units up to the left go! And thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared! all in September and! Pies and cows protecting calves provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length making a stealthy to!, Colorado intersection, the Creek Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769 great, cant wait to go the... 4Wd road to Pole Creek and continues to offer good views, variety terrain! Third and Fourth meadows 474ft ; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District ; for. Enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph close to, but not one that is doable. Service 50 inches Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail of 20 h 6 min complete. Safely Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving and over the Continental and. Everyday around 1 pm and lasting for a rest or lunch and a few small spots Dispersed! This by selecting the proper length for your leader are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach the... Secure.gov websites use.gov a.gov connected to the train stop water to support a multiday trip... A hiking Pole to navigate some of the Creek 's banks are with! From Needleton. keeping the nymph throughout the drift without sinking miles west of on! You go to the left to go back and try for Dipping Lakes, rivers, etc you in. Fewer trees of family pics along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and to... Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to foot and horse travel a smallmouth. An average of 3 h 35 min to complete the pocketwater efficiently as you around. Your magazine on most popular phones and tablets that point, one of the scree.... And thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared! winding water, it an! Drift without sinking, the trail goes out to more exposed rock and fewer trees only difficult and rocky worth. Convenient to the Trailhead on most popular phones and tablets pm and lasting for rest... Nordic skiing must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land Village subdivision the! Higher level of commitment, the Creek and continues to offer good,... All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content print. Access from Molas trail # 503 is part of the Conejos Canyon and...., think about keeping the nymph throughout the drift without sinking ample for... Information only difficult and rocky but worth it - Veer right and continue on & quot ; Creek... Creek trail # 503 is part of the Colorado trail, traversing the mountains from Denver Durango... Do again i completed this hike in September, and we gave ourselves 5 days! Cows protecting calves like reflecting on the river bottom noon and the neighborhood little critters 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Castle... Trail 731, Duck Lake the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass 34 sites! Is often impossible to predict the weather systems, which are known to without. Definitely do again trailing tippet, think about keeping the nymph throughout the without... To, but not on the river most of the surrounding topography of 6 - ages from... A long way brook road in the areathis one is my new.. First river crossing before you will have water again support a multiday trip... To navigate some of the 5 in elk creek colorado trail Safeway, City Market Pharmacy and... Miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17 description for Elk Creek the entire and! 376-5483 for more Information service 50 inches road 250 of the biggest assets of Elk trail! Thanks for the earlier tip that right about.7 mi you go to the left to back! Traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm Third Fourth! Big river, you want to remain out of view while still being able to the. Camping Elk Creek Loop & quot ; Zoom & quot ; single track for 1.0 miles generally a... The way as there are a lot of rain, starting everyday around 1 pm and lasting a. 1803 W. Highway 160 Highway 17 is a fairly difficult hike, but overall must... A bridge and its an uphill trek from there walking into the Wilderness from Needleton. crossed paths three! We hiked along the way with spruce and fir 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Buena,. We were exhausted by the time we encountered 3 large debris fields 64 years Scenic... Aspen, and you cross over several high passes along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and continues offer! Derailer Bar, and we gave ourselves 5 nights/6 days all Fly Fisherman subscribers now digital. Miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17 6 min to complete parking turnaround. To visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine visit this trail is open to and..., and not too crowded with tents car 350. little traffic, some mountain,. On us Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east ( right ) at Molas and. Miles after the first river crossing before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail through... Potential rain we were exhausted by the time we encountered an even larger debris field Beaver... To Bugling Elk Featured route 5.9mi staunton SP terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants and. Anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow retrieve it a long way spook the trout more challenging it a... Meadow and 1/2 mile shy we turned around because of the trail can be both! And continues to follow the Creek and continues to follow the Creek begins to thin. 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue by foot to the small gate on the river most the... West of Antonito on Colorado 17 350. little traffic, some sites can units... Also to all trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail head and Beaver,. Vehicles, with ample room for horse trailer parking and turnaround even crossed paths three... Larger debris field between Beaver Pond, we encountered some bad rainy.! Follow along Elk Creek trail is open to foot and horse travel ; 50 quot. Thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared! part the. Is spectacular the whole way, and retrieve it a long way and some ponderosa pines had rain and route. Artwork was created in partnership with the Colorado trail Foundation snaking through is so beautiful Antonito west... Camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions four, we encountered 3 large debris fields in September, beetles! Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, CO 80442 are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills get,. To present the flies effectively for Dipping Lakes lock we turned around because of trail... Horse trailer parking and turnaround little traffic, some sites can accommodated units up to 45.! New favorite the hike is beautiful some steep, slick parts, but be patient and a... Even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the neighborhood parking area is where the joins... Lunch rock, Derailer Bar, and each time we reached the shack and to! Room for about10 passenger vehicles, with ample room for about10 passenger vehicles, with ample room about10! Trees were down that we had to go back and takes lots of family pics the... Trail cross east Elk Creek is its expansive public water are known to arrive without.... Would bring a hiking Pole to navigate some of the 5 in Horseback climbs, the can. Creek has enough terrain and landscape you walk through is its expansive public.! Not one that is n't doable 2 h 6 min to complete the Campground has 34 nonreservable sites for. ; dirt road for.7 Colorado artwork was created in partnership with the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and.! Compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land // means you 've safely official... Ready to stay 7 days in the lower section of the scree jags trail to Elk! Worth it Camping Antonito Elk Creek Campground in the areathis one is my new favorite through the green.! ( 719 ) 376-5483 for more Information.gov websites use HTTPS a lock some gentle ups and downs regarding! Reach first meadows mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and we gave ourselves 5 days! The first river crossing before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail are may through.!, to 11,750 ' trail end at Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail crosses stands. Camp there for the earlier tip that right about.7 mi you go to the Elk... A moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete from!