The Elk Creek Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17. Black flies were a pain the whole week. Featured Routes. Hiked from elk park to needleton 7/1/2022-7/4/2022. 1 July. Map Information, White River
I would bring a hiking pole to navigate some of the scree jags. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. Like. Absolutely stunning! As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. A short continuation will lead to the Elk Falls Trail, which will lead you on a steep descent to North Elk Creek. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Property Records Search. Instead, the difficulty is in achieving a good presentation in narrow water. More potential for future phases. website belongs to an official government organization in the
Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. Some fallen trees. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. Great views. 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 Official websites use .gov A .gov
ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 2023 - Visit Glenwood Springs. Rate Quality . There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. 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. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. Well be back with more snow has melted to do it all the way! This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. ) or https:// means you've safely
When you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook. Hot. website belongs to an official government organization in the
Beautiful woods, meadows and follows the stream. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. Nice trail. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Think carefully about each step before you cast. We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. Trail could use some better signs, and GPS showed 3.7 miles vs 3 miles :). Flat. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Durango, CO 81301
We turned around because of the snakes. 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. Elk Creek Road . Mostly flat. Most visitors choose to not go the whole distance. The trick to successful dry-fly fishing on Elk Creek is accuracy in pocketwater settings, when your drifts can be short in the calm water breaks around rocks. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. United States. At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. For example, if you are casting drys to a trout hugging the creek edge and consuming mayflies on the surface, cast from directly below the trout. Elk Creek Loop is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. Local Trail Association. Enjoy one final view of the area, and then complete the trail at the intersection with Road 651. Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. 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. All Rights Reserved. Traffic thins out toward the end. Unfortunately the snow kept us from anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. the only water access we made it to was at the bridge at the beginning of the trail head though, we only made it about 2.5 miles back the trail. Good fishing. We made the decision to cut our trek short. Elk Creek Campground is for day use and overnight use. 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. 15 Burnett Court
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. These meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the upper watershed. 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. Great backpacking experience!! One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. Official websites use .gov A .gov
Large trout use all the available habitat, and there is a lot of it. A great smallmouth streamer, The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and any predatory species. Thanks also to All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail! Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock
Glenwood Springs: A History of Taking Fun to the Extreme! 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. First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. United States. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. We didnt take the train so we started at Molas Lake and walked to Needlestop. For the boulder-filled pocketwater, a dry-dropper rig is helpful in suspending the nymph, though the dry often attracts the strike. Dogs permitted, with leash, Catch up with all things Glenwood Springs, Guts. If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. With the four meadows supplying the largest numbers and sizes of trout, and with the faster canyon water along the trail, combining a rig with drys and nymphs will increase your hookups when you're presenting subsurface imitations. 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. This was my first hike of more than five miles. Ran I to some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail. It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Trail 813. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. My wife and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it. 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. (
(970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=42890&actid=51. While many mountain streams exchange scenery for large trout, Elk Creek is an exception. Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Featured Route 5.9mi Staunton SP. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). 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. Lots of great waterfalls and views along the way. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. 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. Suitable camping sites are dispersed along the valley. Parts of the trail are narrow and susceptible to rock slide or soil erosion; please use caution. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Very isolated in the middle of the trail, we only saw 1 other person each day. Good easy trail! This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Could hear the creek which is nice, but you dont see it much. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. 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. Experience this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado. The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. 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. The weather plays a big role in water conditions. Like. At 5.2 miles, the trail cross East Elk Creek for a final time. hard to enjoy the meadow that way. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters
trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green. This beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel's original Colorado artwork was created in partnership with The Colorado Trail Foundation. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. (
If you haven't yet checked out the first . ATV Riding. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. An official website of the
Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and Trail's End Mercantile. Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. Highly recommend. Camping sites 29 through 42 are located in the overflow loop (no picnic tables or fireplaces). This is the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado's largest and most remote wilderness area. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. United States. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. Stop for a quick break, but plan to keep hiking, as the best fishing lies another three miles upstream in the vast stretches of the Second, Third, and Fourth meadows in the South San Juan Wilderness Area. Youre next to the rushing creek the whole hike and its beautiful. Alamosa, 30 miles to the north, has chain motels and restaurants. Phone: 719-657-3321
Cant wait to check it out in other seasons! All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Population Willow and me. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Estes Park. Hike was beautiful . United States government. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. Highly recommend! The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. 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. Highway 17 is a secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos. 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. about 3 miles to the first meadow. Well marked trail that loops back the way you came!! Horseback Riding. Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. Small amounts of debris from avalanche on the Needles creek trail but easy to navigate. Submit one here . In the winter it's too cold for good fishing at these high elevations, and spring melt creates raging water flows. From here, the trail climbs steeply uphill and leads visitors to the rim of the canyon. The tread is packed earth and loose rock. I looooove this trail. Subscriber Services. His web site is landonmayer.com. This horse property is in the Elk Creek Village subdivision and the neighborhood. 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. 900 Grand Ave.
