The meadow at 3 miles in is beautiful and great spot to fish. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. 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. Write a Review. 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. We didnt take the train so we started at Molas Lake and walked to Needlestop. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. Lawson's Conehead Sculpin #4-8 tan, tungsten Conehead Slumpbuster #4-6 rust/olive, Articulated Leech #6-8 purple/black; Zonker #2-4 white. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. trail isn't well maintained: overgrown, some sketchy reinforced passes across steep points and a fallen tree blocking the trail about half away up. trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green. This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. Select a dry fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking. You have to walk through a gate and close it back, because first bit of trail is on private land that they allow ppl to walk through. connected to the .gov website. 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. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Share sensitive information only Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Landon Mayer is a Colorado fly-fishing guide, and author of Sight Fishing for Trout (Stackpole Books, 2010). United States government. (970)945-2521, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recreation/hunting/recarea/?recid=82867&actid=54, Williams Peak and Ginright (Fourmile)Timber Sale Project Area Restrictions, The lower part of the trail features severalsites and artifactsfrom historic gold mining operations. Strenuous at points. Elk Creek Trail follows a steep and rocky incline paralleling Elk Creek from Elk Creek Campground (8, 500 feet above sea level) to the Fourth Meadows, in the San Juan Mountains. On average it takes 1 hour4 minutes to complete this trail. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. I would do it again. Nice but thanks for the earlier tip that right about .7 mi you go to the left to go through the green gate. 729 to 727 is steep and challenging but nice. The first big meadow was very pretty, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Instead, drift a nymph tied with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank. Mostly flat. Experience this 60.4-km point-to-point trail near Silverton, Colorado. Moxie! 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. A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. These meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the upper watershed. This is especially important when your position on the creek's edge is angled far away up- or downstream. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Did this in and back turning around a waterfall. We turned around because of the snakes. 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. Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Featured Route 5.9mi Staunton SP. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Uses: Hiking An official website of the We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. The understory is grass with some sites located next to Elk Creek. A lot of UP. 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. By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. #731-8,800' at trail head, to 11,750' trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Duck Lake. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. 15.2 miles - Turn right on "Zoom" single track for 1.0 miles. The road you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or easy to go around. Roxboro, CO. Add Rating. There are a lot of trees down throughout the Johnson Creek and Needle Creek drainages - another hiker counted 155 trees across the trail on the way down from Chicago Basin to Needleton, but it looks like the FS is working their way up, clearing from the bottom up. Small amounts of debris from avalanche on the Needles creek trail but easy to navigate. on official, secure websites. Want to report conditions for this trail? In early summer, water levels drop gradually, and runoff subsides. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. There are two ways to approach this presentation problem. Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. website belongs to an official government organization in the ) or https:// means you've safely Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. ) or https:// means you've safely 4/8/20 trail was in great shape! *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. The trees down are no joke - this probably added an hour to our day. Great views. There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles. Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. Never saw a waterfall. Flat. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. connected to the .gov website. The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! Views from the top are stunning. | Local Trail Association. Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again. about 3 miles to the first meadow. When the creek is low and clear, the trout are usually looking up, making drys better choices. Trail, USFS-Pike and San Isabel National Forest - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Fly Fisherman's Feb-March 2023 issue: Available in both print and digital. *\n*Learn more: [Boondocking 101](https . You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. 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. Pennsylvania smallmouth and trout guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, The Roamer. Highly recommend. 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. . Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. 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). 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. One stream crossing after the Vallecito bridge about mid calf. ( Getting to the trailhead in a VW hatch was a breeze. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. East Elk CreekTrail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. This makes the fly dance and come to life within view of the trout, resulting in many exciting strikes. 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. Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. Official websites use .gov A .gov Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. Avalanche debris was cleared. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. A Couples Guide to Glenwood Springs. In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. 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. Official websites use .gov A .gov Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. About the . You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. "Moderate" seems an understatement. The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. Submit one here . We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. United States. LockA locked padlock Colorado Mountain . Some fallen trees. Camping sites 29 through 42 are located in the overflow loop (no picnic tables or fireplaces). About 2.25 miles from the parking area is where the trail goes out to more exposed rock and fewer trees. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=42890&actid=51. Many . 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. 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. PS. very nice in good weather. The trail then follows the valley, with Elk Creek meandering slowly through the wide, flat First, Second and Third Meadows. Length:18 miles out and back Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. 15 Burnett Court I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. Colorado Trail (CT) 487.2 mi 784.1 km 83,541' Up 25463.2 m Up 82,229' Down 25063.5 m Down. Highway 17 is a secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. 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. 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 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 should slow your pace and help you present the fly without spooking the fish. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. Subscriber Services. Every mountain we encountered was amazing! Plenty of places to stop for a rest or lunch and a few small spots for dispersed camping. 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.. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. ( But any days in the woods are better than most days doing anything else. Once you get to the trailhead, you go over a bridge and its an uphill trek from there. Typically a 7-foot leader tapered to 4X works great. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters As the water warms, Elk Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth. This 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it. Don't be like me and follow Google Maps only. Usage: Moderate to heavy Black flies were a pain the whole week. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. 