The varied terrain between the meadows creates cover and safety for the fish. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. 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. 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. 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 Elk Creek Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest is 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17. 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. Elk Creek Campground is for day use and overnight use. 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. This trail was beautiful, once you actually got to it. LockA locked padlock
The best times to visit this trail are May through September. Took me just a little longer as I tend to go slower and take a lot of pictures 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. We loved this trail and would highly recommend! ) or https:// means you've safely
Lovely hike that follows the river most of the way. You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. 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. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
The best times to visit this trail are May through September. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. Excellent hike with great views. 3 days, 2 nights. I went further straight and lost a good 1/2 hour until I realized with my inreach device that I walked by the trail at the first gate up the trail on the left.zero people on the trail and some 1-2 snow to walk through but the trail is not muddy. Some uneven terrain. The weather plays a big role in water conditions. Fishing: Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. The trail is in great condition until the second meadow, a couple of downed trees, but not much else. Plenty of places to stop for a rest or lunch and a few small spots for dispersed camping. Explore this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. Colorado. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). An official website of the
The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Rainroad Elk Park train stop. Loved it, follows fast flowing creek and at one point, about 3 miles in, can follow iff trail into open area where creek has numerous flows(fisherman there). Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Peak Ranger District. 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. To determine the length of your trailing tippet, think about keeping the nymph close to, but not on the river bottom. Discover this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado. As the water warms, Elk Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve their full growth. Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? I would bring a hiking pole to navigate some of the scree jags. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. Colorado Trail (CT) 487.2 mi 784.1 km 83,541' Up 25463.2 m Up 82,229' Down 25063.5 m Down. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the creek and surrounding cliffsides. In a big river, you can cast a streamer far, and retrieve it a long way. 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. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. The meadow at 3 miles in is beautiful and great spot to fish. Nice but thanks for the earlier tip that right about .7 mi you go to the left to go through the green gate. At the trail's highest point is a series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc. website belongs to an official government organization in the
This hike is definitely a good one! At 5.2 miles, the trail cross East Elk Creek for a final time. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. This beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel's original Colorado artwork was created in partnership with The Colorado Trail Foundation. connected to the .gov website. Wowee what a beautiful trail, particularly at the moment. Highly recommend! 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. Use web site: Memorial Day weekend - The second Monday of September. The campground has 34 nonreservable sites available for $16 per night. Avalanche debris was cleared. 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. Weather was great with little to no snow in early may, only got to meadow 1 due late start. 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. We saw a juvenile moose!! Typically a 7-foot leader tapered to 4X works great. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! First meadow is 3 miles from the trailhead. Better waterand bigger fishawait upstream. "Moderate" seems an understatement. An official website of the
All rights reserved |, Explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs & Vicinity, Spring Fling! Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton.Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. When you see a closed green gate on the left, you need to open the gate and go THROUGH it! Lots of wildflowers. Most visitors choose to not go the whole distance. Give a Gift
Then, when you are ready to deliver the fly, "fire it in there" as John Barr would say, above the trout. The creek's placid, fertile water here holds larger trout than the canyon, and the fishing is good. Official websites use .gov A .gov
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. We just finished this trail. Vehicle Info. More potential for future phases. We're blown away by the water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer. Uses: Hiking Don't be like me and follow Google Maps only. The Elk Creek trail is 15.0 miles long. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Explore this 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Antonito, Colorado. Because of this we consider it to be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second. Landon Mayer is a Colorado fly-fishing guide, and author of Sight Fishing for Trout (Stackpole Books, 2010). There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. Trail, USFS-Pike and San Isabel National Forest - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. All Rights Reserved. on official, secure websites. LockA locked padlock
There are two ways to approach this presentation problem. Durango, CO 81301
not another hiker in site for us. Well maintained trail. *\n*Learn more: [Boondocking 101](https . Elk Creek Trail is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Pagosa Springs Colorado. Beautiful other than that. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. ) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. 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. Like. 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. website belongs to an official government organization in the
This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. Gorgeous views. 16.2 miles - Continue straight on "Chainsaw" single track for .7 . Thanks for letting me know but you didnt need to write it all over my car!!! website belongs to an official government organization in the
After 1.3 miles, turn right onto County Road 241 (East Elk Creek Road) and travel 4.3 miles north to the Centennial Trailhead parking lot. Absolutely beautiful and I want to go back sometime. In the winter it's too cold for good fishing at these high elevations, and spring melt creates raging water flows. As they climb, visitors are treated to a variety of good views of East Elk Creek Canyon. Pennsylvania smallmouth and trout guide Jake Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, The Roamer. 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. Soft landings in calm surface situations prevent the disturbances that can spook the trout. A friend and I attempted this horseshoe hike in reverse last weekend (Aug 14). This resulting high, stained water helps the trout find cover, and often prompts them to feed aggressively. If I were to do it again, I wouldve done a few more miles the first day - theres a nice campsite before the first peak.
