Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving. Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . Gorgeous! 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. Want to report conditions for this trail? By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. An official website of the When the creek is low and clear, the trout are usually looking up, making drys better choices. Then, when you are ready to deliver the fly, "fire it in there" as John Barr would say, above the trout. Featured Routes. The trail also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon. connected to the .gov website. At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! 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. Glenwood Springs: A History of Taking Fun to the Extreme! At a higher level of commitment, the creek has enough terrain and water to support a multiday backpacking trip. There was another group who did this, and the train staff didn't seem to have any problem with it (we had paid for a RT ticket anyway). A lot of UP. It is verdant throughout, hiking along the creek the whole time. Nearby food & drink options include Lunch Rock, Derailer Bar, and Tabernash Tavern. The drive to reach this trailhead is long and somewhat rough (moderate to rough in difficulty) requiring over 25 miles on 4x4 roads. Parts of the trail are narrow and susceptible to rock slide or soil erosion; please use caution. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. These meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the upper watershed. ( ["Elk Creek Trail", "Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping"] description => ["*Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Author and guide Blane Chocklett discusses and demonstrates the action on his articulated Game Changer Nymphs. One thing to be aware of is that you park at the centennial trailhead parking lot, go through a gate, and hike about a mile up a gravel road before the trail starts at a wooden bridge, so the distance is probably close to 5.5 or 6 miles total. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. It can be a reset button for your life. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. 3 days, 2 nights. 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. We ended up finishing around 5pm on the 5th day, so instead of waiting around for the return train to Durango on day 6, we took the train to Silverton for lunch, then rode the whole return trip to Durango. 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. Elk Creek Trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado. Bring an extra blood bag as you'll need to counter what's sucked out of you by the mosquitoes. Alamosa, 30 miles to the north, has chain motels and restaurants. Black flies were a pain the whole week. Vehicle Info. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. The very last meadow with the stream snaking through is so beautiful. 14.5 miles - Turn left on "FS 159" dirt road for .7 miles. Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. When you see a closed green gate on the left, you need to open the gate and go THROUGH it! Have to beat the storms up here! Master fly tier Charlie Craven ties Matt WInkler's Balanced Leather Leech. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. 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. Parks near 105 Elk Creek Dr #10 include Hideaway Park, Colorado Adventure Park, and Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park. Share sensitive information only ) or https:// means you've safely Uphill. All in all beautiful scenery and a great hike. Snowshoeing. I missed the gate comment but it is CRITICAL. The trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and beneath undercut banks. #731-8,800' at trail head, to 11,750' trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Duck Lake. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters National Forest Cant wait to check it out in other seasons! "Moderate" seems an understatement. Motorcycle Riding. When you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook. on official, secure websites. At the trail's highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 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. Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. On a small stream, twitching the fly to supply movement, while keeping the fly in the water longer, can be key to success. The weather plays a big role in water conditions. On average it takes 1 hour4 minutes to complete this trail. Uses: Hiking Durango, CO 81301 Use web site: Memorial Day weekend - The second Monday of September. Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. It took us 7 days to complete it. Great trail. Theparking lot is accessible year round. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Id rate it moderate. 50 inches. Biking. To read the full instructions and story see our February-March 2021 issue. About the . Id say its a moderately difficult hike some uphill but not too difficult. Any feedback appreciated. 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. trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green. Because of this we consider it to be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. Flying drones is not permitted over congressionally designated wilderness areas or primitive areas as many people seek these places for the opportunities for solitude and quiet that they provide. Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! Water from Elk Creek can be filtered for drinking. 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). The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. Ability Rating: Moderate to difficult (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/?recid=42890. Snowmobiling. Strenuous at points. We made the decision to cut our trek short. beautiful views the entire way. United States government. Good easy trail! The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. 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. Difficult and rocky but worth it. Horseback Riding. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. We had a lot of rain, starting everyday around 1 pm and lasting for a couple of hours. Nice but thanks for the earlier tip that right about .7 mi you go to the left to go through the green gate. My two 15 year olds and I just completed it mid July 2021 and it took us five days. No description for Elk Meadow trail has been added yet! Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do 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. In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. website belongs to an official government organization in the Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. 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. Completed this loop early July 2021. Worthy of recognition, especially during. Map showing recreational areas. Molas Lake to Animas River via Molas Trail, Vestal Basin via Colorado and Elk Creek Trail, Stony Pass, ATV Trail 821, and Cinnamon Pass OHV Route. Colorado Mountain . I'll never forget it. Not a bad hike up to the South Elk Creek waterfall. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. 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. Thank goodness we had the AllTrails app. This 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it. US Forest Service We had a couple of long days and some short days with lots of time to relax. East Elk Creek Trail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). Good views, variety of terrain and landscape you walk through. 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. Steep cliffs of volcanic rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons. This route will continue more of the same from the Marmot Passage Trail, but you'll be getting ever closer to your goal, the scenic Elk Falls! 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. We ended up turning back. The trail is a significant distance from town. Remember to slow down your casting stroke on both the forward cast and backcast, allowing enough time for the flies to turn over when using longer leaders. Moxie! I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. 