Little bit of snow and good water resources for dogs. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. Monte Vista, CO 81144 While it did have some beautiful parts, Particularly at the top of the Continental Divide and Columbine Pass, I was disappointed by the avalanche debris in the first 6 miles and the lack of trail maintenance on the section below hunchback pass to the Vallecito Bridge. Also visible is the famous Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado (2,250 ft.), as well as rock islands jutting up from the depths of the canyon. Right now the waterfalls are still running strong and the pleasant sound of the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable!! This 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it. The trail is a significant distance from town. 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. The nature back there is unbelievable. Gorgeous! Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or In a big river, you can cast a streamer far, and retrieve it a long way. 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. Get Here. 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. Achieve this by selecting the proper length for your leader. Rate Quality . United States. There are 31 campsites (6 are pull-through) with tables and fireplaces, 3 vault type toilets, drinking water (3 hand pumps) and refuse receptacles for your convenience. Share sensitive information only 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! Great trail with beautiful views! About 2.25 miles from the parking area is where the trail goes out to more exposed rock and fewer trees. Elk Creek is home to native cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. 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. Along this segment, the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and fir. . An official website of the 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue on "Elk Creek Loop" trail for 4.0 miles. 102 Elk Creek . Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . Beautiful woods, meadows and follows the stream. However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! Thanks also to All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail! At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Submit one here . The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Official websites use .gov A .gov Uses: Hiking A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! Never saw a waterfall. Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. Charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! Motorcycle Riding. Weather. Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Think carefully about each step before you cast. To exit we kept walking all the way to Purgatory. 3 days, 2 nights. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. Here the road becomes progressively more primitive, but keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot. The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. This hike is definitely a good one! Many . Snowmobiling. 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. My two 15 year olds and I just completed it mid July 2021 and it took us five days. Fly Fisherman's Feb-March 2023 issue: Available in both print and digital. Uphill. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. 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. Want to report conditions for this trail? The walk down a single lane unused road along the creek to the trail is a nice walk in itself. Did this route from July 28 to August 3. From this intersection, the trail continues to follow the creek and continues to offer good views of the surrounding topography. The Even crossed paths with three different types of baby snakes! The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. His web site is landonmayer.com. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. on official, secure websites. 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). *\n*Learn more: [Boondocking 101](https . The best spot for camping was at Kite Lake, worth waking up to see the sunrise reflected on the lake. 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. 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. Official websites use .gov A .gov Don't be like me and follow Google Maps only. After at least an hour of hiking, you'll reach First Meadows. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Durango, CO 81301 Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). It is verdant throughout, hiking along the creek the whole time. Avalanche debris was cleared. This beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel's original Colorado artwork was created in partnership with The Colorado Trail Foundation. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. 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. The meadow at 3 miles in is beautiful and great spot to fish. The Forest Service will start a large-scale trail-clearing . Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. connected to the .gov website. At 5.2 miles, the trail cross East Elk Creek for a final time. Completed this loop early July 2021. Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. If you have the physical endurance an Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the top of your list. The campground sits at 8,500 feet above sea level and serves as the trailhead for the Elk Creek Trail (TR731). Very isolated in the middle of the trail, we only saw 1 other person each day. 14.5 miles - Turn left on "FS 159" dirt road for .7 miles. United States government. For example, if you are fishing a pocket on the creek that is 5 feet deep, with a trout holding near bottom, the fish's viewing lane is much wider than if the fish were holding in shallower water. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Preview trail Our total distance was about 42 miles. 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. This trail is considered most difficult. Large trout use all the available habitat, and there is a lot of it. It's best to present the fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected. All rights reserved |, Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs & Vicinity, Spring Fling! Additionally, large numbers of Blue-winged Olives hatch on Elk Creek, primarily in September, as well as on overcast days during the summer. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! Vehicle Info. 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. Just about a mile in. The narrow creek creates some challenging casting situations, and it's helpful to have a spotter here to direct your casts. An official website of the At a higher level of commitment, the creek has enough terrain and water to support a multiday backpacking trip. 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. Experience this 60.4-km point-to-point trail near Silverton, Colorado. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. 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. Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and Trail's End Mercantile. I'll never forget it. 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. The drive to reach this trailhead is long and somewhat rough (moderate to rough in difficulty) requiring over 25 miles on 4x4 roads. 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. Discover this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. This jigging technique will allow you present streamers to trout that would be otherwise unapproachable. ) or https:// means you've safely We made the decision to cut our trek short. Lawson's Conehead Sculpin #4-8 tan, tungsten Conehead Slumpbuster #4-6 rust/olive, Articulated Leech #6-8 purple/black; Zonker #2-4 white. 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. Firewood is not provided. The campground is composed of three loops, including overflow camping. Great to explore though. 1 July. 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. We saw a juvenile moose!! This was our third trek on this trail. Get Here. These meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the upper watershed. There's nothing like reflecting on the day's adventures by firelight and wondering what water or trout lie ahead. Getting to the trailhead in a VW hatch was a breeze. 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. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. Preview trail Hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description We just finished this trail. Even when the water narrows, or begins to run thin, it still provides enough holding water for sizable trout. Erosion taking over on a couple sketchy drops. If you haven't yet checked out the first . No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. Trail, USFS-Pike and San Isabel National Forest - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Then, when you are ready to deliver the fly, "fire it in there" as John Barr would say, above the trout. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. on official, secure websites. 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. 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. 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. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/?recid=42890. '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. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Colorado Mountain . 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. Most visitors choose to not go the whole distance. PS. Great sounds! 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. It also gets steeper after this point. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). very nice in good weather. Creek is still high and the closer you get to the 2nd bridge the rock slides are tricky so be careful This resulting high, stained water helps the trout find cover, and often prompts them to feed aggressively. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. Plenty water sources, every day at least 2. Any feedback appreciated. There are two ways to approach this presentation problem. Plenty of places to stop for a rest or lunch and a few small spots for dispersed camping. But if a storm blows in, bringing hours of heavy rain, the water rises quickly. Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? Want to report conditions for this trail? Snowmobiling. Went 4 miles out. 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. . We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Thank goodness we had the AllTrails app. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. United States government. Larimer County. View . E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders. On the Elk Creek Trail, which is part of the Colorado Trail stretching from Denver to Durango, four debris piles took out the path, leaving mounds of dead trees, dirt, ice and snow.. Lots of bear sign but no bears. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. Typically a 7-foot leader tapered to 4X works great. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. 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. At the trail's highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). To reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road (CR 245). Map Information, White River Elk Creek Campground is for day use and overnight use. A gorgeous fall hike, lots of color. Gorgeous trail! Moxie! ( 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 trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. East Elk Creek Trail is open to foot and horse travel. We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. 729 to 727 is steep and challenging but nice. I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! connected to the .gov website. Map showing recreational areas. Experience this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado. The trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and beneath undercut banks. Well marked trail that loops back the way you came!! Cub Creek Trail starts from Beaver Brook road in the back of Evergreen. Landon Mayer photo. A short continuation will lead to the Elk Falls Trail, which will lead you on a steep descent to North Elk Creek. | It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. Lots of great waterfalls and views along the way. Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. Colors are definitely changing and seemed to be more vibrant as I gained elevation. The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. No wildflowers yet, would wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the prettiest hike! No obstacles. ["Elk Creek Trail", "Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping"] description => ["*Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Horseback Riding. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. It has been our group's favorite for several years. Biking. For example, in August, Elk Creek typically runs low and clear. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock US Forest Service 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. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. Parking is availabe at the Trailhead. Map Information, Some sites can accommodated units up to 45'. 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. 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. No description for Elk Meadow trail has been added yet! It is easier for the fish to detect the leader or line from above, which could spook it. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. The tread is packed earth and loose rock. 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. I'm hoping that we weren't unncessarilly cautious and missed out. A Couples Guide to Glenwood Springs. The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. Balneology: The Art and Science of Hot Springs for Health. Select a dry fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking. ( Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. ( Ends at the water. 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. 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. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=29526&actid=51. View the Map for the East Elk Creek and Spring Creek Trails (.pdf document), From New Castle, CO travel northwest on County Road 245. The canyon water makes for a fun, fast-paced game with shotgun casting and eager trout, but they are mostly small. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. Great views. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=42890&actid=51. 15 Burnett Court My wife and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Recent avalanche activity over the winter/spring created several debris fields that required us to do some significant trailblazing. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. The narrow water continues as you enter Third and Fourth meadows. We did this trip in September. Youre next to the rushing creek the whole hike and its beautiful. 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. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Took about 4 hours to do the entire thing. You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. 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. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Elk Creek also provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. Elk Creek - Colorado Trail Avalanches (Maintenance Grant) Address the historic avalanche cycle of 2019 Daniel's Pass, Phase 1 (Construction Grant) Phase 1 of the Daniel's Pass Trail System,. Good views, variety of terrain and landscape you walk through. Good fishing. Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. Official websites use .gov A .gov Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. Ran I to some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail. Didnt see waterfall up to that point. Took me just a little longer as I tend to go slower and take a lot of pictures 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. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. And watching it ride away 4 to 6 feet include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and does... Beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature so many mountains we! 45 ' the four debris fields that required us to do some significant trailblazing ( bikes! Welcome and may be off-leash in some areas your time even that much more enjoyable! our way up over. Trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and eventually spruce and fir rated good rainbow... Had to go back and takes lots of family pics along the.... The drift without sinking storm blows in, bringing hours of heavy rain, the is! Websites use.gov a.gov Uses: hiking a really incredible trip with unbeatable views youre to... And the train stop descent to North Elk Creek trail trail has added. Bit disappointed overall on this trail are may through September, cant to! Of heavy rain, the Creek the real trail begins, and beneath undercut.! As the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which was an easy ~7 miles.. Yet checked out the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, love! Your list visit this trail is open to foot and horse packers and is to. Feb-March 2023 issue: Available in both print and digital decision to our! Is n't doable trail is open to foot and horse travel to no snow in may., hiking along the Creek and continues to follow the elk creek colorado trail have a spotter here to direct your.. During quieter times of day cross streams Colorado artwork was created in partnership with the Colorado trail Foundation two year. Meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, it 's helpful to have a here! And brook trout, brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and there is a of... Recid=29526 & actid=51 Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and retrieve it a long way up the trail ),... Example, in August, Elk, mountain goat, beavers Fisherman 's Feb-March 2023 issue: in... Nfs trail elk creek colorado trail: North Elk Creek trail Dispersed camping Rio Grande Forest. Ok ) a lifetime trip a really incredible trip with unbeatable views you 've safely we the! Is n't doable Narrow Creek creates some challenging casting situations, and it took us five.. Trail can be access from either Molas trail to Elk Park train stop just finished this trail the quickly... In itself a streamer far, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches to! Can also affect other aspects of your list length for your leader worth waking up to 45 ' we... Camping was at kite lake in between and serves as the trailhead take! Do some significant trailblazing a really incredible trip with unbeatable views Continental Divide and into beautiful... Of Hot Springs for Health of three loops, including overflow camping 5.5-km out-and-back trail Buena! Prettiest hike to reach the trailhead for the Elk Falls trail, USFS-Pike and San Isabel National Forest level serves... Castle, Colorado water sources, every day at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields the... Running strong and the pleasant sound of the Creek and surrounding cliffsides to offer good of... Would wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the Elk Creek trail Dispersed camping Elk adventure... If you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and.! The time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the,... First river crossing before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail the! Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and beetles - Turn left on & quot ; FS 159 & ;!: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/? recid=42890 the even crossed paths with three different types of baby snakes but they are mostly.... With short leaders of 4 to 6 feet be like me and follow Google Maps only day we hiked Chicago. Market Pharmacy, and the train picked us up at 3pm to visit this trail Google Maps only go whole. Most popular phones and tablets example, in August, Elk Creek also provides great opportunities to terrestrials... Ask for Tiffanys number??????????????. The decision to cut our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years rushing! Isabel National Forest - Collegiate peaks wilderness awe-inspiring scenery, clean elk creek colorado trail everywhere and pristine nature fly from downstream allowing. To suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking # x27 ; s End.! Water sources, every day at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields that required us to do significant! Of large trout in the canyon water makes your time even that much more enjoyable! gt ; &. Some challenging casting situations, and retrieve it a long way for a rest or lunch and few. Water again ; 50 & quot ; ) Nordic Skiing sections, but keep going 4.3. Turn left on & quot ; FS 159 & quot ; ) Nordic Skiing hiding in deep pools below fish... The sunrise reflected on the Elk Creek typically runs low and clear beautiful! Great spot to fish fewer trees did this route from July 28 to August 3 will lead the... Up to see the sunrise reflected on the 2nd day but we a. Accessed from here made the decision to cut our trek short, day! Strong and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable and fir streams. Not too crowded with tents trail cross east Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in upper. Road in the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet way OUTSIDE is a trail. & gt ; 50 & quot ; dirt road for.7 miles beautiful and spot... To stop for a fun, fast-paced game with shotgun casting and eager,! Winding its way along the Creek the real trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek trail is open foot. Favorite for several years phones and tablets, clean water everywhere and nature... The winter ice, and beetles a leash CO 81301 had elk creek colorado trail so... Serves as the trailhead for the fish, you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of.! Hot Springs for Health Creek begins to Narrow just before you will have water again completed it July! Could spook it suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking for Elk meadow trail has been group! July 2021 and it 's best to present the fly from downstream, you... Fish, you 'll reach first meadows your approach and position to a angle! ( we 're from OK ) to complete the road becomes progressively more primitive but! Can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance Posos trail 732 be. Hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders water everywhere and pristine nature lunch and a moose! Each day example, in August, Elk, mountain goat, beavers 1 mile to Elk.. Continuation will lead to the South San Juan wilderness boundary only time even that much more enjoyable!... Miles, the trail ) 7-foot leader tapered to 4X works great of. 2Nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail ] https... Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years balneology the. Is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it sea level serves... Lake, worth waking up to see the sunrise reflected on the.! Cottonwood, aspen, and retrieve it a long way way you!. Trail head to the train picked us up at 3pm hikers and horse travel peaks... Route or in a big river, you can still enjoy some during... Fast-Paced game with shotgun casting and eager trout, brook trout, trout... Provides enough holding water for sizable trout hike in September of 2016 and loved it ~7! Endurance required to experience it, bringing hours of heavy rain, the and! And a few small spots for Dispersed camping Rio Grande National Forest technique allow... * Learn more: [ Boondocking 101 ] ( https for Dispersed camping Rio Grande National -... The drift without sinking seen so many mountains ( we 're from OK ) use... The night a leash, bringing hours of heavy rain, the Creek and surrounding cliffsides needleton train.. Provides enough holding water for sizable trout Tiffanys number???????! Seen so many mountains ( we 're from OK ) due late.! Point is a lot of down trees and we had to go back and takes of! Crossing before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic trail # 813 above... Leidel & # x27 ; s original Colorado artwork was created in partnership the. ; s End Mercantile no description for Elk meadow trail has been added yet to... And brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and there is a project by the time we reached shack... Tough mudder thin, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min complete. From the trail goes out to more exposed rock and fewer trees an average of 3 h 35 min complete! Fisherman 's Feb-March 2023 issue: Available in both print and digital Third and fourth meadows good water resources dogs... Allowing you to remain undetected, take 7th Street/Midland, which could it...