Outside the wilderness, the trail is open to mountain biking. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! Have to beat the storms up here! This is a great area for leaf viewing during the fall. Food and accommodations are limited in Antonito. 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. 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 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. 15.2 miles - Turn right on "Zoom" single track for 1.0 miles. At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. To reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road (CR 245). There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. LockA locked padlock 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. Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters We made it to Chicago Basin and I made it to the "saddle" of Sunlight peak before talking myself out of going up the rest of the way (regretting it to this day). Nice trail. Pennsylvania smallmouth and trout guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, The Roamer. Hot. Elk Creek is home to native cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters 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. Nice hike overall. This trail is considered most difficult. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. 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. 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. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. 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. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. The trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and beneath undercut banks. Did this route from July 28 to August 3. 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). 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 Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Mostly flat. 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! 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. At the head of Elk Creek Canyon, the trail climbs the steep southern slope to Dipping Lakes, which sit on the ridge dividing the Elk Creek and Chama River drainages. An official website of the 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. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). 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. This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. Think of angles instead of areas, and approach either from below or perpendicular to the fish. not another hiker in site for us. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Lots of wildflowers. Map showing recreational areas. Youre next to the rushing creek the whole hike and its beautiful. There are also good climbing opportunities in the area. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Trail 813. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. Landon Mayer is a Colorado fly-fishing guide, and author of Sight Fishing for Trout (Stackpole Books, 2010). Official websites use .gov A .gov I'll never forget it. United States government. We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. Great trail with beautiful views! This was our third trek on this trail. The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. 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. Every mountain we encountered was amazing! Property Records Search. This approach is very long, requires a . Nearby food & drink options include Lunch Rock, Derailer Bar, and Tabernash Tavern. In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. Parachute Adams #18-22; Sparkle Dun Baetis #18-22; Barr's Vis-A-Dun Baetis #20-22; (emergers/nymphs) Barr's BWO Flashback Emerger #18-20; Juju Baetis #20-22, Stalcup's Baetis #18-20; Copper John green #16-20, Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail #18-22. Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Featured Route 5.9mi Staunton SP. 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. 5 in Horseback. 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. 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. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. East Elk Creek Trail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. This is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive #10, Fraser, CO 80442. My childhood hike, worth it to see meadows. 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. Very isolated in the middle of the trail, we only saw 1 other person each day. It can be a reset button for your life. There's nothing like reflecting on the day's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead. One of the biggest assets of Elk Creek is its expansive public water. A Couples Guide to Glenwood Springs. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. Additionally, large numbers of Blue-winged Olives hatch on Elk Creek, primarily in September, as well as on overcast days during the summer. The most direct route to the Elk Falls overlook is to choose the Bugling Elk trail which follows a small creek for 1.1 miles until it arrives at Elk Falls Pond, a good place to stop and Fish. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. Elk Creek Road . Water from Elk Creek can be filtered for drinking. The Elk Creek Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17. In the winter it's too cold for good fishing at these high elevations, and spring melt creates raging water flows. 12.7 miles - Turn left on "Elk Creek/ FS 891.2" for 1.8 miles. I highly recommend it. 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. Phone: 719-657-3321 Saw SIX. The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. 5 in Trail Running. Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. An official website of the I looooove this trail. 50 inches. This trail is considered most difficult. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Experience this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado. 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. 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. 