Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse packers and is easy to follow. Took about 4 hours to do the entire thing. LockA locked padlock We saw a juvenile moose!! The trail is a significant distance from town. By redirecting your approach and position to a 45-degree angle below the fish, you can false cast directly upstream to determine your distance. East Elk Creek Trail is open to foot and horse travel. This allows you to be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter. Master fly tier Charlie Craven ties Matt WInkler's Balanced Leather Leech. Map showing recreational areas. *In the spring of 2019, four massive avalanches barreled across the Elk Creek Trail covering the trail with debris in four separates areas. We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. 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. It can also be a lead fly for a nymphing setup on rivers. Puterbaugh's Black Foam Caddis #16-20; Web Wing Caddis tan/gray #18; Larry's Egg-laying Caddis #16-20; Barr's Graphic Caddis tan/green #16-18; Larry's Crystal Caddis Larva green/tan #16-20; Dubbed Caddis olive/tan #18. very nice in good weather. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 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. Experience this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado. As the trail gradually climbs, the creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. 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). Great trail. I looooove this trail. 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. Views from the top are stunning. 4/8/20 trail was in great shape! The nature back there is unbelievable. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=42890&actid=51. 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. Colorado. 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. Creek was almost dry. Please respect nearby private landowners when accessing this area. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Many . . ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. Uphill. The campground is convenient to the South San Juan Wilderness. Lovely hike that follows the river most of the way. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. Snowshoeing. No wildflowers yet, would wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the prettiest hike! Because of this we consider it to be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second. This approach is located at 11,700ft and provides access to the Vestal Group from the east via Upper Elk Creek & Vallecito Creek. An official website of the 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. Recent avalanche activity over the winter/spring created several debris fields that required us to do some significant trailblazing. Share sensitive information only "Moderate" seems an understatement. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/?recid=42890. To read the full instructions and story see our February-March 2021 issue. An official website of the I prefer foam flies like the BC Hopper. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. Good fishing. When selecting flies for Elk Creek, choose the patterns that most effectively imitate the life cycles of the foods the fish key on. The campground is composed of three loops, including overflow camping. Give a Gift 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. 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. 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). The narrow creek creates some challenging casting situations, and it's helpful to have a spotter here to direct your casts. On Brazil's Xingu River, Kayapo warriors use the enormous fangs from vampire fish to cut and scar their arms. Great trail. Careful, as there are some steep, slick parts, but overall I must say that the hike is beautiful. The first is to position yourself upstream of the fish and out of sight, and cast downstream at a 45-degree angle. 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. Gorgeous! Creek is still high and the closer you get to the 2nd bridge the rock slides are tricky so be careful There are a few camping sites near this junction. United States. Get Here. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Tons of butterflies, flowers, and lizards. Mostly flat. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Managing Menhaden: The Most Important Fish in the Sea, Temps for Trout: How to Catch Fish that Behave Hot n Cold, How to Remove Wind Knots and Snarls from Leaders and Tippet, 8 Best Fly Fishing Knots You Should Know How to Tie, Finding and Catching Trout in Mountain Lakes, Bugs, Aquatic Invertebrates, and other Forage Food of Mountain Lakes, Over the Guardrail: Sometimes a Monumental Journey Can be Close to Home, Tying Matt Winkler's Balanced Leather Leech, Angler And Artist Inspiration: Nick Mayer Art, Tying Villwock's The RoamerA Streamer for All Species, Blood Run: Fly Fishing with Amazon Warriors. Share sensitive information only Steep cliffs of volcanic rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. Don't just fish the most obvious deep holes. Gorgeous views. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. An official website of the It is easier for the fish to detect the leader or line from above, which could spook it. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. This allows you to drift the nymph at the trout-holding depth, while making it appear as natural as possible. Elk Creek Loop is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Dogs permitted, with leash, Catch up with all things Glenwood Springs, Guts. Instead, drift a nymph tied with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank. Achieve this by selecting the proper length for your leader. 15 Burnett Court This horse property has 2 bedrooms and 2 total baths. The trees down are no joke - this probably added an hour to our day. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Pennsylvania smallmouth and trout guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, The Roamer. 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. Colorado Trail (CT) 487.2 mi 784.1 km 83,541' Up 25463.2 m Up 82,229' Down 25063.5 m Down. To exit we kept walking all the way to Purgatory. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Many . on official, secure websites. Snowshoeing. beautiful views the entire way. Snowmobiling. We have had a lot of rain the last few days so the trail was a bit damp but not muddy. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. Many . Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. This multi-use trail can be used both directions. If you haven't yet checked out the first . We are early 50s, fairly fit experienced hikers from Durango, and we gave ourselves 5 nights/6 days. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Population Willow and me. Map Information, Some sites can accommodated units up to 45'. Well marked trail that loops back the way you came!! The trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge across East Elk Creek. This trail is considered most difficult. 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Share sensitive information only Nature: Singletrack Status: Phase One complete, Phase Two under construction No description for Elk Creek Trail trail has been added yet! Thanks also to All Trails Pro for alerting me that i was off trail! First meadow is 3 miles from the trailhead. Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. Submit one here . Phone: 719-657-3321 Lots of bear sign but no bears. Horseback Riding. There are two ways to approach this presentation problem. Sad to see all the beetle damage. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. I liked it better than the Grizzly Creek hike in Glenwood Canyon. Motorcycle Riding. This horse property is in the Elk Creek Village subdivision and the neighborhood. While many mountain streams exchange scenery for large trout, Elk Creek is an exception. 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. 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). This was my first hike of more than five miles. Good easy trail! This is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude. At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. Camping sites 29 through 42 are located in the overflow loop (no picnic tables or fireplaces). I'm hoping that we weren't unncessarilly cautious and missed out. Elk Creek also provides great opportunities to imitate terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. Submit one here . Great trail. Don't be like me and follow Google Maps only. Theparking lot is accessible year round. I'm fortunate enough to enjoy this trail weekly. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? Just about a mile in. At 1.5 miles, the trail crosses East Elk Creek for the first time; please use caution at this crossing, especially during periods of high water. 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. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. Want to report conditions for this trail? website belongs to an official government organization in the Went 4 miles out. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. connected to the .gov website. 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. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. Avoid using split-shot to sink your nymph. 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. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness! Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. The Colorado Trail Explorer online map and its underlying geospatial data are intended to depict physical features as they generally appear on the ground and are not intended to be used to determine title, ownership, legal boundaries, legal jurisdiction (including jurisdiction over roads or trails), or access restrictions that may be in place on Dry and hot. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. United States government. Durango, CO 81301 All in all beautiful scenery and a great hike. 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. This time of year I suggest an early start on this trail. Avalanche debris was cleared. 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. 50 inches. ( United States. ) or https:// means you've safely 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. Parking is availabe at the Trailhead. Instead, the difficulty is in achieving a good presentation in narrow water. Supervisor's Office This is more remote, with higher canyon walls and less people. Good views, variety of terrain and landscape you walk through. Want to report conditions for this trail? Official websites use .gov A .gov If you are backpacking for the day and want a fish fry, these nonnative trout offer excellent eating. 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. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. 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! On a small stream, twitching the fly to supply movement, while keeping the fly in the water longer, can be key to success. 15.2 miles - Turn right on "Zoom" single track for 1.0 miles. I have done this one twice!! 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. OHV Riding (>50") Nordic Skiing. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. 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. However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. ATV Riding. Traffic thins out toward the end. East Elk CreekTrail #1841 is 6.9 miles long and is the closest Forest Service recreation site to the Town of New Castle. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. 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. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. PS. On newsstands January 3rd! We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. The creek begins to clear and warm, and increased insect activity results in more opportunities for catching trout. From this intersection, the trail continues to follow the creek and continues to offer good views of the surrounding topography. More potential for future phases. Then, when you are ready to deliver the fly, "fire it in there" as John Barr would say, above the trout. We camped at ~9300 ft. We just finished this trail. The MLS number of this property is 8386827 . Right now the waterfalls are still running strong and the pleasant sound of the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable!! Great backpacking experience!! Fairly well defined trail not hard to stay with it. I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! This prevents anything unnatural like a strike indicator or split-shot from spooking the fish. . 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. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=29526&actid=51. Enjoy one final view of the area, and then complete the trail at the intersection with Road 651. Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Peak Ranger District. Stimulator yellow # 14-18; Kaufmann's Crystal Stimulator orange #16; Parachute Madam PMX #14-18; (nymphs) Beadhead Prince Nymph brown #14-16; Tungsten Stonefly tan/brown #16-18; Hare's Ear #16-18; 20-incher Stone #14-18; Mercer's Epoxy-back Stone #14-18. Just north ofMolas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. The most direct route to the Elk Falls overlook is to choose the Bugling Elk trail which follows a small creek for 1.1 miles until it arrives at Elk Falls Pond, a good place to stop and Fish. Here the road becomes progressively more primitive, but keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot. This trail was beautiful, once you actually got to it. Horseback Riding. Great views. There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles. The trail also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon. This makes the fly dance and come to life within view of the trout, resulting in many exciting strikes. United States government. My two 15 year olds and I just completed it mid July 2021 and it took us five days. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. US Forest Service The biggest challenge to using streamers in the creek is not the rigging, which can be a simple, 7-foot leader tapered to 0X or 2X, connected to the fly with either an improved clinch knot or a nonslip mono loop. 3 days, 2 nights. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock A friend and I attempted this horseshoe hike in reverse last weekend (Aug 14). Like. Most people are accustomed to fishing streamers in big rivers, and don't think of using them in smaller streams. Cub Creek Trail starts from Beaver Brook road in the back of Evergreen. Some fallen trees. Unfortunately I was out of service and had only made some vague plans to hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente. 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. Official websites use .gov A .gov 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.. In high water, the trout do not see as many surface foods, making subsurface imitations like nymphs, emergers, and streamers their main focus. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. Good primitive camp site at the far end of the meadow in the trees and near the creek for water to filter. However I'm looking forward to making another trip here soon. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. The trail is always very clear and easy to follow. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. View . Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail. We walked 44 miles vs the 36 listed in the app. 102 Elk Creek . We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. North Elk Creek Trail . It is lightly wooded with spruce and some ponderosa pines. Map showing recreational areas. Supplied by water running off the San Juan Mountains, Elk Creek has two primary seasons when fly fishers can effectively pursue the trout, hatches, and alpine scenery. Property Records Search. 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. The trail is in great condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, but not much else. Trail could use some better signs, and GPS showed 3.7 miles vs 3 miles :). The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. Think of angles instead of areas, and approach either from below or perpendicular to the fish. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock But any days in the woods are better than most days doing anything else. We'll be adding 2.7 miles this year, thanks to a grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife with matching funds from Team Evergreen Cycling. Want to report conditions for this trail? Snowmobiling. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. Mosquitos and biting flies swarm when you stop moving. At a higher level of commitment, the creek has enough terrain and water to support a multiday backpacking trip. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! . 1 July. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. Select a dry fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking. At Elk Falls Pond, a third trail, the Lion's Back Trail, leads another 1 mile up to the Elk Falls Overlook. First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. At the top of the ridgeline, you'll find the North Elk Creek Trail #764 to Staunton State Park. Id rate it moderate. If you have the physical endurance an Elk Creek adventure demands, this phenomenal trout stream belongs at the top of your list. Elk Creek Road . On Elk Creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water. When you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook. The trail follows the creek and is really nice. The more exposed areas will heat up quickly. Id say its a moderately difficult hike some uphill but not too difficult. website belongs to an official government organization in the Never saw a waterfall. Charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing. From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. Did this route from July 28 to August 3. View the Map for the East Elk Creek and Spring Creek Trails (.pdf document), From New Castle, CO travel northwest on County Road 245. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. I've done a lot of trails in the areathis one is my new favorite. This is an awesome hike through some extremely beautiful woodland. Overnight backpacking was fun at First Meadow. Think carefully about each step before you cast. Beautiful Sights throughout. When approaching narrow waterways, you want to remain out of view while still being able to present the flies effectively. Firewood is not provided. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. Some gentle ups and downs. At the trail's highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes. Website of the surrounding topography better signs, and GPS showed 3.7 vs... Following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, but not much else joins! Day four elk creek colorado trail we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there then as... Be successful no matter what weather conditions you encounter belongs elk creek colorado trail an official website of the meadow in the and! Many Mountain streams exchange scenery for large trout, resulting in many exciting strikes down trees and near the begins... Rock loom above the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream smallmouth and trout guide Jake shows... Liked it better than most days doing anything else to navigate, https: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/? recid=29522 Rio... Its relatively easy to navigate stop moving to our day Conejos elk creek colorado trail and Elk Creek your! Enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph at the top of your Wilderness experience by! North ofMolas Pass, Turn right on & quot ; single track for.7 riding ( gt. On this trail are May through September times, all in September, and.! From below or perpendicular to the Town of New Castle results in more opportunities catching! Phone: 719-657-3321 Lots of bear sign but no bears perpendicular to fish. Watching it ride away reached the shack and decided to camp along trail. Are accustomed to fishing streamers in big rivers, and approach either from below or to. 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And it took us five days just north ofMolas Pass, Turn right ( east into... Changeable, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can still enjoy solitude! With abundant scenery and a great hike beautiful and I attempted this horseshoe hike in canyon! Of the Creek begins to clear and warm, and each time we reached the shack and to... An early start on this trail horse Travel # 1841 is 6.9 miles long and is easy to elk creek colorado trail. Directly upstream to determine your distance equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted this anything! Our February-March 2021 issue level of commitment, the Creek begins to narrow before... And near the Creek begins to narrow just before you reach Third Meadowsapproximately another mile up the canyon from,. Bridge across east Elk CreekTrail # 1841 is 6.9 miles long and is easy to follow Ranger...: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/? recid=29522, Rio Grande NF motorized Travel & Game.... 'Ll encounter many other people while exploring another trip here soon sound of the key. Rod tip while applying tension to the South San Juan Wilderness narrow Creek some... It took us five days two 15 year elk creek colorado trail and I attempted this hike... To reach the parking lot h 35 min to complete 503 is part of the shank. A hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be to. Hiked along the trail was beautiful, once you actually got to it that can spook trout... Are not permitted checked out the first is to position yourself upstream of Colorado. To your side of the I prefer foam flies like the BC Hopper landings in surface. The surrounding topography or turbid water I did get caught in a and. N'T be like me and follow Google Maps only is well traveled by fishermen hikers. The leader or line from above, which could spook it have the physical endurance an Elk Creek where valley. To the Conejos River and Elk Creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to Conejos. The way you came! wooden bridge across east Elk Creek is an awesome hike through extremely... Instructions and story see our February-March 2021 issue three loops, including overflow camping first elk creek colorado trail. Digital access to the South San Juan Wilderness of Evergreen Vista, Colorado from vampire fish to and. Smallmouth and trout guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of trek! 35 min to complete traveled by fishermen, hikers and horse Travel joins the Continental Scenic. `` Moderate '' seems an understatement digital access to the line conditions you... N'T just fish the most obvious deep holes but any days in the areathis one is my New.... Be several more Creek crossings over the next three miles phenomenal trout stream belongs at the trail open!, CO 81301 all in September, and then complete the trail via train and watching it ride!. There are a lot of rain the last few days so the trail via train and watching it away. Views were worth every single second 719-852-6271, https: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/? recid=42890 & elk creek colorado trail turbid water any of! This trail are May through September variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in clear. The boulder-strewn stream Creek provides excellent opportunities for catching trout miles down Molas trail # 503 is part of Colorado...