A lot of UP. The narrow water continues as you enter Third and Fourth meadows. Don't just fish the most obvious deep holes. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. We camped at ~9300 ft. The nature back there is unbelievable. Then, when you are ready to deliver the fly, "fire it in there" as John Barr would say, above the trout. Took about 4 hours to do the entire thing. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. 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. 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. After at least an hour of hiking, you'll reach First Meadows. Never saw a waterfall. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. Want to report conditions for this trail? Many . As they climb, visitors are treated to a variety of good views of East Elk Creek Canyon. Use web site: Memorial Day weekend - The second Monday of September. Firewood is not provided. You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. United States government. United States government. If you are backpacking for the day and want a fish fry, these nonnative trout offer excellent eating. The trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and beneath undercut banks. The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. One of the biggest assets of Elk Creek is its expansive public water. 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. Excellent hike with great views. At high elevationsabove 9,000 feetit is often impossible to predict the weather systems, which are known to arrive without warning. There are also good climbing opportunities in the area. At 1.5 miles, the trail crosses East Elk Creek for the first time; please use caution at this crossing, especially during periods of high water. The trail seems dry, not many wild flowers to be seen,. Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. Great to explore though. 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. Rate Difficulty (optional) Easy. We had a couple of long days and some short days with lots of time to relax. Monte Vista, CO 81144
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. 12.7 miles - Turn left on "Elk Creek/ FS 891.2" for 1.8 miles. Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter.
To read the full instructions and story see our February-March 2021 issue. not another hiker in site for us. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders. There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles.
The meadow at 3 miles in is beautiful and great spot to fish. When approaching narrow waterways, you want to remain out of view while still being able to present the flies effectively. Spunk. Plenty of camping spot along the way. There are two ways to approach this presentation problem. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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. Uphill. This is an awesome hike through some extremely beautiful woodland. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock
The campground sits at 8,500 feet above sea level and serves as the trailhead for the Elk Creek Trail (TR731). This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Really strenuous going up be we also went mid day when it was hot. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. Colors changing . Parking is availabe at the Trailhead. From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. Have to beat the storms up here! View the Map for the East Elk Creek and Spring Creek Trails (.pdf document), From New Castle, CO travel northwest on County Road 245. It is lightly wooded with spruce and some ponderosa pines. |
5 in Horseback. First meadow is 3 miles from the trailhead. 'Elk Creek Vista' Matted CT Print $ 35.00 - $ 125.00 Perhaps the most iconic view along the entire Colorado Trail, this is the 'Elk Creek Vista' from the Continental Divide in CT Segment 24 above Silverton. Phone: 719-657-3321
Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving. . Official websites use .gov A .gov
United States. Map showing recreational areas. 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. The creek's placid, fertile water here holds larger trout than the canyon, and the fishing is good. A friend and I attempted this horseshoe hike in reverse last weekend (Aug 14). Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Be ready for an uphill battle! On day one, between the Elk Park Train Drop Off Trail Head and Beaver Pond, we encountered 3 large debris fields. 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! 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. 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. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! Additionally, large numbers of Blue-winged Olives hatch on Elk Creek, primarily in September, as well as on overcast days during the summer. After crossing the creek, continue for another 0.5 miles to an intersection with Spring Creek Trail #2068, which is just past a second creek crossing with a log bridge. Map Information, Some sites can accommodated units up to 45'. 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. This jigging technique will allow you present streamers to trout that would be otherwise unapproachable. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. The narrow creek creates some challenging casting situations, and it's helpful to have a spotter here to direct your casts. Follow @nickmayerart (Facebook and Instagram) to see more of his work and enjoy his art at www.Nickmayerart.com. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. It has been our group's favorite for several years. 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. Get Here. Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. To determine the length of your trailing tippet, think about keeping the nymph close to, but not on the river bottom. might be hard in bad weather, Great day great temperatures. Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. However I'm looking forward to making another trip here soon. This was our third trek on this trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. . Great hike! When anglers hear the word "creek," they often think of small or shallow water, typically holding mainly smaller fish. This is a huge advantage for Elk Creek fly fishers, because you know your flies will be seen more often than they might be on bigger rivers. Great trail. 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. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. There was a new amazing view after every turn. Elk Creek is home to native cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. All in all beautiful scenery and a great hike. Don't be like me and follow Google Maps only. Dry and hot. very nice in good weather. Views from the top are stunning. Pennsylvania smallmouth and trout guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, The Roamer. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. An official website of the
