| Elk Creek Trail is popular with hikers, fishermen, and horseback riders because of its easy access, gentle grade, and the varied terrain of the Elk Creek Valley. The trail provides an ideal day hike for those camping at Elk Creek or Old La Manga campgrounds, or can be the starting point of a longer camping trip through the Conejos Plateau Area.This 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 meadow valleys. The trail is well traveled by fishermen, hikers, and horse packers, and is easy to follow.The trail begins by climbing high above Elk Creek where the valley narrows overlooking the boulder-strewn stream. It then follows the valley, with Elk Creek meandering slowly through the wide, flat First, Second, and Third Meadows. Steep cliffs of volcanic rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons. Aspen, ponderosa pine, fir, and spruce forests cover the valley slopes. 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.The lower section of the Elk Creek Trail, below its intersection with Trail #729, is closed to motorized vehicle use. This vehicle closure provides a safer, more desirable route for hikers and horseback riders on the section of narrow trail directly above Elk Creek Campground. |
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