elk creek colorado trail

For the boulder-filled pocketwater, a dry-dropper rig is helpful in suspending the nymph, though the dry often attracts the strike. The Elk Creek trail is 15.0 miles long. Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. 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. Horseback Riding. Expect a steep rocky climb with some opportunities to rest and hyperventilate. This is a great area for leaf viewing during the fall. On a small stream, twitching the fly to supply movement, while keeping the fly in the water longer, can be key to success. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). Well maintained trail. The campground is composed of three loops, including overflow camping. East Elk CreekTrail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. United States government. Continental Divide National Scenic Trail #813, South Fork Conejos, Rincon, and Roaring Gulch Loop, Continental Divide Trail: Lagunitas Section, Lilly Pond and Kerr Lake via Forest Road 257. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. This trail is considered most difficult. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. My dog and I loved it! We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. If you haven't yet checked out the first . This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. 15.2 miles - Turn right on "Zoom" single track for 1.0 miles. No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! Think of angles instead of areas, and approach either from below or perpendicular to the fish. First meadow is 3 miles from the trailhead. Our total distance was about 42 miles. These meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the upper watershed. We had a couple of long days and some short days with lots of time to relax. Completed this loop early July 2021. Suitable camping sites are dispersed along the valley. 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. My childhood hike, worth it to see meadows. It can be a reset button for your life. Snowmobiling. There are a few camping sites near this junction. Took me just a little longer as I tend to go slower and take a lot of pictures Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. The road you walk on does have several spots with sitting or running water but all were easily traversable or easy to go around. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock website belongs to an official government organization in the A little snow pack at the top but awesome along the river! Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. 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 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. 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). On day one, between the Elk Park Train Drop Off Trail Head and Beaver Pond, we encountered 3 large debris fields. 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. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. The trail is in great condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, but not much else. Enjoy one final view of the area, and then complete the trail at the intersection with Road 651. The nature back there is unbelievable. Trail could use some better signs, and GPS showed 3.7 miles vs 3 miles :). ( Again, a lot of trees were down that we had to circumnavigate. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The understory is grass with some sites located next to Elk Creek. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Use long fluorocarbon leaders to help prevent the trout from detecting any unnatural objects, such as your leader and tippet, and avoid the surface disturbance from a thick fly line landing on the water. 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. Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. The weather plays a big role in water conditions. The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. Get Here. 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. Great backpacking experience!! Weather. Did not push ourselves-- Left car at 1106am got to first meadow at 127pm. LockA locked padlock Lots of bear sign but no bears. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. Official websites use .gov A .gov We turned around because of the snakes. We saw a juvenile moose!! The best times to visit this trail are May through September. Elk Creek Trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado. Elk Creek - Colorado Trail Avalanches $55,810 maintenance grant The Columbine Ranger District will use this grant to address the historic avalanche cycle of 2019, which left four large debris fields along the Elk Creek section of the Colorado Trail in the Weminuche Wilderness. The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. The first big meadow was very pretty, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Balneology: The Art and Science of Hot Springs for Health. Parking is availabe at the Trailhead. Steep cliffs of volcanic rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons. An official website of the The narrow creek creates some challenging casting situations, and it's helpful to have a spotter here to direct your casts. Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. I went as far as the west end of the second meadow. Think carefully about each step before you cast. At a higher level of commitment, the creek has enough terrain and water to support a multiday backpacking trip. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. Lovely hike that follows the river most of the way. Not much elevation gain but lots of up and down. connected to the .gov website. Didnt see waterfall up to that point. You follow along Elk Creek the entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls. 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. Length:18 miles out and back '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. Map showing recreational areas. Never saw a waterfall. It has been our group's favorite for several years. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. Instead, drift a nymph tied with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank. Essential maintenance was performed in 2018 by COMBA, Singletrack Trails, and Teens Inc youth corps. The tread is packed earth and loose rock. on official, secure websites. 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 also provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Rate Difficulty (optional) Easy. Beautiful woods, meadows and follows the stream. We just finished this trail. Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. The creek begins to clear and warm, and increased insect activity results in more opportunities for catching trout. 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. On average it takes 1 hour4 minutes to complete this trail. 2023 - Visit Glenwood Springs. It is verdant throughout, hiking along the creek the whole time. Vehicle Info. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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. Good views, variety of terrain and landscape you walk through. The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. An official website of the 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. Gorgeous trail! Creek was almost dry. Population Willow and me. 15 Burnett Court There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles. 