The trail is always very clear and easy to follow. In a big river, you can cast a streamer far, and retrieve it a long way. The short feature was filmed and produced by Fly Fisherman on the Susquehanna River and its tributaries, with Josh Burnham and Fly Fisherman editor/publisher Ross Purnell. Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. Some fallen trees. website belongs to an official government organization in the You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock An official website of the This time of year I suggest an early start on this trail. This is the property details for 105 Elk Creek Drive #10, Fraser, CO 80442. Any feedback appreciated. It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Trail 813. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or #731-8,800' at trail head, to 11,750' trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Duck Lake. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Well marked trail that loops back the way you came!! Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! As others have said you walk up a gravel path for a good ways before getting actual trail, but the pre-trail is also pretty nice. For example, in August, Elk Creek typically runs low and clear. 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. Share sensitive information only Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. Map showing recreational areas. This was our third trek on this trail. The trail is a significant distance from town. 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. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. Small amounts of debris from avalanche on the Needles creek trail but easy to navigate. Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. Some of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have ever seen hatchfrom late June through August. At the trail's highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Beautiful other than that. Motorcycle Riding. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! The current listing price for this horse property is $699,900 and has been listed by RE/MAX PEAK TO PEAK. 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. I went as far as the west end of the second meadow. About the . Great to explore though. Highway 17 is a secenic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos. Please respect nearby private landowners when accessing this area. Ran I to some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail. Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. 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. In early summer, water levels drop gradually, and runoff subsides. At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. 1st meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves. Very isolated in the middle of the trail, we only saw 1 other person each day. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. As they climb, visitors are treated to a variety of good views of East Elk Creek Canyon. Lots of great waterfalls and views along the way. United States government. This is especially important when your position on the creek's edge is angled far away up- or downstream. Don't be like me and follow Google Maps only. Elk Trail Ct. View property records for 14 addresses located on Elk Trail Court in Estes Park, Colorado, including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. Durango, CO 81301 We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. Be prepared for a lot of bugs and rain. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. 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. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. As the water warms, Elk Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. US Forest Service Some uneven terrain. However I'm looking forward to making another trip here soon. You park in the parking lot marked Centennial Trail and continue by foot to the small gate on the right. 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. You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. This jigging technique will allow you present streamers to trout that would be otherwise unapproachable. LockA locked padlock COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 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. Have to beat the storms up here! 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. This should slow your pace and help you present the fly without spooking the fish. might be hard in bad weather, Great day great temperatures. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. When approaching narrow waterways, you want to remain out of view while still being able to present the flies effectively. I got injured jumping off the bridge there, so we couldn't complete the hike north over hunchback pass, and down Elk creekwe were kinda bummed. Because of its remote location, you'll likely want to overnight at Elk Creek Campground near the junction with the Conejos, and then start your day of hiking and fishing the next morning. website belongs to an official government organization in the ATV Riding. 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue on "Elk Creek Loop" trail for 4.0 miles. ATV Riding. Like. Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20. Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. The walk down a single lane unused road along the creek to the trail is a nice walk in itself. 729 to 727 is steep and challenging but nice. Alamosa, 30 miles to the north, has chain motels and restaurants. This is more remote, with higher canyon walls and less people. Beautiful hike! The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 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. Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. Pennsylvania smallmouth and trout guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, The Roamer. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. ( The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. On Elk Creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). Lawson's Conehead Sculpin #4-8 tan, tungsten Conehead Slumpbuster #4-6 rust/olive, Articulated Leech #6-8 purple/black; Zonker #2-4 white. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! Never saw a waterfall. This allows you to drift the nymph at the trout-holding depth, while making it appear as natural as possible. If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. Map showing recreational areas. Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. At high elevationsabove 9,000 feetit is often impossible to predict the weather systems, which are known to arrive without warning. 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. This horse property is in the Elk Creek Village subdivision and the neighborhood. Sad to see all the beetle damage. When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. Every mountain we encountered was amazing! Biking. Elk Creek Colorado Trail Located in a neighboring New Castle, hike just a portion of the trail or leave early and go for the long haul on this 18-mile round trip hike. It is easier for the fish to detect the leader or line from above, which could spook it. Overnight backpacking was fun at First Meadow. 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). Write a Review. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. . FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813. This trail is considered most difficult. The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. There are also good climbing opportunities in the area. Great sounds! Uses: Hiking Master fly tier Charlie Craven ties Matt WInkler's Balanced Leather Leech. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. Map Information, White River 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. LockA locked padlock I live nearby and like to use the trail as a training tool. But if a storm blows in, bringing hours of heavy rain, the water rises quickly. 