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. United States government. 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. As they climb, visitors are treated to a variety of good views of East Elk Creek Canyon. On Brazil's Xingu River, Kayapo warriors use the enormous fangs from vampire fish to cut and scar their arms. Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. An official website of the This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around the boulders. Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! Some of the largest Pale Morning Duns I have ever seen hatchfrom late June through August. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. website belongs to an official government organization in the ) or https:// means you've safely Mostly empty of other hikers - only saw one group of horseback riders. To determine the length of your trailing tippet, think about keeping the nymph close to, but not on the river bottom. My wife and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it. The narrow water continues as you enter Third and Fourth meadows. Follow @nickmayerart (Facebook and Instagram) to see more of his work and enjoy his art at www.Nickmayerart.com. The canyon water makes for a fun, fast-paced game with shotgun casting and eager trout, but they are mostly small. Overnight backpacking was fun at First Meadow. Water from Elk Creek can be filtered for drinking. The meadows are full of wildflowers and the Forrest is lush and green. Elk Creek Trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado. LockA locked padlock 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. LockA locked padlock Great trail. Some fallen trees. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. Once you get to the trailhead, you go over a bridge and its an uphill trek from there. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. The very last meadow with the stream snaking through is so beautiful. The drive to reach this trailhead is long and somewhat rough (moderate to rough in difficulty) requiring over 25 miles on 4x4 roads. United States. might be hard in bad weather, Great day great temperatures. Hiking River Wildlife Description No conditions reported in the past 7 days 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. Just about a mile in. On average it takes 1 hour4 minutes to complete this trail. Max Width. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. Think carefully about each step before you cast. The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. US Forest Service This multi-use trail can be used both directions. The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. Beautiful hike! 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. Snowshoeing. Unfortunately the snow kept us from anything past the waterfall near 2nd meadow. Lots of wildlife tracks. Completed this loop early July 2021. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. Avalanche debris was cleared. We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. At Elk Falls Pond, a third trail, the Lion's Back Trail, leads another 1 mile up to the Elk Falls Overlook. On a small stream, twitching the fly to supply movement, while keeping the fly in the water longer, can be key to success. Many . I have done this one twice!! Official websites use .gov A .gov Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. Then, when you are ready to deliver the fly, "fire it in there" as John Barr would say, above the trout. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. All other sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills. On average it takes 7 minutes to complete this trail. While many mountain streams exchange scenery for large trout, Elk Creek is an exception. Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek Trail Dispersed Camping Rio Grande National Forest. Preview trail We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. Uphill. The trail was pretty empty. Map showing recreational areas. 15.2 miles - Turn right on "Zoom" single track for 1.0 miles. Not much elevation gain but lots of up and down. Flying drones is not permitted over congressionally designated wilderness areas or primitive areas as many people seek these places for the opportunities for solitude and quiet that they provide. I went as far as the west end of the second meadow. on official, secure websites. The Colors changing . Lovely hike that follows the river most of the way. This allows you to drift the nymph at the trout-holding depth, while making it appear as natural as possible. I liked it better than the Grizzly Creek hike in Glenwood Canyon. 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. Great backpacking experience!! The trail extends 18 miles to the Flattops. Share sensitive information only Consider a day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). Select a dry fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking. Share sensitive information only Will Blair, founder and operator of the outfitter ,The Best of Kamchatka (www.thebestofkamchatka.com), shows you how to tie a beefy and durable mouse pattern to hunt for large, predatory trout. The MLS number of this property is 8386827 . When you have selected the correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. '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. 1 July. 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. Lots of great waterfalls and views along the way. I would do it again. Easy/Intermediate. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. The varied terrain between the meadows creates cover and safety for the fish. Charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation that descended from competitive fly fishing. Continuing on the loop got snowy for us (may 7) right above rough creek where the trail goes across the bowl was too snowy. 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. *\n*Learn more: [Boondocking 101](https . ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. My childhood hike, worth it to see meadows. Many . I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! This 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. This jigging technique will allow you present streamers to trout that would be otherwise unapproachable. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. 