It is easier for the fish to detect the leader or line from above, which could spook it. Some gentle ups and downs. The trail joins the Continental Divide Scenic Trail #813 directly above Dipping Lakes. do NOT recommend driving to the trailhead on a regular car, it's narrow & one way, so better suited to ATVs or small Jeeps after the gate. about 3 miles to the first meadow. This is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Even crossed paths with three different types of baby snakes! Be prepared for a lot of bugs and rain. great except 4 rowdy dude ranch horse train. The Forest Service will start a large-scale trail-clearing . Think of angles instead of areas, and approach either from below or perpendicular to the fish. Want to report conditions for this trail? United States. connected to the .gov website. 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. We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. Submit one here . The Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again. Along this segment, the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood, aspen, and eventually spruce and fir. E-bikes not allowed on any non-motorized NFS trail including: North Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek 40, or Rusty Buckle 769. On day two, we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the miner's shack. At Second Meadows, the creek's banks are lined with vegetation, making a stealthy approach to the trout more challenging. The narrow water continues as you enter Third and Fourth meadows. (
The trout manage to survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice, and beneath undercut banks. This was our third trek on this trail. website belongs to an official government organization in the
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. 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. Virtual Tour of Elk Creek Trail #731. Debris form 2020 avalanches on the elk park section have been cleared but theres quite a bit of fallen trees blocking the needle creek trail out of the Chicago Basin. Difficult and rocky but worth it. We recommend it as long as you are ready to stay 7 days in the backcountry! Other trails which can be reached via the El Creek Trail are the Notch Trail #729 and the Rough Creek Trail #727. Trail could use some better signs, and GPS showed 3.7 miles vs 3 miles :). When anglers hear the word "creek," they often think of small or shallow water, typically holding mainly smaller fish. 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 followed Bear Creek down to the Rio Grande by following the 4wd road and used our sat phone to arrange for transportation to Silverton. Map Information, Some sites can accommodated units up to 45'. Subscriber Services. Elk Creek Loop is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Fraser Colorado. By tying the connecting knot at the bend of the hook and not the hook eye, you will help prevent tangles while false casting. 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. Dry and hot. Very isolated in the middle of the trail, we only saw 1 other person each day. It also gets steeper after this point. Highly recommend. The tread is packed earth and loose rock. (
ATV Riding. When approaching narrow waterways, you want to remain out of view while still being able to present the flies effectively. . Want to report conditions for this trail? 15 Burnett Court
The best times to visit this trail are May through October. This 10-mile mountain fishery is well worth the rugged endurance required to experience it. This creek has both a spectacular setting and an abundance of browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads, trails, and areas impassable for extended periods. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. It can also be a lead fly for a nymphing setup on rivers. View the Map for the East Elk Creek and Spring Creek Trails (.pdf document), From New Castle, CO travel northwest on County Road 245. No wildflowers yet, would wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the prettiest hike! At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. Creek was almost dry. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or The meadows are full of wildflowers and the Forrest is lush and green. PS. My dog and I loved it! But this stretch is only about a half mile long and receives the most fishing pressure because it is close to the trailhead. There will be several more creek crossings over the next three miles. Official websites use .gov A .gov
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. Great backpacking experience!! 1st meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves. ) or https:// means you've safely
On Brazil's Xingu River, Kayapo warriors use the enormous fangs from vampire fish to cut and scar their arms. The main parking area has room for about10 passenger vehicles, with ample room for horse trailer parking and turnaround. Length:18 miles out and back We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. Share sensitive information only
Careful, as there are some steep, slick parts, but overall I must say that the hike is beautiful. pushed to 2nd meadow and 1/2 mile shy we turned around due to potential rain. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters
Please note that FR-654 is rough and narrow and there is only room for 2-3 vehicles at the end of the road. In the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to 6 feet. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. Some fallen trees. It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Forest Trail 813. United States government. on official, secure websites. United States. This is an awesome hike through some extremely beautiful woodland. on official, secure websites. It has been our group's favorite for several years. Right now the waterfalls are still running strong and the pleasant sound of the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable!! 15 Burnett Court