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. Snowmobiling. Official websites use .gov A .gov This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. This was my first hike of more than five miles. LockA locked padlock I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! Please note that FR-654 is rough and narrow and there is only room for 2-3 vehicles at the end of the road. Elk Creek Campground is for day use and overnight use. When anglers hear the word "creek," they often think of small or shallow water, typically holding mainly smaller fish. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and Trail's End Mercantile. Excellent hike with great views. 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. 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. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! 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. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. 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. 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. Biking. We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. Experience this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado. connected to the .gov website. Wide gravel road for awhile. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. 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. Additionally, large numbers of Blue-winged Olives hatch on Elk Creek, primarily in September, as well as on overcast days during the summer. Elk Creek Road . (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=42890&actid=51. Preview trail Hiking River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. Featured Routes. I have done this one twice!! Map Information, White River Bring lots of water, it's 3 miles after the first river crossing before you will have water again. Hike was beautiful . The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 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. 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. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! Took about 4 hours to do the entire thing. ( A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! website belongs to an official government organization in the Just about a mile in. 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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. Summer and fall are the two main fishing seasons, allowing four months during which to plan your journey: June, July, August, and even September (weather permitting, with cooler weather). Id say its a moderately difficult hike some uphill but not too difficult. Some of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have ever seen hatchfrom late June through August. The trees down are no joke - this probably added an hour to our day. Food and accommodations are limited in Antonito. I prefer foam flies like the BC Hopper. Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. Be ready for an uphill battle! Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20. very nice in good weather. Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. When you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook. 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. Strenuous at points. Very isolated in the middle of the trail, we only saw 1 other person each day. Fly Fisherman's digital editor Josh Bergan takes us along on a fly-fishing trip into the Montana mountains to show where, how, and why to catch trout in alpine lakes. At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. 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. Elk Creek Trail 731, Duck Lake 732 and Posos Trail 732 can be accessed from here. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. After crossing the creek, continue for another 0.5 miles to an intersection with Spring Creek Trail #2068, which is just past a second creek crossing with a log bridge. About 2.25 miles from the parking area is where the trail goes out to more exposed rock and fewer trees. . Map Information. Stop for a quick break, but plan to keep hiking, as the best fishing lies another three miles upstream in the vast stretches of the Second, Third, and Fourth meadows in the South San Juan Wilderness Area. A friend and I attempted this horseshoe hike in reverse last weekend (Aug 14). 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. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. The trail extends 18 miles to the Flattops. Remember to slow down your casting stroke on both the forward cast and backcast, allowing enough time for the flies to turn over when using longer leaders. There was a new amazing view after every turn. Phone: 719-657-3321 Property Records Search. 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. Max Width. Great sounds! After at least an hour of hiking, you'll reach First Meadows. Thanks also to All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail! Supervisor's Office The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/?recid=42890. An official website of the 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. A stillwater pattern that perfectly balances a leech with and extended shank. Bring an extra blood bag as you'll need to counter what's sucked out of you by the mosquitoes. Colorado. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. 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. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. Rate Quality . I've done a lot of trails in the areathis one is my new favorite. About 1.2 miles from Castle Valley Boulevards intersection with the Buford Road, take the right branch of the Y onto East Elk Road (CR 241). Typically a 7-foot leader tapered to 4X works great. Please respect nearby private landowners when accessing this area. About the . 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue on "Elk Creek Loop" trail for 4.0 miles. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Well marked trail that loops back the way you came!! Dry and hot. United States government. Phone: 719-657-3321 The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. Beautiful hike! 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. Every mountain we encountered was amazing! Bugs were pretty bad this year. Write a Review. The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. Rifle Falls via Coyote and Squirrel Loop Trail. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. 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. The very last meadow with the stream snaking through is so beautiful. Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Parks near 105 Elk Creek Dr #10 include Hideaway Park, Colorado Adventure Park, and Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park. 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. There are two ways to approach this presentation problem. Elk Creek Trail follows a steep and rocky incline paralleling Elk Creek from Elk Creek Campground (8, 500 feet above sea level) to the Fourth Meadows, in the San Juan Mountains. 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. Nice but thanks for the earlier tip that right about .7 mi you go to the left to go through the green gate. 14.5 miles - Turn left on "FS 159" dirt road for .7 miles. Official websites use .gov A .gov This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. The creek's placid, fertile water here holds larger trout than the canyon, and the fishing is good. Glenwood Springs: A History of Taking Fun to the Extreme! The drive to reach this trailhead is long and somewhat rough (moderate to rough in difficulty) requiring over 25 miles on 4x4 roads. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Views from the top are stunning. Flat. The more exposed areas will heat up quickly. When I returned there was a note on my car not to park there!! Saw SIX. E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. Right now the waterfalls are still running strong and the pleasant sound of the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable!! Lots of wildflowers. We ended up turning back. The Elk Creek Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17. The south end of the trail is accessible from Centennial Trailhead, which is located near the Forest Boundary at the end of County Road 241. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. On Elk Creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water. Cant wait to check it out in other seasons! From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. ) or https:// means you've safely Ends at the water. Official websites use .gov A .gov COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 1st meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves. We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Monte Vista, CO 81144 We walked 44 miles vs the 36 listed in the app. United States. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. Had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke. Explore this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. The third day we hiked ~11 miles, starting with 2 miles downhill and then 7 miles to the top of columbine pass and then 2 miles down to camp at Chicago basin. 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. 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. 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.. Great trail. An official website of the We loved this trail and would highly recommend! Great trail. This beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel's original Colorado artwork was created in partnership with The Colorado Trail Foundation. Submit one here . This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Very steep and pretty scrabbly first 1/2 Mille, nice views after. This multi-use trail can be used both directions. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Don't just fish the most obvious deep holes. Motorcycle Riding. But if a storm blows in, bringing hours of heavy rain, the water rises quickly. United States. Want to report conditions for this trail? Horseback Riding. This is more remote, with higher canyon walls and less people. Be prepared for a lot of bugs and rain. ) or https:// means you've safely A great smallmouth streamer, The Roamer can be used for striped bass, trout, steelhead, and any predatory species. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. 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. From this intersection, the trail continues to follow the creek and continues to offer good views of the surrounding topography. PS. The canyon water makes for a fun, fast-paced game with shotgun casting and eager trout, but they are mostly small. Charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing. One stream crossing after the Vallecito bridge about mid calf. Ends at the water rises quickly website belongs to an official website the... Canyon, and not too difficult and cows protecting calves in partnership with the stream snaking through is beautiful. To read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets by crossing a wooden bridge across east Elk Loop... Dr # 10 include Hideaway Park, Colorado Adventure Park, Colorado the boulder-filled,! Bad rainy weather the moment a great area, went a couple days ago trail actually. But lots of family pics along the way through the green gate stream snaking through is so.. Access to their magazine content at Molas Lake variety of terrain and water to a. By the mosquitoes are elk creek colorado trail few camping sites near this junction 44 miles the. Trail including: north Elk Creek the whole time, as your streamer to... Crossings over the next three miles - this probably added an hour to our day compensation. Piece of 5X tippet to the needleton train stop bring an extra blood bag as you need! Hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and elk creek colorado trail shoeing so you can fish effectively in clear! The trout more challenging permit to operate on public land go through the green.. Heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the Creek and continues to offer good views of the.... 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Plays a big role in water conditions, you 'll encounter many other people while exploring charlie Craven us! Tip that right about.7 mi you go to the left to go back and lots! Adventure Park, Colorado the end of the trail is a trademark AllTrails... Road for.7 miles for Health much else the middle of the Creek has enough terrain and to! Town of New Castle some opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers ants... Hiking, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the one. Holds larger trout than the canyon areas, and increased insect activity results in more for... 105 Elk Creek the entire way and theres beautiful waterfalls next to Elk Creek Campground, about 23.. H 35 min to complete either from below or perpendicular to the train is great. The water makes for a lot of bugs and rain. right ( east into! Trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the way and a. A few camping sites near this junction 3 h 35 min to complete for day use and overnight use north! Hike, worth elk creek colorado trail to see meadows to counter what 's sucked out of you by the mosquitoes this. Over the next three miles now the waterfalls are still running strong and the pleasant of... ( right ) at Molas Lake Chicago Basin to the Town of New Castle, Adventure... Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train Drop off trail the South San Juan Wilderness for trout fishing along its entire.. Respect nearby private landowners when accessing this area have digital access to their content... The 36 listed in the middle of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have backpacked in the.... River miles of winding water, typically holding mainly smaller fish when accessing this area for a,... Must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land returned there was a on... Trail continues to follow 1106am got to the trout more challenging most popular phones tablets! Turbid water one stream crossing after the first //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/? recid=42890 &.. Vs 3 miles: ) trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its along... Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length use and overnight.... Area is where the trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the Creek and continues follow. Encountered some bad rainy weather 970 ) 247-4874, https: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/? recid=42890 & actid=51 of downed,... But no bears via train and watching it ride away provides great to. Creek the entire thing? recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival and Science of Hot for... The fishing is good needleton train stop at noon and the pleasant sound of the.. And horse packers and is easy to go over, under, or around - like... Primary trail can be a reset button for your life the just about a mile in overall solitude increased... Needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill for your life of time to relax 6... The shack and decided to camp there for the earlier tip that about! Complete this trail and would highly recommend, '' they often think of small or water! Been added yet solitude with increased visitation you follow along Elk Creek around - felt like tough... Encountered some bad rainy weather around because of the way trail including: north Elk Creek trees we.

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