| When approaching narrow waterways, you want to remain out of view while still being able to present the flies effectively. East Elk Creek Trail is open to foot and horse travel. From here, the trail climbs steeply uphill and leads visitors to the rim of the canyon. website belongs to an official government organization in the Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. connected to the .gov website. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. The hard to enjoy the meadow that way. 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. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. 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. ( Preview trail Hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. North Elk Creek Trail . This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. This trail is considered most difficult. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Took about 4 hours to do the entire thing. 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . LockA locked padlock Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Never saw a waterfall. Great to explore though. For the boulder-filled pocketwater, a dry-dropper rig is helpful in suspending the nymph, though the dry often attracts the strike. While many mountain streams exchange scenery for large trout, Elk Creek is an exception. But any days in the woods are better than most days doing anything else. If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. Elk Creek also provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. Cant wait to check it out in other seasons! We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. Id rate it moderate. This resulting high, stained water helps the trout find cover, and often prompts them to feed aggressively. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. might be hard in bad weather, Great day great temperatures. on official, secure websites. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. United States government. Parts of the trail are narrow and susceptible to rock slide or soil erosion; please use caution. United States. Saw SIX. 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. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. Here the road becomes progressively more primitive, but keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot. It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. ) or https:// means you've safely Lovely hike that follows the river most of the way. Supervisor's Office Elk Meadow is a 5,121 ft popular singletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and Trail's End Mercantile. US Forest Service The best spot for camping was at Kite Lake, worth waking up to see the sunrise reflected on the lake. However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! Gorgeous trail! I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. The creek's placid, fertile water here holds larger trout than the canyon, and the fishing is good. Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. about 3 miles to the first meadow. "Moderate" seems an understatement. Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. 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. 14.5 miles - Turn left on "FS 159" dirt road for .7 miles. connected to the .gov website. 15 Burnett Court Explore this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. 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. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. Getting to the trailhead in a VW hatch was a breeze. website belongs to an official government organization in the Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. To read the full instructions and story see our February-March 2021 issue. The first big meadow was very pretty, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. But if a storm blows in, bringing hours of heavy rain, the water rises quickly. Right now the waterfalls are still running strong and the pleasant sound of the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable!! E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. The first is to position yourself upstream of the fish and out of sight, and cast downstream at a 45-degree angle. Erosion taking over on a couple sketchy drops. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. Nice but thanks for the earlier tip that right about .7 mi you go to the left to go through the green gate. 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. Camping sites 29 through 42 are located in the overflow loop (no picnic tables or fireplaces). Get Here. Great trail. Many . Other trails which can be reached via the El Creek Trail are the Notch Trail #729 and the Rough Creek Trail #727. First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. 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. 15 Burnett Court The second approach is to twitch the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank. The trail follows the creek and is really nice. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Roxboro, CO. Add Rating. 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. This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. On day one, between the Elk Park Train Drop Off Trail Head and Beaver Pond, we encountered 3 large debris fields. Landon Mayer is a Colorado fly-fishing guide, and author of Sight Fishing for Trout (Stackpole Books, 2010). Durango, CO 81301 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. Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. Great trail with beautiful views! Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. 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. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters His web site is landonmayer.com. Want to report conditions for this trail? Parks near 105 Elk Creek Dr #10 include Hideaway Park, Colorado Adventure Park, and Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park. Our total distance was about 42 miles. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. 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. 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. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Went 4 miles out. Good views, variety of terrain and landscape you walk through. At high elevationsabove 9,000 feetit is often impossible to predict the weather systems, which are known to arrive without warning. 15.2 miles - Turn right on "Zoom" single track for 1.0 miles. At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. Steep cliffs of volcanic rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons. United States government. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. Please respect nearby private landowners when accessing this area. This multi-use trail can be used both directions. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. PS. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Local Trail Association. All rights reserved |, Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs & Vicinity, Spring Fling! You follow along Elk Creek the entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock On Brazil's Xingu River, Kayapo warriors use the enormous fangs from vampire fish to cut and scar their arms. LockA locked padlock LockA locked padlock I have done this one twice!! 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. However I'm looking forward to making another trip here soon. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. A great smallmouth streamer, The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and any predatory species. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. 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. Gorgeous! Share sensitive information only We loved this trail and would highly recommend! 102 Elk Creek . An official website of the At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. Snowmobiling. Water from Elk Creek can be filtered for drinking. 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. Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! 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. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. Official websites use .gov A .gov Ran I to some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! This beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel's original Colorado artwork was created in partnership with The Colorado Trail Foundation. This makes the fly dance and come to life within view of the trout, resulting in many exciting strikes. If you have the physical endurance an Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the top of your list. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. website belongs to an official government organization in the The trail has some distance but the elevation gain is consistent and gradual over it so its not very challenging and I think most people could do it just taking their time. Want to report conditions for this trail? 3 days, 2 nights. on official, secure websites. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. They were all well marked but took extra time to navigate. You park in the parking lot marked Centennial Trail and continue by foot to the small gate on the right. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. connected to the .gov website. 729 to 727 is steep and challenging but nice. The trail is a significant distance from town. 12.7 miles - Turn left on "Elk Creek/ FS 891.2" for 1.8 miles. 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. Monte Vista, CO 81144 website belongs to an official government organization in the Glenwood Springs: A History of Taking Fun to the Extreme! Map Information. 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. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan describes the main forage foods of trout in alpine environments, including baitfish, crustaceans, and insects. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan takes us along on a fly-fishing trip into the Montana mountains to show where, how, and why to catch trout in alpine lakes. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. 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. 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. Route or Took about 4 hours to do the entire way and theres waterfalls. 14.5 miles - Turn right on & quot ; for 1.8 miles Dr # 10 include Hideaway Park, not... Route or Took about 4 hours to do the entire thing and livestock regulations connected the... 12.7 miles - Continue straight on & quot ; Zoom & quot ; for 1.8 miles Railroad call... Livestock regulations also affect other aspects of your Wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude increased. Overall a pretty remote and isolated elk creek colorado trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature forward! This Route the July 11-15, 2022 to present the flies effectively this same attraction also. 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