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 just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. 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. 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. Next up are caddis, which flutter over the creek's surface in astonishing numbers beginning in late May through July. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock If you haven't yet checked out the first . This trail was beautiful, once you actually got to it. Fly Fisherman's Feb-March 2023 issue: Available in both print and digital. Charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing. Beautiful hike! Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. This hike is definitely a good one! This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. Some uneven terrain. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. . hard to enjoy the meadow that way. 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. Estes Park. Wide gravel road for awhile. 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. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. Along this segment, the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and fir. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Share sensitive information only It's best to present the fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected. about 3 miles to the first meadow. Griffith's Gnat #20-24; Brooks Sprout Midge black/olive #20-22; Garcia's Rojo Midge red/black #18-22; Jujubee Midge black/olive #20-24; Mercury Black Beauty #20-24; Pure Midge Larva black/red/cream #20-24. 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. This should slow your pace and help you present the fly without spooking the fish. The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. East Elk CreekTrail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. This is especially important when your position on the creek's edge is angled far away up- or downstream. Horseback Riding. Length:18 miles out and back I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter. There are a few camping sites near this junction. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Motorcycle Riding. This multi-use trail can be used both directions. The trail was pretty empty. Better waterand bigger fishawait upstream. Like. 729 to 727 is steep and challenging but nice. LockA locked padlock While many mountain streams exchange scenery for large trout, Elk Creek is an exception. 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. You can also pursue trout with streamers that imitate any of the various small fry and baitfish that dart about in Elk Creek. United States government. Share sensitive information only The trail follows the creek and is really nice. 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. Hiking River Wildlife Description No conditions reported in the past 7 days 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. Our total distance was about 42 miles. 102 Elk Creek . On newsstands January 3rd! The varied terrain between the meadows creates cover and safety for the fish. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). Many . North Elk Creek Trail . ( Achieve this by selecting the proper length for your leader. Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. website belongs to an official government organization in the Flying drones is not permitted over congressionally designated wilderness areas or primitive areas as many people seek these places for the opportunities for solitude and quiet that they provide. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. This trail is considered most difficult. A little snow pack at the top but awesome along the river! Elk Creek is home to native cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches. For example, in August, Elk Creek typically runs low and clear. This horse property has 2 bedrooms and 2 total baths. Nice hike overall. The trail extends 18 miles to the Flattops. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. ( Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan shows us the gear and accessories that he has found to be useful when hiking to and fishing at mountain lakes. The meadow at 3 miles in is beautiful and great spot to fish. website belongs to an official government organization in the His web site is landonmayer.com. Get Here. Highly recommend! Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. 5 in Horseback. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). very nice in good weather. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. Great sounds! Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. This was my first hike of more than five miles. Again, a lot of trees were down that we had to circumnavigate. ATV Riding. Official websites use .gov A .gov All rights reserved |, Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs & Vicinity, Spring Fling! Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Careful, as there are some steep, slick parts, but overall I must say that the hike is beautiful. I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! Want to report conditions for this trail? Even when the water narrows, or begins to run thin, it still provides enough holding water for sizable trout. I have done this one twice!! The bridge at Vallecito Creek, near Johnson Creek, is still good. ( As you begin your ascent toward the First Meadows three miles upstream, the creek cascades through a small canyon where classic mountain fishing features swift, turbulent pocketwater, and the trout hold in current breaks. The canyon water makes for a fun, fast-paced game with shotgun casting and eager trout, but they are mostly small. 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. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. Trail could use some better signs, and GPS showed 3.7 miles vs 3 miles :). No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Elk Creek Road . Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. Want to report conditions for this trail? 4/8/20 trail was in great shape! Very steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after. 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. The road you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or easy to go around. Colorado Trail (CT) 487.2 mi 784.1 km 83,541' Up 25463.2 m Up 82,229' Down 25063.5 m Down. This beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel's original Colorado artwork was created in partnership with The Colorado Trail Foundation. Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Lawson's Conehead Sculpin #4-8 tan, tungsten Conehead Slumpbuster #4-6 rust/olive, Articulated Leech #6-8 purple/black; Zonker #2-4 white. Unfortunately the snow kept us from anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow. On day one, between the Elk Park Train Drop Off Trail Head and Beaver Pond, we encountered 3 large debris fields. Sad to see all the beetle damage. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. The more exposed areas will heat up quickly. Balneology: The Art and Science of Hot Springs for Health. Large trout use all the available habitat, and there is a lot of it. Usage: Moderate to heavy Erosion taking over on a couple sketchy drops. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. 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. Great trail. I would do it again. 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. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. I'm fortunate enough to enjoy this trail weekly. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. Don't be like me and follow Google Maps only. Good fishing. On day two, we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the miner's shack. The second approach is to twitch the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank. 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. . 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. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate.

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