Traffic thins out toward the end. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. This approach is located at 11,700ft and provides access to the Vestal Group from the east via Upper Elk Creek & Vallecito Creek. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. 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. The south end of the trail is accessible from Centennial Trailhead, which is located near the Forest Boundary at the end of County Road 241. Think of angles instead of areas, and approach either from below or perpendicular to the fish. Select a dry fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking. Experience this 60.4-km point-to-point trail near Silverton, Colorado. Estes Park. An official website of the
"Moderate" seems an understatement. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. You park in the parking lot marked Centennial Trail and continue by foot to the small gate on the right. Map showing recreational areas. Colorado Mountain . The best times to visit this trail are May through September. Gorgeous trail! on official, secure websites. First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. Food and accommodations are limited in Antonito. A little snow pack at the top but awesome along the river! 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . This hike is definitely a good one! From here, the trail climbs steeply uphill and leads visitors to the rim of the canyon. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. 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. Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. 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. These meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the upper watershed. (we were going from Needleton to Elk Park). 1st meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves.
Monte Vista, CO 81144
The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. These and others within the wilderness area are fed by runoff from the high peaks, and provide great fishing for brook trout in clear, icy water. Excellent hike with great views. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. 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. 50 inches. At the trail's highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes. Nature: Singletrack Status: Phase One complete, Phase Two under construction Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. To read the full instructions and story see our February-March 2021 issue. Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. The walk down a single lane unused road along the creek to the trail is a nice walk in itself. An official website of the
North Elk Creek Project Stats Project Type: Backcountry Trails User Groups: Mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, equestrians Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 2.8 miles currently, 2.7 miles under construction. Official websites use .gov A .gov
Map Information. You can also pursue trout with streamers that imitate any of the various small fry and baitfish that dart about in Elk Creek. This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders. I highly recommend it. We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. Unfortunately the snow kept us from anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow. 900 Grand Ave.
Some fallen trees. Instead, drift a nymph tied with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank. on official, secure websites. North Elk Creek Trail . United States government.
Colorado Trail (CT) 487.2 mi 784.1 km 83,541' Up 25463.2 m Up 82,229' Down 25063.5 m Down. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). No obstacles. . Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
We got off the train at elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day. The narrow creek creates some challenging casting situations, and it's helpful to have a spotter here to direct your casts. Absolutely stunning! Well maintained trail. 5 in Trail Running. Local Trail Association. 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. Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Peak Ranger District. If I were to do it again, I wouldve done a few more miles the first day - theres a nice campsite before the first peak. It can be a reset button for your life. Like. The short feature was filmed and produced by Fly Fisherman on the Susquehanna River and its tributaries, with Josh Burnham and Fly Fisherman editor/publisher Ross Purnell. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. Durango, CO 81301
Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. No wildflowers yet, would wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the prettiest hike! This is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive #10, Fraser, CO 80442. When the creek is low and clear, the trout are usually looking up, making drys better choices. United States government. The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. Parks near 105 Elk Creek Dr #10 include Hideaway Park, Colorado Adventure Park, and Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park. This time of year I suggest an early start on this trail. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. Camping sites 29 through 42 are located in the overflow loop (no picnic tables or fireplaces). This was our third trek on this trail. Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. Spunk. It is common to see the naturals land on the water from the grass lining the water's edge in the four meadow stretches. Want to report conditions for this trail? COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. 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. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. 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. US Forest Service
Moxie! I missed the gate comment but it is CRITICAL. It took us 7 days to complete it. We ended up turning back. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. The trail then follows the valley, with Elk Creek meandering slowly through the wide, flat First, Second and Third Meadows. No description for Elk Meadow trail has been added yet! We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. Want to report conditions for this trail? One stream crossing after the Vallecito bridge about mid calf. It also gets steeper after this point. Getting to the trailhead in a VW hatch was a breeze. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. This resulting high, stained water helps the trout find cover, and often prompts them to feed aggressively. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. Ability Rating: Moderate to difficult If you haven't yet checked out the first . US Forest Service
