Colorado Trail - Elk Creek Trail
Elk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Elk Park train stop and ends where the Colorado Trail merges with the Continental Divide Trail
One of the biggest drawing points of the Elk Creek trail is the unique opportunity to combine a Wilderness trip with a ride on a steam locomotive. This same attraction can also affect other aspects of your wilderness experience, by decreasing overall solitude with increased visitation. Elk Creek drains the northern portion of the Grenadier Range, which includes Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks; a mecca for mountaineers.
These features, along with access to the Continental Divide Trail, make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the Weminuche Wilderness. Remember to filter water and practice low-impact camping and follow all Wilderness restrictions. This trail is considered most difficult.
- Distance: 9 miles
- Maximum elevation: 12,800 ft
- Minimum elevation: 8,900 ft (at Elk Park)
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
General Information
Available. Purification recommended.
This trail is located in the Weminuche Wilderness. Please review the Weminuche Wilderness Regulations for full list of regulations and restrictions. Regulations include:
- Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted.
- Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes).
- 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.
- Group size is limited to 15 people.
- Combination of people and stock = 25.
- Dogs under control.
- No unattended campfires.
- Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source.
- Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land.
- Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations.
- Practice leave no trace ethics.
Address: 367 Pearl Street Bayfield, CO 81122
Phone: (970) 884-2512
Hours: Friday only, 10:00am-4:30pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From Durango, CO:
- Access from Durango & Silverton Railroad: Visitors may utilize Durango & Silverton Railroad to access the San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness.
- Access from Molas Trail: Travel north for 42 miles on US Highway 550 towards Silverton. Turn east (right) at Molas Lake. Just north of Molas Pass, turn right (east) into dirt parking lot. Hike 5 miles down Molas Trail to Elk Park, than an additional 1 mile to Elk Creek Trail.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - River/Stream Info
Elk Creek is rated good for rainbow and brook trout in the lower section of the creek. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc.
Recreation Groups
The Colorado Trail (CT) covers 567 miles between Denver and Durango passing through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Colorado Rockies.