This is an awesome hike through some extremely beautiful woodland. Great trail. Rate Quality . In the winter it's too cold for good fishing at these high elevations, and spring melt creates raging water flows. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter. Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. On day one, between the Elk Park Train Drop Off Trail Head and Beaver Pond, we encountered 3 large debris fields. We're blown away by the water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. LockA locked padlock Water from Elk Creek can be filtered for drinking. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. The campground sits at 8,500 feet above sea level and serves as the trailhead for the Elk Creek Trail (TR731). Lots of bear sign but no bears. It also gets steeper after this point. These meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the upper watershed. I have done this one twice!! We camped at ~9300 ft. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. 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. Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Featured Route 5.9mi Staunton SP. Charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing. The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. Elk Creek is home to native cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches. East Elk CreekTrail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. Got there too late in afternoon to make it all the way to the end though. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. Backpack from Molas Lake - Take Colorado Trail down Elk Park, cross the Animas River (nice footbridge), hike along the Durango Silverton Railroad for a short distance and continue on Elk Creek/Colorado Trail past beaver ponds towards the point where Colorado Trail connects with Continental Divide Trail. Map Information, White River 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. Continuing on the loop got snowy for us (may 7) right above rough creek where the trail goes across the bowl was too snowy. The trail is always very clear and easy to follow. 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. Plenty of places to stop for a rest or lunch and a few small spots for dispersed camping. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock 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. 4/8/20 trail was in great shape! The trees down are no joke - this probably added an hour to our day. My childhood hike, worth it to see meadows. You can also pursue trout with streamers that imitate any of the various small fry and baitfish that dart about in Elk Creek. Submit one here . There was a new amazing view after every turn. We walked 44 miles vs the 36 listed in the app. For example, in August, Elk Creek typically runs low and clear. 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. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. Overnight backpacking was fun at First Meadow. trail isn't well maintained: overgrown, some sketchy reinforced passes across steep points and a fallen tree blocking the trail about half away up. 1st meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves. Dry and hot. We went in late January, so it was covered in snow, but there was a bit of the path packed down, so it was easier to hike. 900 Grand Ave. Excellent hike with great views. Did this in and back turning around a waterfall. 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. on official, secure websites. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. not another hiker in site for us. 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. 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. Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. The trail is a significant distance from town. Map showing recreational areas. Lawson's Conehead Sculpin #4-8 tan, tungsten Conehead Slumpbuster #4-6 rust/olive, Articulated Leech #6-8 purple/black; Zonker #2-4 white. This approach is very long, requires a . As the water warms, Elk Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth. Other trails which can be reached via the El Creek Trail are the Notch Trail #729 and the Rough Creek Trail #727. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). Plenty of camping spot along the way. The tread is packed earth and loose rock. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). Official websites use .gov A .gov This jigging technique will allow you present streamers to trout that would be otherwise unapproachable. The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. The trail seems dry, not many wild flowers to be seen,. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 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. We are early 50s, fairly fit experienced hikers from Durango, and we gave ourselves 5 nights/6 days. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. Official websites use .gov A .gov Rate Difficulty (optional) Easy. ["Elk Creek Trail", "Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping"] description => ["*Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Snowmobiling. 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. Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again. Horseback Riding. Monte Vista, CO 81144 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. To reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road (CR 245). At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! All rights reserved |, Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs & Vicinity, Spring Fling! Absolutely stunning! Not much elevation gain but lots of up and down. 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock 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. trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! This is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude. A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. Well marked trail that loops back the way you came!! By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. Firewood is not provided. I would bring a hiking pole to navigate some of the scree jags. After at least an hour of hiking, you'll reach First Meadows. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Durango, CO 81301 ATV Riding. 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 ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado's largest and most remote wilderness area. No description for Elk Meadow trail has been added yet! Debris form 2020 avalanches on the elk park section have been cleared but theres quite a bit of fallen trees blocking the needle creek trail out of the Chicago Basin. Our total distance was about 42 miles. Share sensitive information only Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. 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. . This trail is considered most difficult. Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. *\n*Learn more: [Boondocking 101](https . Nature: Singletrack Status: Phase One complete, Phase Two under construction 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. We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. The drive to reach this trailhead is long and somewhat rough (moderate to rough in difficulty) requiring over 25 miles on 4x4 roads. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. Think carefully about each step before you cast. Submit one here . Larimer County. Gorgeous! East Elk Creek Trail is open to foot and horse travel. We turned around because of the snakes. First meadow is 3 miles from the trailhead. Experience this 60.4-km point-to-point trail near Silverton, Colorado. Please respect nearby private landowners when accessing this area. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Avalanche debris was cleared. Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. Some fallen trees. Share sensitive information only The main parking area has room for about10 passenger vehicles, with ample room for horse trailer parking and turnaround. Nice but thanks for the earlier tip that right about .7 mi you go to the left to go through the green gate. Your side of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango to tie this CDC... Out-And-Back Trail near Silverton, Colorado would be otherwise unapproachable a spectacular trip with abundant scenery lots... Drop Off Trail Head and Beaver Pond, we encountered some bad rainy.... 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