Duck Lake Trailhead - Trail # 732

Area Status: Open

The Duck Lake trail is 3.7 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 128 and ends at Duck Lake.

The trail is a fairly gentle walk that offers scenic vistas of the Conejos Valley and gives access to several small fishing lakes. The South San Juan Wilderness is entered about 2/3 of the way up the trail.

The trail is fairly steep for the first mile as it climbs to the bench above Elk Creek. The remaining two miles traverses gently rolling terrain. Duck Lake is popular for fishing and is often the main attraction to those traveling this trail. At several points along the trail spectacular views into the Conejos River Valley can be enjoyed. Just below Duck Lake there is a waterfall where South Elk Creek tumbles over a high ledge.

The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Up to the wilderness boundary, mountain biking is allowed.

General Information

Directions:

From Antonito travel 23 miles west on State Highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground turn. Take the left fork of this access road and follow it 1.5 miles past campground, the trailhead is at the road's end.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

From the trailhead to the South San Juan Wilderness boundary only.

Difficulty Level:	Easy

Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping PROHIBITED in the Conejos Canyon from the junction of hwy 17 and FDR 250 to the Platoro Dam except developed campgrounds and designated dispersed camping areas. The Rio Grande National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map highlights areas where cross-country motor vehicle use is allowed within 300 feet of roads solely for the purpose of dispersed camping. Please follow Leave No Trace principles when camping on public lands, including: Travel and camp on durable sufaces, dispose of waste properly, be considerate of other campers. Use only certified weed-free hay or pelletized feed for livestock.

Lake and Pond Fishing

Difficulty Level:	Easy

Day Hiking

Difficulty Level:	Easy

Backpacking

Difficulty Level:	Easy

Horse Riding

Difficulty Level:	Easy

Big Game Hunting

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Difficulty Level:	Easy

Duck Lake Trailhead - Trail # 732

General Information

Recreation Map