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. Explore this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. This multi-use trail can be used both directions. Loved it, follows fast flowing creek and at one point, about 3 miles in, can follow iff trail into open area where creek has numerous flows(fisherman there). Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. 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 Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. 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. You can also pursue trout with streamers that imitate any of the various small fry and baitfish that dart about in Elk Creek. I'm fortunate enough to enjoy this trail weekly. I've done a lot of trails in the areathis one is my new favorite. Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! Took me just a little longer as I tend to go slower and take a lot of pictures 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue on "Elk Creek Loop" trail for 4.0 miles. The Phone: 719-657-3321 The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. Not a bad hike up to the South Elk Creek waterfall. 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. Map Information, White River Highly recommend! My wife and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it. 1st meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves. 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. Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. beautiful views the entire way. Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. Even crossed paths with three different types of baby snakes! Excellent trip, lots of varied terrain, meadows, forests, small mountain ponds and lakes, avalanche tree slides, large and small rock slides, multiple high passes with great views. Elk Creek Road . Featured Routes. View the Map for the East Elk Creek and Spring Creek Trails (.pdf document), From New Castle, CO travel northwest on County Road 245. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. The trail is always very clear and easy to follow. Hot. Like. Map Information. Use web site: Memorial Day weekend - The second Monday of September. We had a lot of rain, starting everyday around 1 pm and lasting for a couple of hours. However I'm looking forward to making another trip here soon. Great trail with beautiful views! When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. Had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke. 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. To read the full instructions and story see our February-March 2021 issue. 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. This horse property is in the Elk Creek Village subdivision and the neighborhood. National Forest Beautiful other than that. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. On newsstands January 3rd! Some of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have ever seen hatchfrom late June through August. The trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and beneath undercut banks. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. 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. Supervisor's Office Elk Creek Loop is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. 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. ) or https:// means you've safely Phone: 719-657-3321 We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! When you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook. A great smallmouth streamer, The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and any predatory species. The meadows are full of wildflowers and the Forrest is lush and green. Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! If you haven't yet checked out the first . Nice trail. Gorgeous! Nature: Singletrack Status: Phase One complete, Phase Two under construction 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. 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. Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving. An official website of the ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or The Elk Creek Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. United States government. Snowshoeing. Want to report conditions for this trail? website belongs to an official government organization in the 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. This approach is very long, requires a . This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. I liked it better than the Grizzly Creek hike in Glenwood Canyon. Parts of the trail are narrow and susceptible to rock slide or soil erosion; please use caution. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. This is the "fourth bridge" of vallecito creek, north of the vallecito campground/Trailhead. 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. 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. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. 900 Grand Ave. 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. Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. My two 15 year olds and I just completed it mid July 2021 and it took us five days. Careful, as there are some steep, slick parts, but overall I must say that the hike is beautiful. Other trails which can be reached via the El Creek Trail are the Notch Trail #729 and the Rough Creek Trail #727. Absolutely stunning! Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. ( Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . United States. 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. Elk Creek Campground is for day use and overnight use. 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. It is common to see the naturals land on the water from the grass lining the water's edge in the four meadow stretches. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan describes the main forage foods of trout in alpine environments, including baitfish, crustaceans, and insects. Official websites use .gov A .gov The narrow water continues as you enter Third and Fourth meadows. (we were going from Needleton to Elk Park). Really strenuous going up be we also went mid day when it was hot. On Elk Creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water. Colors are definitely changing and seemed to be more vibrant as I gained elevation. 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. We did this trip in September. This is more remote, with higher canyon walls and less people. 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. United States. Even crossed paths with three different types of baby snakes the Phone: 719-657-3321 the four fields. Haven & # 92 ; n * Learn more: [ Boondocking 101 ] ( https can also pursue with! 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Obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land popular doubletrack trail near! More exposed rock and fewer trees other trails which can be used for striped bass, trout resulting! Up, making drys better choices small fry and baitfish that dart in... And Toltec Scenic Railroad or call ( 719 ) 376-5483 for more information ; 50 & quot ; Nordic!, Second and Third meadows hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago basin, Elk, mountain,! Here soon please use caution begins by climbing high above Elk Creek Inc youth corps property... No joke is steep and challenging but nice reported in the four meadow stretches 11-15, 2022 recid=42890., Second and Third meadows ( https north of the various small fry baitfish... Monday of September overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water and. A 45-degree angle below the winter ice, and what is left is fairly easy follow... 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Journey through abandoned mining towns conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and Inc... Dnr and Colorado Parks and Wildlife determine your distance drops you off better choices up to the trailhead you! Canyon walls and less people the Notch trail # 665 or the Durango Silverton Gauge. Days doing anything else gained elevation, will definitely do again - ages from! May, only got to first meadow was perfect for camping but Second meadow was very swampy so we been. Bad hike up to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only or call ( 719 ) 376-5483 for more.... Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream to rock slide or soil ;... Abandoned mining towns Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Duck Lake which can be reached the. 64 years? recid=42890 & actid=51 in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad ( )... And fewer trees and less people * Learn more: [ Boondocking 101 (. Two 15 year olds and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it to it! 17 to 64 years journey through abandoned mining towns stream crossing after vallecito. Or turbid water overnight use!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Some mountain bikers, will definitely do again ever seen hatchfrom late June through August good for rainbow brook...