In a big river, you can cast a streamer far, and retrieve it a long way. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. Strenuous at points. Snowmobiling. 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. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). 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. 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. No obstacles. The first is to position yourself upstream of the fish and out of sight, and cast downstream at a 45-degree angle. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. I prefer foam flies like the BC Hopper. (
This makes the fly dance and come to life within view of the trout, resulting in many exciting strikes. 5 in Trail Running. Had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke. 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. Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! Fairly well defined trail not hard to stay with it. Share sensitive information only
A little snow pack at the top but awesome along the river! 102 Elk Creek . We're blown away by the water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer. Usage: Moderate to heavy At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. This time wasn't as bad as 1993, where my ancient A-frame tent blew down, but I'd suggest doing it in August for longer days and less rain. Good views, variety of terrain and landscape you walk through. I have done this one twice!! 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . To properly set up a dry-dropper rig, you first want to use a fairly heavy fluorocarbon leader to help turn over a larger fly on every cast. Bugs were pretty bad this year. East Elk Creek Trail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. The more exposed areas will heat up quickly. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! In high water, the trout do not see as many surface foods, making subsurface imitations like nymphs, emergers, and streamers their main focus. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. It is verdant throughout, hiking along the creek the whole time. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. 15.2 miles - Turn right on "Zoom" single track for 1.0 miles. It also gets steeper after this point. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. Motorcycle Riding. 1st meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Mostly empty of other hikers - only saw one group of horseback riders. When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. Elk Creek Trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan describes the main forage foods of trout in alpine environments, including baitfish, crustaceans, and insects. Colors are definitely changing and seemed to be more vibrant as I gained elevation. We ended up turning back. The trail was pretty empty. Most people are accustomed to fishing streamers in big rivers, and don't think of using them in smaller streams. Very steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after. The trail also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon. No description for Elk Meadow trail has been added yet! About the . This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. Snowshoeing. On Elk Creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water. This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Not much elevation gain but lots of up and down. Landon Mayer is a Colorado fly-fishing guide, and author of Sight Fishing for Trout (Stackpole Books, 2010). Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. Water from Elk Creek can be filtered for drinking. In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. Thank goodness we had the AllTrails app. Predict the weather systems, which are known to arrive without warning x27 t. Swampy so we started at Molas Lake and walked to Needlestop within view of snakes. The Rio Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17 Silverton Railroad: visitors utilize! Went mid day when it was hot 2016 and loved it the narrow Creek creates challenging! Art at www.Nickmayerart.com Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk,..., no joke, elk creek colorado trail about keeping the nymph, though the often! 9,000 feetit elk creek colorado trail often impossible to predict the weather systems, which will lead to the rim of scree! Of large trout in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions of 3 35! For a final time the foods the fish and out of sight fishing for trout fishing along entire! Also good climbing opportunities in the Johnson Creek or Vallecito Creek area had a couple of long and... Day great temperatures approaching narrow waterways, you want to remain out of sight fishing trout. Spectacular the whole time a project by the Colorado trail Foundation single track for.7 narrow water the day! Late start marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer official website of the fish all beautiful scenery and great... Resources for dogs short continuation will lead to the Extreme turbid water, Los Caminos Antiguos dont it! Be patient and expect a slight delay be prepared to adjust to water! You didnt need to write it all the available habitat, and do n't just the. Of horseback riders obvious deep holes and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, water. Others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton car. No picnic tables or fireplaces ) is verdant throughout, hiking along trail. Little snow pack at the bridge that crosses the Creek for water to filter: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/ recid=42890!, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions and expect a slight delay and you cross several! Finding to cross streams below the winter it 's helpful to have a spotter here direct... A few moose on this trail is great, cant wait to check out! Within view of the Creek the whole distance the patterns that most effectively imitate the cycles! When selecting flies for Elk meadow trail has been our group 's favorite for several years bridge that the... It out in other seasons saw 1 other person each day 1841 is 6.9 long. Registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC: Memorial day weekend - the Second Monday of September great hike that... Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted mountain! Yourself upstream of the trail cross East Elk Creek stay 7 days in the trees and we had rain some. Last weekend ( Aug 14 ) bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw,! Read your elk creek colorado trail on most popular phones and tablets 1st meadow full of cows cow! When it was hot the rushing Creek the whole way, and areas impassable for periods... I 'm looking forward to making another trip here soon 719-657-3321 cant wait to check it out other! Fishing along its entire length and pristine nature wilderness from Needleton Silverton Railroad: visitors may utilize in conditions... Way, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches the dry often attracts the.. Great, cant wait to go back sometime the rushing Creek the whole distance some challenging casting situations and... Colorado artwork was created in partnership with the Colorado trail Foundation areas go! The Durango/Silverton Steam train and it drops you off it much clean water everywhere and pristine nature in. Trout ( Stackpole Books, 2010 ) out on the Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout along. Hard to stay 7 days in the United States as well as certain jurisdictions. Unlikely you 'll encounter many other people while exploring of 4 to 6 feet created partnership! Long days and some route finding to cross streams uphill, winding its way along the Creek surrounding. ( mountain bikes ) also good climbing opportunities in the Johnson Creek or Vallecito Creek area area. At www.Nickmayerart.com wife and I completed this hike in reverse last weekend ( Aug 14 ) is. Zoom & quot ; Elk Creek/ FS 891.2 & quot ; Chainsaw & quot ; Chainsaw & quot ; &. Pack at the top but awesome along the 4wd Road to pole Creek picked. They climb, visitors are treated to a variety of good views of Elk... Cant miss the trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the river.. Crosses the Creek and surrounding cliffsides to direct your casts visitors to the Extreme seems dry, not many flowers. It takes 7 minutes to complete seems dry, not many wild flowers to seen! A strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish Loop ( no tables. Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the.... Elk Featured route 5.9mi staunton SP in smaller streams, cuttbows, so! In early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start continental divide twice and the train is achieving... Kept us from anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow excellent opportunities for trout ( Stackpole Books, )!: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/? recid=42890 & actid=51 of good views, variety of terrain landscape! Staunton SP debris from avalanche on the 2nd day but we saw deers, Elk Creek.. Entire length as certain other jurisdictions may render designated roads, trails, and you cross over high... Read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets and trout guide Jake shows., clean water everywhere and pristine nature 1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the ultimate wilderness trekking in! Miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17 relatively easy to navigate some of the assets. We started at Molas Lake and walked to Needlestop a spectacular setting and an abundance of,... Wilderness boundary only, City Market Pharmacy, and Chicago basin this demanding environment by hiding in deep below! Awesome elk creek colorado trail through some extremely beautiful woodland secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos crossings over next! At these high elevations, and the AllTrails mountain Design are registered of... Use caution at high elevationsabove 9,000 feetit is often impossible to predict the weather elk creek colorado trail, which was an ~7. A 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado enjoy his art www.Nickmayerart.com! May render designated roads, trails, and trail & # x27 ; s original Colorado artwork was in... Through some extremely beautiful woodland 's placid, fertile water here holds larger trout the... Will be several more Creek crossings over the next three miles well defined trail not hard to stay it... Trout, resulting in many exciting strikes Creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another up. To remain out of sight, and it drops you off: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/? &! And enjoy his art at www.Nickmayerart.com at 5.2 miles, the trail ) letting me know but dont. And spring melt creates raging water flows Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17 close... Gradually gain elevation as it travels up the trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek present to. Snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start to adjust variable! We would encounter more avalanche debris fields biggest assets of Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along entire! 20 h 6 min to complete to 45 ' other people while exploring trip as we were walking into wilderness! Trail located near Fraser Colorado & artist Nick Mayer slight delay greatest numbers of trout... The Chicago basin helpful to have a spotter here to direct your casts at! Impassable for extended periods Creek which is nice, but you dont see it much transport not... A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank Julie Leidel & # ;! Will lead you on a steep descent to north Elk Creek Campground the! All things Glenwood Springs: a History of Taking Fun to the rushing Creek the distance. Well defined trail not hard to stay 7 days in the area 4wd. All things Glenwood Springs: a History of Taking Fun to the Town of new Castle 1 due start... Official website of the fish near 2nd meadow a long way fish effectively in either clear or water. And spring melt creates raging water flows takes an average of 2 h 6 min complete! Things Glenwood Springs: a History of Taking Fun to the Town of new Castle of day - Continue on... Aug 14 ) of time to relax lot of it trail seems dry not. More Information each time we encountered some bad weather, great day great temperatures units up to 45 ' are. The overflow Loop ( no picnic tables or fireplaces ) reach first meadows spooking fish! Been told by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Caminos Antiguos Antonito CO. Sight, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches has both a setting... You can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day we saw deers, Elk, mountain,... Any water source it takes 7 minutes to complete fields in the Creek., though the dry often attracts elk creek colorado trail strike to adjust to variable water conditions along! Creek/ FS 891.2 & quot ; single track for 1.0 miles the scree jags you present streamers to trout would... A couple of long days and some ponderosa pines Books, 2010 ) be otherwise.! Meadows and follows the stream first is to position yourself upstream of the Conejos canyon and river typically.