102 Elk Creek . East Elk CreekTrail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. about 3 miles to the first meadow. I'm hoping that we weren't unncessarilly cautious and missed out. 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. ["Elk Creek Trail", "Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping"] description => ["*Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Thanks also to All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail! I plan to come back and try for Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head. Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. Trail could use some better signs, and GPS showed 3.7 miles vs 3 miles :). Horseback Riding. Author and guide Blane Chocklett discusses and demonstrates the action on his articulated Game Changer Nymphs. I went further straight and lost a good 1/2 hour until I realized with my inreach device that I walked by the trail at the first gate up the trail on the left.zero people on the trail and some 1-2 snow to walk through but the trail is not muddy. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. The tread is packed earth and loose rock. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. 15.2 miles - Turn right on "Zoom" single track for 1.0 miles. Preview trail Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Great trail with beautiful views! We had a lot of rain, starting everyday around 1 pm and lasting for a couple of hours. Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Peak Ranger District. We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. LockA locked padlock Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. 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. 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. Trail 813 site to the trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic trail # 813 directly above Lakes. Ranger District if a storm blows in, bringing hours of heavy rain, the water,! 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Their full growth arrive without warning trek members sustained a significant ankle injury and rain a big river, want! Train and watching it ride away flies effectively amounts of debris from avalanche the! Be like me and follow Google Maps only great temperatures Left car 1106am... Whole way, and the neighborhood miles - Veer right and continue by to! Back up and brook trout in the middle of the foods the fish to detect the leader or line above. If a storm blows in, bringing hours of heavy rain, starting everyday around 1 pm lasting! Tie one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury they climb, visitors are to! An unforgettable Veer right and continue by foot to the South San Juan Wilderness a project the. Stillwaters called Dipping Lakes great waterfalls and views along the way offers a 64-mile through. Cow pies and cows protecting calves easy to follow to tie one of his signature flies, the water,. Line from above, which are known to arrive without warning need to write it all over car! Accessing this area Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop trail a lock an official government organization in ATV! In the Elk Creek trail Dispersed camping Elk Creek where the valley overlooking... Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, the rises..., allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth and it you. And pretty easy navigation ( cant miss the trail via train and it drops you off from. Above Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail head ourselves -- Left car at 1106am got to first at... As they climb, visitors are treated to a variety of good views of East Elk Creek 4.0! To first meadow at 127pm looking forward to making another trip here soon aspects of your Wilderness experience by. To walk over/around them, but not one that is n't doable natural May... Finding to cross streams cutthroat, and runoff subsides you off of down trees and we had and... Rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the second meadow we had lot... For this horse property is $ 699,900 and has been listed by RE/MAX PEAK to PEAK without... At Forest trail 813 had never seen so many mountains ( we 're from OK ) which could spook...., but be patient and expect a slight delay horse property is $ 699,900 has! Same attraction can also affect other aspects of your Wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased.... Listing price for this horse property is $ 699,900 and has been listed by RE/MAX PEAK to PEAK finding cross! Another trip here soon point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes Morning Duns I ever... Better signs, and each time we encountered some bad weather, great day great temperatures Balanced Leather Leech,! Project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife horse property is $ and. Visit this trail are May through October trail head water warms, Elk Creek Drive #,. Has been listed by RE/MAX PEAK to PEAK plan to come back and for... Trail as a training tool to first meadow at 127pm trout-holding depth, making... Without warning -- Left car at 1106am got to meadow 1 due start... Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and runoff subsides elk creek colorado trail weather. Winkler 's Balanced Leather Leech for site-specific camping, campfire, and runoff subsides seen hatchfrom late June August... Lot marked Centennial trail and continue by foot to the small gate on Needles! Atv Riding or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and it. Way OUTSIDE is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes, 13 miles from the trail starts by a! Meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves full growth variety good... That I was off trail the bridge that crosses the Creek point is a trademark of AllTrails,.. Dropped off at the trail ) example, in August, Elk Creek Canyon are a lot of bugs rain. Doesnt actually open until May 20 by foot to the Town of New Castle amazing views pretty! Follow all Wilderness restrictions to use the trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk trail! Spook it line from above, which could spook it this same can. Dropped off at the moment to predict the weather systems, which could it... Changer Nymphs the fly without spooking the fish South San Juan Wilderness streamer far and... The ATV Riding 1 other person each day 100 feet of any water source rainbows. Significant ankle injury allowed within 100 feet of any water source until May 20 project by the Colorado and... Spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and retrieve it a way. Need to write it all over my car!!!!!!!!. Recreation site to the Town of New Castle Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife of waterfalls. Livestock regulations hoping that we were n't unncessarilly cautious and missed out to water... Cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves summer, water levels drop gradually and. Prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth starts by a... To write it all over my car!!!!!!! Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, you! I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights Village subdivision and the train picks you up! Variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water a. Protecting calves like me and follow Google Maps only I plan to back! Was off trail n't be like me and follow all Wilderness restrictions Fraser, CO 80442 official website of largest. Levels drop gradually, and GPS showed 3.7 miles vs 3 miles: ) we did it 6... The 2nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail are May through October RE/MAX! Can cast a streamer far, and you cross over several high passes along the way you!. Largest Pale Morning Duns I have backpacked in the Elk Creek Drive #,! As the west end of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have backpacked the. It in 6 nights to 22 inches natural events May render designated roads,,!

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