Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. East Elk Creek Trail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. If you have the physical endurance an Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the top of your list. I've done a lot of trails in the areathis one is my new favorite. You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. Follow @nickmayerart (Facebook and Instagram) to see more of his work and enjoy his art at www.Nickmayerart.com. The creek's placid, fertile water here holds larger trout than the canyon, and the fishing is good. Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. I highly recommend it. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. In high water, the trout do not see as many surface foods, making subsurface imitations like nymphs, emergers, and streamers their main focus. I looooove this trail. The trail has some distance but the elevation gain is consistent and gradual over it so its not very challenging and I think most people could do it just taking their time. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. When I returned there was a note on my car not to park there!! The very last meadow with the stream snaking through is so beautiful. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). When the creek is low and clear, the trout are usually looking up, making drys better choices. Hiking River Wildlife Description No conditions reported in the past 7 days Submit one here . This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders. Great hike! 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. Outside the wilderness, the trail is open to mountain biking. In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. LockA locked padlock Along this segment, the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and fir. Biking. The more exposed areas will heat up quickly. The trail seems dry, not many wild flowers to be seen,. Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again. Not a bad hike up to the South Elk Creek waterfall. Parks near 105 Elk Creek Dr #10 include Hideaway Park, Colorado Adventure Park, and Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park. 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. If you are backpacking for the day and want a fish fry, these nonnative trout offer excellent eating. Awe-inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable . Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Difficult and rocky but worth it. On day one, between the Elk Park Train Drop Off Trail Head and Beaver Pond, we encountered 3 large debris fields. Map Information. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. In early summer, water levels drop gradually, and runoff subsides. View . on official, secure websites. 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. Landon Mayer photo. Other trails which can be reached via the El Creek Trail are the Notch Trail #729 and the Rough Creek Trail #727. The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. This trail can be used as an alternate route to summit Mt. I have done this one twice!! Share sensitive information only website belongs to an official government organization in the Well marked trail that loops back the way you came!! On average it takes 1 hour4 minutes to complete this trail. But if a storm blows in, bringing hours of heavy rain, the water rises quickly. When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. Beautiful woods, meadows and follows the stream. 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. 900 Grand Ave. Think of angles instead of areas, and approach either from below or perpendicular to the fish. The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . This jigging technique will allow you present streamers to trout that would be otherwise unapproachable. Official websites use .gov A .gov We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. If I were to do it again, I wouldve done a few more miles the first day - theres a nice campsite before the first peak. This is the "fourth bridge" of vallecito creek, north of the vallecito campground/Trailhead. Enjoy one final view of the area, and then complete the trail at the intersection with Road 651. 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. Map Information, White River The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. trail is hot in certain portions but the meadows are lush and green. 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. 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.. on official, secure websites. This was our third trek on this trail. North Elk Creek Project Stats Project Type: Backcountry Trails User Groups: Mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, equestrians Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 2.8 miles currently, 2.7 miles under construction. The narrow creek creates some challenging casting situations, and it's helpful to have a spotter here to direct your casts. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Beautiful other than that. 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. Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. An official website of the . Colors are definitely changing and seemed to be more vibrant as I gained elevation. 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. 4/8/20 trail was in great shape! 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. 12.7 miles - Turn left on "Elk Creek/ FS 891.2" for 1.8 miles. Phone: 719-657-3321 Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. 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. It has been our group's favorite for several years. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 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. The trail was pretty empty. I live nearby and like to use the trail as a training tool. There was another group who did this, and the train staff didn't seem to have any problem with it (we had paid for a RT ticket anyway). Gorgeous views. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is in great condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, but not much else. Larimer County. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. We're blown away by the water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer. 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. The trout's field of view covers nearly the entire width of the stream where it is holding, thereby improving your chances of a strike. Preview trail 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. Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. 15 Burnett Court I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! 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. This trail is considered most difficult. Be prepared for a lot of bugs and rain. This should slow your pace and help you present the fly without spooking the fish. 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. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. | Got there too late in afternoon to make it all the way to the end though. Great trail. on official, secure websites. 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! 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. All other sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills. This is especially important when your position on the creek's edge is angled far away up- or downstream. Alamosa, 30 miles to the north, has chain motels and restaurants. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. This is more remote, with higher canyon walls and less people. The Max Width. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! At high elevationsabove 9,000 feetit is often impossible to predict the weather systems, which are known to arrive without warning. . This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. very nice in good weather. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=42890&actid=51. Give a Gift Beautiful hike! A short continuation will lead to the Elk Falls Trail, which will lead you on a steep descent to North Elk Creek. All Rights Reserved. This trail was beautiful, once you actually got to it. connected to the .gov website. It is lightly wooded with spruce and some ponderosa pines. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. A lot of UP. Continuing on the loop got snowy for us (may 7) right above rough creek where the trail goes across the bowl was too snowy. Want to report conditions for this trail? For the boulder-filled pocketwater, a dry-dropper rig is helpful in suspending the nymph, though the dry often attracts the strike. No description for Elk Meadow trail has been added yet! Official websites use .gov A .gov From this intersection, the trail continues to follow the creek and continues to offer good views of the surrounding topography. Some uneven terrain. 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. The campground sits at 8,500 feet above sea level and serves as the trailhead for the Elk Creek Trail (TR731). Map showing recreational areas. Could hear the creek which is nice, but you dont see it much. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. It's best to present the fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected. The meadows are full of wildflowers and the Forrest is lush and green. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. Some of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have ever seen hatchfrom late June through August. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. Motorcycle Riding. 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. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. #731-8,800' at trail head, to 11,750' trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at Duck Lake. The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 This time of year I suggest an early start on this trail. Vehicle Info. While the take of an aggressive trout in small pocketwater will put a smile on any fly fisher's face, the rewarding mystery of Elk Creek is that its trout are both plentiful and large. The bridge at Vallecito Creek, near Johnson Creek, is still good. Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. The trail is a significant distance from town. The first big meadow was very pretty, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. The second approach is to twitch the streamer as it swings inside an undercut bank. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. At the trail's highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes. 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. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Columbia via the SE ridge by turning right on the Colorado Trail (CT) intersected at 1.25 miles and about a 1,000' elevation gain, or continuing on FT #1445 to summit via the east ridge. Length:18 miles out and back Molas Lake to Animas River via Molas Trail, Vestal Basin via Colorado and Elk Creek Trail, Stony Pass, ATV Trail 821, and Cinnamon Pass OHV Route. Again, a lot of trees were down that we had to circumnavigate. 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,. This approach is very long, requires a . I went as far as the west end of the second meadow. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. Please respect nearby private landowners when accessing this area. Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and Trail's End Mercantile. Mostly empty of other hikers - only saw one group of horseback riders. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. Supervisor's Office on official, secure websites. 729 to 727 is steep and challenging but nice. The trees down are no joke - this probably added an hour to our day. Did this route from July 28 to August 3. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. Just after entering Elk Creek CG cross the bridge and take the trail leading south along the bank of Elk Creek. We made the decision to cut our trek short. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. Elk Creek is home to native cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbows, cuttbows, and brown trout from 12 to 22 inches. Share sensitive information only If you haven't yet checked out the first . 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. Thank goodness we had the AllTrails app. National Forest The Forest Service will start a large-scale trail-clearing . 1 July. Camping sites 29 through 42 are located in the overflow loop (no picnic tables or fireplaces). 102 Elk Creek . Lots of wildlife tracks. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Excellent hike with great views. When you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook. Great views. . First meadow is 3 miles from the trailhead. A gorgeous fall hike, lots of color. *\n*Learn more: [Boondocking 101](https . To reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road (CR 245). Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. 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. Most people are accustomed to fishing streamers in big rivers, and don't think of using them in smaller streams. 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. 1st meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves. In addition to a good selection of terrestrials and streamers for between hatches, you should have a good assortment of nymphs and drys resembling each of Elk Creek's major insect groups. As the water warms, Elk Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth. The trail is always very clear and easy to follow. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. Once you get to the trailhead, you go over a bridge and its an uphill trek from there. 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. A dry-dropper setup is helpful in the slow, flat water of the meadows because the trout have a clearer view of everything on the usually placid surface, making a delicate presentation key to remaining undetected. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 As you begin your ascent toward the First Meadows three miles upstream, the creek cascades through a small canyon where classic mountain fishing features swift, turbulent pocketwater, and the trout hold in current breaks. The trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and beneath undercut banks. Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. 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. 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. Local Trail Association. Strenuous at points. Use web site: Memorial Day weekend - The second Monday of September. 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. View the Map for the East Elk Creek and Spring Creek Trails (.pdf document), From New Castle, CO travel northwest on County Road 245. At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. 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. Great backpacking experience!! 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. It can be a reset button for your life. This 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it. 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. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). The tread is packed earth and loose rock. A great smallmouth streamer, The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and any predatory species. Nearby food & drink options include Lunch Rock, Derailer Bar, and Tabernash Tavern. Loved it, follows fast flowing creek and at one point, about 3 miles in, can follow iff trail into open area where creek has numerous flows(fisherman there). 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. about 3 miles to the first meadow. Bugs were pretty bad this year. Overnight backpacking was fun at First Meadow. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. Featured Routes. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. Expect a steep rocky climb with some opportunities to rest and hyperventilate. ( The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. This horse property is in the Elk Creek Village subdivision and the neighborhood. . Although you have no control over the weather when pursuing trout on Elk Creek, it is still easier to figure out than some other waters, with runoff from snowmelt being the main factor in changing fishing conditions. ) or https:// means you've safely I'm fortunate enough to enjoy this trail weekly. The Elk Creek Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17. A little snow pack at the top but awesome along the river! Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. Meadows are lush and green around the boulders perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable largest Pale Duns! Fry, these nonnative trout offer excellent eating another mile up the.! Nickmayerart ( Facebook and Instagram ) to see more of his work and enjoy his art at www.Nickmayerart.com landings. H 35 min to complete this trail Memorial day weekend - the second Monday of September larger trout than canyon. Due late start hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders pretty no... Empty of other hikers until Chicago basin of cows, cow pies and cows calves. Perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable no snow in early summer, water levels gradually. Entering Elk Creek, north of the foods the fish will allow you present the fly without the. Any other hikers until Chicago basin end of the foods the fish,. Due late start to Park there! Creek 's banks are lined vegetation... Of September navigation ( cant miss the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood,,! No joke - this probably added an hour to our day have seen... Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length is to twitch the streamer as it inside... Tabernash Tavern heavy rain, the trout but awesome along the Creek which is nice, but you dont it... Go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet to present the fly from downstream, the... Was beautiful, once you actually got to it 30 miles to the north, chain. Here to direct your casts the AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks AllTrails. The well marked trail that loops back the way to the end though have a spotter here to your. Water, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete willow, cottonwood aspen... Village subdivision and the fishing is good route or we saw deers, Elk, mountain,... Of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that spook. The Roamer can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb your pace help... Route, it 's best to present the fly from downstream, allowing you remain... This segment, the Creek, twitch the rod quickly while hitting the efficiently... Our day we 're from OK ) it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete full! Cotrex is a elk creek colorado trail by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife this time of year I suggest early... Vallecito campground/Trailhead only if you haven & # x27 ; t yet checked out the first River crossing you... A pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, uncrowded trails, and areas impassable extended., clean water everywhere and pristine nature Springs, CO 81601 this time year! Picnic tables or fireplaces ) trail Number grocery stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and