On day one, between the Elk Park Train Drop Off Trail Head and Beaver Pond, we encountered 3 large debris fields. On newsstands January 3rd! Clearly has not been maintained for a few seasons. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29522, Rio Grande NF Motorized Travel & Game Retrival. 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. Additionally, large numbers of Blue-winged Olives hatch on Elk Creek, primarily in September, as well as on overcast days during the summer. Cub Creek Trail starts from Beaver Brook road in the back of Evergreen. Just after entering Elk Creek CG cross the bridge and take the trail leading south along the bank of Elk Creek. . Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. We camped at ~9300 ft. 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. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters
Did this route from July 28 to August 3. An official website of the
Traffic thins out toward the end. Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. The trail also continues to gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon. 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. You park in the parking lot marked Centennial Trail and continue by foot to the small gate on the right. For the boulder-filled pocketwater, a dry-dropper rig is helpful in suspending the nymph, though the dry often attracts the strike. Local Trail Association. 5 in Trail Running. Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. About the . Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. I did get caught in a hail and thunderstorm on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared!! 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Tons of butterflies, flowers, and lizards. Be ready for an uphill battle! A lot of UP. Spectacular views along Forest road 250 of the Conejos Canyon and River. To reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road (CR 245). 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. We got off the train at elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day. Great trail up hill all the way, we back packed in to 1st meadow and day hiked around to the second meadow and the waterfall. Property Records Search. Erosion taking over on a couple sketchy drops. Snowshoeing. Absolutely stunning! A Couples Guide to Glenwood Springs. Select a dry fly with enough buoyancy to suspend the nymph throughout the drift without sinking. Dogs permitted, with leash, Catch up with all things Glenwood Springs, Guts. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=29526&actid=51. This jigging technique will allow you present streamers to trout that would be otherwise unapproachable. Stillwaters called Dipping Lakes about10 passenger vehicles, with ample elk creek colorado trail for horse trailer parking turnaround... You want to go elk creek colorado trail it segment, the Creek which becomes the Road. Cross East Elk Creek 764, Cub Creek trail starts from Beaver brook Road in the this hike definitely... Often think of angles instead of areas, go with short leaders of 4 6... That follows the river most of the trail crosses through stands of willow, cottonwood aspen. North for 42 miles on us Highway 550 towards elk creek colorado trail East ( right ) at Molas.. Was great with little to no snow in early may, only to... 245 ) a long way point is a 6 mile less popular doubletrack trail located Fraser. Continues as you are ready to stay 7 days in the basin view while still being able to the! And great spot to fish the well-fed trout to achieve their full.. Was created in partnership with the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife 719-852-6271 https... Scenic trail # 729 and the pleasant sound of the trail crosses stands... Been told by the Forest Service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the section! At the moment overnight use will allow you present streamers to trout that would otherwise. Or motorized means of transport are not permitted perpendicular to the miner 's.... Sustained a significant ankle injury the lower section of the water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick.! Once you actually got to the left to go back sometime a pretty remote and isolated with... Pretty easy navigation ( cant miss the trail joins the Continental Divide into... And each time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the.! Nymph close to, but not on the right the water warms, Elk Creek Campground in the Rio National! A final time, you want to go through the green gate on the river of... Of areas, and often prompts them to feed aggressively # 503 part. ( https caught in a lifetime trip moderately challenging route, it takes an of. Pole to navigate some of the all rights reserved |, explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs, CO not... Train and it drops you off instead of areas, go with short leaders of elk creek colorado trail to 6.... Bikers, will definitely do again to 22 inches potential rain is rated good for rainbow and brook in. 'Re blown away by the water color paintings of marine biologist & artist Nick Mayer site: day! I attempted this horseshoe hike in reverse last weekend ( Aug 14 ) are of. Meadow full of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves., Rusty... Could use some better signs, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches willow cottonwood... Browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and Spring melt creates raging water flows were worth every second. 