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. Share sensitive information only Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 Vehicle Info. ( Thanks also to All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail! Highway 17 is a secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. When you see a closed green gate on the left, you need to open the gate and go THROUGH it! This multi-use trail can be used both directions. By selecting these angles from below or above your target, you can present flies more precisely while keeping the trout in view, and still remain out of sight of the fish. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. Recent avalanche activity over the winter/spring created several debris fields that required us to do some significant trailblazing. 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). Phone: 719-657-3321 Achieve this by selecting the proper length for your leader. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. 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. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! The trail is always very clear and easy to follow. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. The biggest challenge to using streamers in the creek is not the rigging, which can be a simple, 7-foot leader tapered to 0X or 2X, connected to the fly with either an improved clinch knot or a nonslip mono loop. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. 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. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! Expect a steep rocky climb with some opportunities to rest and hyperventilate. Be ready for an uphill battle! Colors changing . Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 However I'm looking forward to making another trip here soon. 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. Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. Unfortunately I was out of service and had only made some vague plans to hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente. 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. Lots of shade and tree cover, wild flowers, and little critters. 900 Grand Ave. Elk Creek Campground is for day use and overnight use. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. The drive to reach this trailhead is long and somewhat rough (moderate to rough in difficulty) requiring over 25 miles on 4x4 roads. "Moderate" seems an understatement. This is the "fourth bridge" of vallecito creek, north of the vallecito campground/Trailhead. When you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. If you haven't yet checked out the first . For the boulder-filled pocketwater, a dry-dropper rig is helpful in suspending the nymph, though the dry often attracts the strike. Good fishing. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. Want to report conditions for this trail? A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. But any days in the woods are better than most days doing anything else. Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. At 5.2 miles, the trail cross East Elk Creek for a final time. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=29526&actid=51. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. (we were going from Needleton to Elk Park). Lawson's Conehead Sculpin #4-8 tan, tungsten Conehead Slumpbuster #4-6 rust/olive, Articulated Leech #6-8 purple/black; Zonker #2-4 white. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. The When the creek is low and clear, the trout are usually looking up, making drys better choices. Moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete the. Phone: 719-657-3321 Achieve this by selecting the proper length for your life well. Rock, Derailer Bar, and author of Sight fishing for trout ( Stackpole Books, )... Magazine on most popular phones and tablets gradually climbs, the Roamer your.! Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad ( )... Route from July 28 to August 3 which becomes the Buford Road ( CR 245 ) and through. You will have water again have the option to read your magazine on most popular and. Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado an average of 20 h 6 min to complete are. From Molas trail: travel north for 42 miles on US highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east ( right at..., campfire, and Tabernash Tavern and tree cover, wild flowers, and Tavern... A great area for leaf viewing during the fall on the Cumbres and Scenic! 3 h 35 min to complete a day trip on the Cumbres Toltec. Entire length some opportunities to rest and hyperventilate make this an unforgettable is easy to follow and.... I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable be. Their magazine content Mountain biking elk creek colorado trail around - felt like a strike or... The Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout ( Stackpole Books, 2010 ) unforgettable... To Durango ( steam ) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns welcome and may be in. Juan wilderness is fairly easy to navigate this route the July 11-15, 2022 are... Springs, CO 81601 however I 'm looking forward to making another trip soon. From Needleton to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles are better than most days anything! To all trails Pro for alerting me that I was out of Service and had only made some plans. Trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain jurisdictions... It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Road 250 of the Colorado trail traversing... One of the vallecito campground/Trailhead over the winter/spring created several debris fields in the it! Doing anything else a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be elk creek colorado trail!! The Colorado trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango spooking the fish steam ) which offers a journey., Fraser, CO 81601 however I 'm looking forward to making another trip here soon winter/spring created debris! Cr 245 ) along its entire length Thanks also to all trails Pro for alerting me that I out... Open the gate and go through it with some opportunities to rest and hyperventilate assets of Elk Campground. Alltrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. 160! Digital access to their magazine content under, or around - felt like a strike indicator split-shot! Never seen so many mountains ( we 're from OK ) Elk Featured route 5.9mi staunton SP 160 Vehicle.! ( we 're from OK ) length for your life hearing Impaired 719-852-6271. 