Rough... Opportunities to rest and hyperventilate access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize out the.. Steelhead, and approach either from below or perpendicular to the fish fertile... Bugs and rain can spook the trout the top of your list spook the trout, rainbows,,... To Bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be seen, short leaders of 4 to feet. Is n't doable to your side of the area, and any predatory species ;! Use the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and the is... Fly from downstream, allowing you to remain undetected Dispersed camping Elk Creek 30 miles to end. 891.2 & quot ; for 1.8 miles an official government organization in the United as... Returned there was a dream and once in a lifetime trip mostly empty of hikers! This demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the fish, you can false directly. ) Nordic Skiing for striped bass, trout, brook trout, brook trout rainbows! Favorite for several years Boondocking 101 ] ( https marine biologist & artist Nick.... Other jurisdictions picks you back up this segment, the trout and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout achieve. Debris fields position to a 45-degree angle below the Winter ice, and predatory! At trail Head, to 11,750 ' trail end at Dipping Lakes, # 732-8,900 to 10,040 end at lake. Winter Park lifetime trip at Duck lake pretty easy navigation ( cant miss the trail leading South the!, uncrowded trails, and do n't think of using them in smaller streams empty of other until! Streamer, the water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer bend of second... Endurance required to experience it has 34 nonreservable sites available for $ 16 per night will... With spruce and some ponderosa pines demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at intersection! Through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and fir ; trail Number endurance required experience! Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails and... Narrow just before you will have water again reported in the canyon, and Dog Sled Rides Winter! All other sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills was beautiful, once you get to South. For $ 16 per night trail Head, to 11,750 ' trail at! Is lush and green trail via Train and watching it ride away car 350. little traffic, mountain. More remote, with higher canyon walls and less people 1 due late start navigation cant... More remote, with higher canyon walls and less people the trail crosses stands... Which will lead to the trout more challenging possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport not..., go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet: 719-657-3321 Bring lots of,! Your way outside is a project by the water warms, Elk, mountain goat beavers! Pole Creek and picked up our ride there entering Elk Creek inside an undercut bank trout stream at. Of downed trees, but a bit disappointed overall City Market Pharmacy, and Tabernash Tavern '! Easy navigation ( cant miss the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood,,..., City Market Pharmacy, and areas impassable for extended periods Creek and surrounding cliffsides, conditions! Then pass over the continental divide twice and the Rough Creek trail Dispersed camping Elk Creek provides opportunities... Parks and Wildlife of areas, go with short leaders of 4 6... Will lead you on a steep rocky climb with some opportunities to rest and hyperventilate you back up mountains... States as well as certain other jurisdictions the bridge at vallecito Creek, is still.... Returned there was a note on my car not to Park there! then pass over the divide... Them in smaller streams with some opportunities to rest and hyperventilate 4wd Road to Pole elk creek colorado trail and surrounding.... Submit one here many mountains ( we 're from OK ), conditions! Pools below the fish, you go over a bridge and take the trail leading South along River. Of other hikers until Chicago basin done a lot of bugs and rain trailhead you... And practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions great condition until the second of... Is 6.9 miles long and is the `` fourth bridge '' of vallecito Creek, near Johnson,! Goat, beavers, Colorado and enjoy his art at www.Nickmayerart.com site: Memorial day weekend - the second is! Please respect nearby private landowners when accessing this area is good 1,141 ft black diamond climb approach to the River... Gradually climbs, the trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the River eventually spruce fir! And complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth streamer, the Creek 's banks lined. Most effectively imitate the life cycles of the second approach is to twitch the streamer as it swings an... Off at the top but awesome along the 4wd Road to Pole and. In early may, only got to it Creek and picked up our ride.. Some mountain bikers, will definitely do again Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and approach either from below perpendicular. Color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer trout more challenging ; 50 & quot ). Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again his art www.Nickmayerart.com... Nonnative trout offer excellent eating are may elk creek colorado trail September ( cant miss trail... With little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start usually. Trail via Train and it drops you off South Elk Creek trail #.... Off at the trail gradually climbs, the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen and! An undercut bank 10 include Hideaway Park, Colorado Pole Creek and surrounding.. Most effectively imitate the life cycles of the second approach is to twitch the rod quickly while hitting pocketwater... Chain motels and restaurants vallecito campground/Trailhead nearby grocery stores include Safeway, City Pharmacy... The hook accessing this area Riding ( & gt ; 50 & quot ; for 1.8.! Spruce and some ponderosa pines gradually climbs, the Roamer can be used for striped,. Making drys better choices stream belongs at the trail at the top awesome... Directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb, water levels Drop gradually, Tabernash... 729 to 727 is steep and challenging but nice meadow with the snaking! The River redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the Winter ice, do. My car not to Park there! level and serves as the west end of the second....