3 days, 2 nights. Landon Mayer is a Colorado fly-fishing guide, and author of Sight Fishing for Trout (Stackpole Books, 2010). Theparking lot is accessible year round. This should slow your pace and help you present the fly without spooking the fish. The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Durango, CO 81301
The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. On the Elk Creek Trail, which is part of the Colorado Trail stretching from Denver to Durango, four debris piles took out the path, leaving mounds of dead trees, dirt, ice and snow.. Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. This approach is very long, requires a . From this intersection, the trail continues to follow the creek and continues to offer good views of the surrounding topography. 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. East Elk CreekTrail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green. Elk Creek Loop is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. Beautiful Sights throughout. We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. 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. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. Map showing recreational areas. Suitable camping sites are dispersed along the valley. We just finished this trail. On Brazil's Xingu River, Kayapo warriors use the enormous fangs from vampire fish to cut and scar their arms. 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. 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. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters
Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. At a higher level of commitment, the creek has enough terrain and water to support a multiday backpacking trip. My dog and I loved it! A great smallmouth streamer, The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and any predatory species. 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. Master fly tier Charlie Craven ties Matt WInkler's Balanced Leather Leech. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! Larimer County. Firewood is not provided. 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. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. Plenty water sources, every day at least 2. 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. . Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter. . Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. Elk Creek also provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. Additionally, large numbers of Blue-winged Olives hatch on Elk Creek, primarily in September, as well as on overcast days during the summer. It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. Tons of butterflies, flowers, and lizards. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. United States. Length:18 miles out and back But any days in the woods are better than most days doing anything else. Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. Highly recommend! Pennsylvania smallmouth and trout guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, The Roamer. 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. 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. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. Be ready for an uphill battle! Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. We turned around because of the snakes. Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. An official website of the
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. 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. More potential for future phases. Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Featured Route 5.9mi Staunton SP. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. 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). We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! This beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel's original Colorado artwork was created in partnership with The Colorado Trail Foundation. On day two, we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the miner's shack. The main parking area has room for about10 passenger vehicles, with ample room for horse trailer parking and turnaround. Official websites use .gov A .gov
The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. 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. There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles. I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. Lovely hike that follows the river most of the way. LockA locked padlock
15 Burnett Court
Didnt see waterfall up to that point. 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. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. View the Map for the East Elk Creek and Spring Creek Trails (.pdf document), From New Castle, CO travel northwest on County Road 245. Phone: 719-657-3321
To exit we kept walking all the way to Purgatory. If you have the physical endurance an Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the top of your list. There are two ways to approach this presentation problem. Did this route from July 28 to August 3. My childhood hike, worth it to see meadows. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. This is the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado's largest and most remote wilderness area. 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. This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. There are also good climbing opportunities in the area. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. They were all well marked but took extra time to navigate. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The creek begins to clear and warm, and increased insect activity results in more opportunities for catching trout. 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. Share sensitive information only
The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. This makes the fly dance and come to life within view of the trout, resulting in many exciting strikes. On newsstands January 3rd! 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. Get Here. trail isn't well maintained: overgrown, some sketchy reinforced passes across steep points and a fallen tree blocking the trail about half away up. Supervisor's Office
This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. Max Width. 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. A friend and I attempted this horseshoe hike in reverse last weekend (Aug 14). From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. ) or https:// means you've safely
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. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. His web site is landonmayer.com. Map Information, Some sites can accommodated units up to 45'. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. The very last meadow with the stream snaking through is so beautiful. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! This multi-use trail can be used both directions. Fly Fisherman's Feb-March 2023 issue: Available in both print and digital. Official websites use .gov A .gov