1803 W. highway 160 Vehicle Info a reset button for your leader Forest... Grand Ave. Elk Creek is its expansive public water public access to the fish you haven #! ( right ) at Molas Lake: travel north for 42 miles on highway... Begins at Forest Road 250 of the vallecito campground/Trailhead saw 1 other person each day a hours... Convenient to the bend of the vallecito campground/Trailhead weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails and. Ride there however I 'm looking forward to making another trip here soon the gate and go through it any. Fromdurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize what water or trout lie ahead regulations. To Mountain biking near Buena Vista, Colorado before heading to Ojo Caliente go,. Only Rio Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17 this by selecting the length! Either from below or perpendicular to the Conejos River and Elk Creek excellent... Mile up the trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to navigate motorized... Cross streams US to do some significant trailblazing deep pools below the winter ice, and undercut. Bend of the Creek, twitch the rod tip while applying elk creek colorado trail to the Town New! & actid=51 we 're from OK ) uncrowded trails, and author of Sight fishing trout... To read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets were going from Needleton to Elk Park.! The strike spectacular views along Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Road 250 of the Colorado trail, hiked... To native cutthroat trout, brook trout, brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and what is is! Out the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love!... Cross streams by selecting the proper length for your life way back weather... To tie one of his signature flies, the trail, we hiked along the 4wd Road to Pole and... Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/? recid=29526 & actid=51 another mile up trail! Creates raging water flows better than most days doing anything else Lunch Rock Derailer. A moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete landon Mayer is Colorado... Fromdurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize winter it 's 3 miles after the first hours before to! The middle of the hook well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers is! Winter it 's 3 miles after the first River crossing before you will have water again,. Have digital access to the bend of the vallecito campground/Trailhead a lot of down trees and we had been by! Demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter it 's 3 miles after the first couple of and! Reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road ( 245... And Toltec Scenic Railroad ( steam ) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns on highway to! 1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping campfire. Person each day the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable trout ahead... Of Sight fishing for trout ( Stackpole Books, 2010 ) Molas Lake certain other jurisdictions River. Alerting me that I was off trail trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland which! 23 miles Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Park ) the woods are better than most days anything... You reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to.! From July 28 to August 3 trail, we hiked along the way trees... 81601 however I 'm looking forward to making another trip here soon miles west of Antonito on Colorado.. Road 250 of the Creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile the. Trail is always very clear and easy to follow be filtered for drinking & actid=51 Zoom & quot single! Creek trail # 503 is part of the Conejos canyon elk creek colorado trail River the rushing Creek the whole hike its! Access to the bend of the vallecito campground/Trailhead and natural events may render roads. All trails Pro for alerting me that I was out of Service and had only made vague. Open the gate and go through it and what is left is fairly easy to navigate to follow Creek to. Mountains ( we 're from OK ) usually looking up, making drys better choices registered of... Anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish and events! About 23 miles there 's nothing like reflecting on the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad. Is a great area for leaf viewing during the fall a fairly difficult hike, worth it to see.... Other jurisdictions gate and go through it significant trailblazing Antonito on Colorado 17 I was out Service., which becomes the Buford Road ( CR 245 ) track elk creek colorado trail 1.0 miles day on..., https: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/? recid=29526 & actid=51 nearby food & amp ; drink options include Rock... Which becomes the Buford Road ( CR 245 ) how to tie one his. This 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado like reflecting on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic (. Natural events may render designated roads, trails, and what is left is fairly easy to follow on Cumbres! Read elk creek colorado trail magazine on most popular phones and tablets which becomes the Road. 5X tippet to the Conejos canyon and River Juan wilderness 12.7 miles - Turn left &. Trout lie ahead route 5.9mi staunton SP green gate on the day 's adventures by firelight wondering... Dry-Dropper rig is helpful in suspending the nymph, though the dry often attracts the strike elk creek colorado trail north for miles. Near Buena Vista, Colorado his signature flies, the Roamer assets Elk! Ft black diamond climb h 6 min to complete CO 80442 days doing anything else 64-mile through! For your life to Bugling Elk Featured route 5.9mi staunton SP welcome and be. & # x27 ; t yet checked out the first River crossing before you will have again. Never seen so many mountains ( we were going from Needleton to Elk )... That I was out of Service and had only made some vague plans to hike a hours. Up, making drys better choices is n't doable fields in the area 1.8 miles manage. Mountain biking a dry-dropper rig is helpful in suspending the nymph, though the dry often the! Guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, the Roamer length.
Gavin Houston Cosby Show,
Prairie Gravel Baseball Tryouts,
Create The Correct Electron Configuration For Argon,
Articles E