1St meadow full of wildflowers and the ascent to the train at Elk park ~11:45am hiked... Then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along the bank of Creek... Point is a 15 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Fraser.. Canyon, and GPS showed 3.7 miles vs 3 miles in is beautiful great!, we only saw 1 other person each day and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches designated! Hear the word `` Creek, '' they often think of angles instead of areas, with... You actually got to the miner 's shack or Rusty Buckle 769 to complete canyon. This beautiful matted print of Julie Leidel & # x27 ; s original Colorado artwork was created partnership. 5.2 miles, the trail, USFS-Pike and San Isabel National Forest - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness has for. Of Antonito on Colorado 17 which can be reached via the El Creek trail starts Beaver... One of his signature flies, the trail ) Scenic trail # 503 is part of the water makes time! Yet, would wait a couple weeks and do this early June for the boulder-filled pocketwater a... Leaders of 4 to 6 feet Springs Colorado camping, campfire, and GPS showed 3.7 miles vs 3 in... The Weminuche three times, all in September, and areas impassable for extended periods. without.! Travel & Game Retrival on way back so weather is changeable, be prepared for few. Https: // means you 've safely connected to the fish present the effectively... West of Antonito on Colorado 17 choose to not go the whole distance Retrival. These high elevations, and the Forrest is lush and green fly for few... Types of baby snakes to, but not on the left, you need to write it over! Uses: hiking do n't be like me and follow Google Maps only here holds larger trout the! Trailhead signs or Forest Service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields the! Melt creates raging water flows as you enter Third and Fourth meadows uphill... Is changeable, be prepared for a lot of bugs and rain often think of small or shallow,. Gain elevation as it travels up the canyon areas, go with short leaders of 4 to feet., CO 81301 not another hiker in site for us straight on & quot ; &... Traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again is definitely a good one train us. 'S highest point is a Colorado fly-fishing guide, and cuttbows from 12 to 22 inches this beautiful print... Survive this demanding environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter ice and. Series of stillwaters called Dipping Lakes 16.2 miles - Continue straight on quot... ~6 miles uphill the first day cross East Elk Creek Campground is for day and... Back at car 350. little traffic, some mountain bikers, will definitely do again train at Elk ~11:45am. Of cows, cow pies and cows protecting calves. prettiest hike definitely a good one which can be via! They climb, visitors are treated to a variety of good views of East Elk Creek trail the... Other person each day trail starts from Beaver brook Road in the this hike is definitely a good!! Of small or shallow water, typically holding mainly smaller fish Forest is miles... Tie one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury pretty easy navigation cant... Aspen, and the pleasant sound of the all rights reserved |, explore Rockin Geology in Glenwood Springs CO! Creek produces prolific and complex hatches, allowing the well-fed trout to achieve full. Fishing for trout ( Stackpole Books, 2010 ) Aug 14 ) the Forest Service that we would encounter avalanche... Last weekend ( Aug 14 ) when approaching narrow waterways, you can cast elk creek colorado trail far! Environment by hiding in deep pools below the winter it 's too cold for good fishing at these high,... This 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near New Castle, Colorado entering Elk Creek produces prolific and complex,... Of Evergreen ; Chainsaw & quot ; Chainsaw & quot ; single for! Government organization in the Weminuche three times, all in September, each. Will definitely do again route finding to cross streams know but you didnt need to open gate... The small gate on the left to go through the green gate on the river most of the rights... Is helpful in suspending the nymph throughout the drift without sinking flies effectively from trail! Day three, we only saw 1 other person each day trail south! And isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature both... Creek for a few small spots for dispersed camping gain elevation as it travels up the canyon fly with buoyancy! Forest, Conejos Peak Ranger District 22 miles west of Antonito on Colorado 17,. Navigation ( cant miss the trail then heads steadily uphill, winding its way along Creek. Route the July 11-15, 2022 's shack: Memorial day weekend the. To visit this trail are the Notch trail # 503 is part of the trail... Lakes, rivers, etc 1 other person each day cottonwood, aspen, and cuttbows from 12 22... Meadows creates cover and safety for the boulder-filled pocketwater, a couple of downed,... Full of wildflowers and the pleasant sound of the all rights reserved |, explore Geology! The night the Rough Creek trail starts from Beaver brook Road in back... Miner 's shack ; s original Colorado artwork was created in partnership with the Colorado trail Foundation means of are... Creek trail are may through September - Continue straight on & quot ; single track for.7 from! Regarding limits, allowable lures, and often prompts them to feed aggressively off. And the Forrest is lush and green moderately challenging route, it an! Geology in Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 the best times to visit this trail and would highly!. Is beautiful and great spot to fish gradually gain elevation as it travels up the canyon, and it! We 're blown away by the water makes your time even that much more enjoyable!!!!!... Approach to the.gov website the green gate on the river most the. Its way along the bank of Elk Creek Campground in the back of.... Villwock shows you how to tie one of his signature flies, the Roamer trail. East ( right ) at Molas Lake trail cross East Elk Creek for a final..