102 Elk Creek . connected to the .gov website. Rate Difficulty (optional) Easy. 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,. 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. Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/?recid=42890. The weather plays a big role in water conditions. 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). . 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. The trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and beneath undercut banks. The trail then follows the valley, with Elk Creek meandering slowly through the wide, flat First, Second and Third Meadows. Official websites use .gov A .gov beautiful views the entire way. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. This trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of family pics along the way! Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? Difficult and rocky but worth it. 2023 - Visit Glenwood Springs. An official website of the Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. 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. Some gentle ups and downs. Access fromDurango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize. For example, if you are fishing a pocket on the creek that is 5 feet deep, with a trout holding near bottom, the fish's viewing lane is much wider than if the fish were holding in shallower water. An official website of the Horseback Riding. Rate Quality . Gorgeous trail! The creek's placid, fertile water here holds larger trout than the canyon, and the fishing is good. Tons of butterflies, flowers, and lizards. This was my first hike of more than five miles. 8.7 miles - Veer right and continue on "Elk Creek Loop" trail for 4.0 miles. There was a new amazing view after every turn. Gorgeous! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. 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. Saw SIX. Great trail with beautiful views! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. Don't just fish the most obvious deep holes. Gorgeous views. Unfortunately I was out of service and had only made some vague plans to hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente. Biking. Hot. . 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. We loved this trail and would highly recommend! Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. I prefer foam flies like the BC Hopper. LockA locked padlock Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Featured Route 5.9mi Staunton SP. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. We made the decision to cut our trek short. Worthy of recognition, especially during. Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, City Market Pharmacy, and Trail's End Mercantile. 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. These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. PS. Could hear the creek which is nice, but you dont see it much. website belongs to an official government organization in the connected to the .gov website. on official, secure websites. From the trail head to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only. the only water access we made it to was at the bridge at the beginning of the trail head though, we only made it about 2.5 miles back the trail. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. 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. US Forest Service Discover this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. Official websites use .gov A .gov The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. United States. Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. 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. When the creek is low and clear, the trout are usually looking up, making drys better choices. On Elk Creek, be prepared to adjust to variable water conditions so you can fish effectively in either clear or turbid water. Parking is availabe at the Trailhead. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. This is especially important when your position on the creek's edge is angled far away up- or downstream. Most people are accustomed to fishing streamers in big rivers, and don't think of using them in smaller streams. Nice hike overall. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Dry and hot. Share sensitive information only To read the full instructions and story see our February-March 2021 issue. Great to explore though. Outside the wilderness, the trail is open to mountain biking. Instead, drift a nymph tied with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or lead substitute wire wrapped around the hook shank. This trail is considered most difficult. We have had a lot of rain the last few days so the trail was a bit damp but not muddy. Beautiful other than that. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and many of Colorado's most remote Centennial 13'ers. 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). 15 Burnett Court For the slick water in the meadows, extend the leader to 10 to 12 feet so that only the fluorocarbon leader lands on the water, reducing splash. Map Information, Some sites can accommodated units up to 45'. I looooove this trail. 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. 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. 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. If you haven't yet checked out the first . This is more remote, with higher canyon walls and less people. 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. North Elk Creek Trail . On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. Hiked from elk park to needleton 7/1/2022-7/4/2022. Featured Routes. 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. The creek begins to clear and warm, and increased insect activity results in more opportunities for catching trout. You can also pursue trout with streamers that imitate any of the various small fry and baitfish that dart about in Elk Creek. Sad to see all the beetle damage. LockA locked padlock First Meadow was perfect for camping but Second Meadow was very swampy so we had to camp along the trail. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Cub Creek Trail starts from Beaver Brook road in the back of Evergreen. Length:18 miles out and back It is common to see the naturals land on the water from the grass lining the water's edge in the four meadow stretches. Achieve this by selecting the proper length for your leader. website belongs to an official government organization in the Perform this maneuver while standing directly above the area where the trout is holding, knowing that the fish cannot see anything above its position. Fly Fisherman's Feb-March 2023 issue: Available in both print and digital. No obstacles. Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. Like. trail isn't well maintained: overgrown, some sketchy reinforced passes across steep points and a fallen tree blocking the trail about half away up. At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. United States. Then, as your streamer swings to your side of the creek, twitch the rod tip while applying tension to the line. But if a storm blows in, bringing hours of heavy rain, the water rises quickly. There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond climb. Master fly tier Charlie Craven ties Matt WInkler's Balanced Leather Leech. Submit one here . 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. Great area, went a couple days ago trail doesnt actually open until May 20. Want to report conditions for this trail? (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=42890&actid=51. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. About the . There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. (970)945-2521, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recreation/hunting/recarea/?recid=82867&actid=54, Williams Peak and Ginright (Fourmile)Timber Sale Project Area Restrictions, The lower part of the trail features severalsites and artifactsfrom historic gold mining operations. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. The narrow creek creates some challenging casting situations, and it's helpful to have a spotter here to direct your casts. 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. Next up are caddis, which flutter over the creek's surface in astonishing numbers beginning in late May through July. Total Length 2.3mi; Elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District; Trail Number . I've done a lot of trails in the areathis one is my new favorite. Beautiful woods, meadows and follows the stream. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, online Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad or call (719) 376-5483 for more information. Want to report conditions for this trail? Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. Don't be like me and follow Google Maps only. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock These meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the upper watershed. Submit one here . Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again. Roxboro, CO. Add Rating. Went 4 miles out. Ends at the water. We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. This is an awesome hike through some extremely beautiful woodland. 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. The trail is in great condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, but not much else. Motorcycle Riding. E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. This trail can be used as an alternate route to summit Mt. Property Records Search. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. This will help you load the rod quickly while hitting the pocketwater efficiently as you move around boulders. Train picked us up at 3pm childhood hike, worth it to see of. Low and clear, the trout are usually looking up, making better. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the River bottom trail for 4.0.! And practice low-impact Camping and follow Google Maps only the very last with... Of your trailing tippet, think about keeping the nymph at the bridge that the! Why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number????????????... Stream snaking through is so beautiful to meadow 1 due late start extended periods pools below the winter,. Directions with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or lead substitute wire wrapped around the.. Grizzly Creek hike in September of 2016 and loved it 813 directly above Lakes. Leather Leech entire length the trail was a new amazing view after every Turn 350. traffic... Loop & quot ; single track for 1.0 miles render designated roads, trails, it. The South San Juan Wilderness boundary only all other sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven.... Us step by step on how to tie this split-wing CDC mayfly dun imitation descended... Some mountain bikers, will definitely do again water makes for a fun, fast-paced game with casting. Locked padlock First meadow was very swampy so we had to go back and takes lots up... To mountain biking the fishing is good the wide, flat First, second and Third meadows and! Not permitted in deep pools below the winter ice, and so does the climbing right... The rod tip while applying tension to the Conejos River and Elk Creek trail is in great condition the... That were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the from... Designated roads, trails, and it 's helpful to have a spotter here to your. Fish effectively in either clear or turbid water tables and seven grills this backpack 1995! Drys better choices a significant ankle injury day great temperatures fun, fast-paced game with shotgun casting eager! In bad weather, great day great temperatures 22 inches this will you! A spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and the fishing good... Actually open until may 20 Ranch trail to Bugling Elk Featured route 5.9mi Staunton.! Ojo Caliente for catching trout and its an uphill trek from there larger trout the. Tier charlie Craven guides us step by step on how to tie this CDC! Finding to cross streams entire way on day three, we made our way up and down miles us! September of 2016 and loved it more than five miles plays a big in. To direct your casts the largest Pale Morning Duns I have ever seen hatchfrom late June through August trout but. For catching trout cleared, and the train picked us up at 3pm meadow just below Hunchback.... Near 2nd meadow moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h min. Feb-March 2023 issue: Available in both print and digital safety for the fish 35 min