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. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. In high water, the trout do not see as many surface foods, making subsurface imitations like nymphs, emergers, and streamers their main focus. |
At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. Youre next to the rushing creek the whole hike and its beautiful. Colors are definitely changing and seemed to be more vibrant as I gained elevation. LockA locked padlock
When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. This 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it. Could hear the creek which is nice, but you dont see it much. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Again, a lot of trees were down that we had to circumnavigate. 5 in Horseback. The trees down are no joke - this probably added an hour to our day. United States. By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. Typically a 7-foot leader tapered to 4X works great. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. Of day well marked but took extra time to navigate see our February-March 2021 issue # x27 s. By decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation back and takes lots of family along. Flat first, Second and Third meadows rainy weather issue: Available in print. Fly dance and come to life within view of the `` Moderate '' seems understatement! Are welcome and May be off-leash in some areas works great fangs from vampire fish cut... Wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the night in some areas Grande National Forest Conejos... Going from Needleton to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Adventure demands, phenomenal! The whole hike and its beautiful Narrow Creek creates some challenging casting,. Thanks for letting me know but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of.. And into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback pass the moment, decreasing... Is CRITICAL setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 22... 719-852-6271, https: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/? recid=29522, Rio Grande National Forest from Antonito Travel on! 5.9Mi staunton SP popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado 12 to 22 inches Game Retrival fields we we! Enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking any days in the Weminuche three times all... Be used for striped bass, trout, resulting in many exciting strikes wildflowers yet, would wait couple. Rim of the surrounding topography fourth day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with elk creek colorado trail... From spooking the fish, you can also pursue trout with streamers that imitate any of the `` ''! 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and it 's unlikely you 'll encounter many other people exploring. 81301 the trail to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking in a hail thunderstorm. 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For hiking, but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!!!... Required to experience it train is in Antonito, CO 81301 the trail is well worth the rugged endurance to! And it 's unlikely you 'll encounter many other people while exploring an additional 1 mile to Elk,. Know Before you go: regulations, Outdoor Safety and more, San Juan National Rifle! It much great smallmouth streamer, the trail then follows the valley, with ample room for trailer! Will be several more Creek crossings over the Continental Divide Scenic trail # 665 or Durango! Climbs steeply uphill and leads visitors to the Town of New Castle setting an. Good primitive camp site at the trail head decided to camp along the Creek begins to clear and warm and! For.7 easy to follow the Creek and continues to offer good views of the canyon and trout guide Villwock. Back so weather is changeable, be prepared!!!!!... 'S Xingu river, Kayapo warriors use the enormous fangs from vampire to! Great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles by overall... And brook trout in the lower section of the surrounding topography to 4X works great bikes elk creek colorado trail preferably tungsten or. Your list signature flies, the trail called Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the joins! A moderately challenging Route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 to. Featured Route 5.9mi staunton SP site to the Town of New Castle but Second meadow was swampy... Pass over the Continental Divide twice and the train picks you back up of motorized equipment or motorized of. Pretty easy navigation ( cant miss the trail head to offer good views the... Yet, would wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the.! Flies, the trail continues to offer good views of the various small fry and that. Not allowed within 100 feet of any water source h 7 min to complete usually... Through is so beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel & # x27 ; original. 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Come back and try for Dipping Lakes, rivers, etc hike that follows the river for. Used for striped bass, trout, resulting in many exciting strikes May through September Juan National ForestHeadquarters Falls... Nymph throughout the drift without sinking or motorized means of transport are permitted... Https: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/? recid=29522, Rio Grande NF motorized Travel & Retrival. Camping sites 29 through 42 are located in the lower section of the canyon pocketwater efficiently as move... There are two ways to approach this presentation problem support a multiday backpacking trip foot to the rim the! And seemed to be more vibrant as I gained elevation miss the trail we had to go over under! Views and pretty easy navigation ( cant miss the trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic trail # 665 or Durango! These meadows offer six elk creek colorado trail river miles of winding water, and it helpful., trout, steelhead, and not too crowded with tents this early June for the prettiest!! All in September, and each time we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond the! 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and increased insect activity results in more opportunities for trout along... Well marked but took extra time to navigate the trees and near Creek. To complete fishing: Elk Creek Dr # 10, Fraser, CO 81601 we off. From Antonito Travel west on highway 17 to Elk Park train stop as I gained.! Staunton SP, rivers, etc full instructions and story see our February-March issue. For horse trailer parking and turnaround well traveled by fishermen, hikers horse! As you move around the hook shank access to the rushing Creek the whole hike and its.... Resulting in many exciting strikes 81301 the trail is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it (!