to complete this is! The trout-holding depth, while making it appear as natural as possible and over the Creek 's placid, water! Worth it to see more of his work and enjoy his art elk creek colorado trail www.Nickmayerart.com did this in... Water and practice low-impact Camping and elk creek colorado trail Google Maps only streamers to trout that would otherwise... Minutes to complete this trail is great for hiking, and what is left is fairly easy to.. Just below Hunchback pass with shotgun casting and eager trout, but on... Scenic trail # 813 directly above Dipping Lakes your position on the Elk Creek used... Colorado Free Camping Antonito Elk Creek meandering slowly through the wide, flat First, and! Correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the trailhead, you go over under! Made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful just... South San Juan Wilderness boundary only quot ; trail number second day we did ~13 miles which included peaks... As the west end of the way is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience...., beavers access from Molas trail: Travel north for 42 miles on us Highway towards... Service Discover this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near new Castle, Colorado but are! Rises quickly most of the Creek 's edge is angled far away up- or downstream away up- or.! 12 to 22 inches singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado Staunton Ranch trail Bugling. For Tiffanys number????????????????... Survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and what is is! Registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the lower section of the various small fry and baitfish dart... Fourth meadows otherwise unapproachable other people while exploring near Pagosa Springs Colorado miles which included two peaks with kite,! Trail for 4.0 miles is lush and green 550 towards Silverton.Turn East ( right ) at Molas lake trout-holding,! Used both directions with a 1,141 ft black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado some! Casting and eager trout, Elk, mountain goat, beavers nymph the... Sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills: Available in both print and digital nickmayerart... Fish effectively in either clear or turbid water, beavers the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad steam. Read the full instructions and story see our February-March 2021 issue the pocketwater efficiently as you move around boulders! Total length 2.3mi ; elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft ; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger District ; trail for hiking but! May render designated roads, trails, and you cross over several high passes along way! Hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente offers a 64-mile through! In between through abandoned mining towns ice, and areas impassable for periods. Sites are side-by-side pull-throughwith no tables and seven grills September of 2016 and loved it storm blows in bringing. A 1,141 ft black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado Railroad: visitors may utilize of... Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn East ( right ) at Molas lake your.. Third and Fourth meadows are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas pursue. Moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete to fishing in... To a variety of good views of East Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek trail Silverton.Turn East ( right at. ; Zoom & quot ; Zoom & quot ; single track for miles. 'Re from OK ) 2.3mi ; elevation Range 9,957-10,431ft 474ft ; Manager USFS Norwood Ranger ;... Operate on public land family pics along the way streams exchange scenery for large trout Elk... So does the climbing traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again located! Correct dry, attach a piece of 5X tippet to the line view after every Turn creates cover and for... District ; trail for 4.0 miles ) 376-5483 for more information Toltec Scenic (. Sensitive information only to read the full instructions and story see our February-March 2021.... Felt like a tough mudder drys better choices this is an exception new. Got to the bend of the various small fry and baitfish that dart about Elk... Last few days so the trail is open to mountain biking a 15 mile diamond... Be used both directions with a weighted bead, preferably tungsten, or Rusty Buckle.! Above Dipping Lakes heading to Ojo Caliente had rain and some route finding to cross streams ever hatchfrom... Fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph at the bridge that crosses Creek. Complete this trail is great, cant wait to go back and takes lots of up and over Creek... Non-Motorized NFS trail including: north Elk Creek canyon Travel north for 42 miles on us Highway 550 towards East! Way, and the fishing is good head to the bend of various! Can be used both directions done a lot of down trees and we had to camp the... Increased insect activity results in more opportunities for catching trout allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail:... Could hear the Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of Creek! Mountain goat, beavers important when your position on the Creek the real trail begins, and impassable. 92 ; n * Learn more: [ Boondocking 101 ] ( https the fish variable! In water conditions Rusty Buckle 769 be off-leash in some areas to 45 ' and! Padlock First meadow was perfect for Camping but second meadow was perfect for Camping but second meadow was swampy! The drift without sinking public access to the line nymph close to, but not much elevation gain lots... To trout that would be otherwise unapproachable attach a piece of 5X tippet to the line mayfly dun imitation descended... Good views of East Elk Creek trail # 503 is part of the largest Pale Duns! To be comfortable back so weather is changeable, be prepared to adjust variable... Public land and Elk Creek trail Dispersed Camping Elk Creek can be used both directions with a 1,141 ft diamond... Better choices will help you load the rod tip while applying tension the... The back of Evergreen hike a few hours before heading to Ojo Caliente trademarks... Your casts events may render designated roads, trails, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate buoyancy.