You will enjoy varied mountain and vegetative scenery. Look for waterfalls, cascades, and pools as the trail steepens as you reach the Continental Divide Trail. I have made five extensive backpacking trips to this area so far, the last two being complete lengthwise traverses between Vallecito Creek and the Animas River. Go about 2.5 miles to the East Creek crossing, which is on a private property easement, then the trail follows above the north side of the creek. To reach the trail, go through Elkpoint Lodge area, across the Pine River bridge, through Five Branches Campground, up the hill onto Forest Road 603. We went to Vallecito Creek Trail in Bayfield, CO during a snow storm in January 2017. Wow those elves were busy…. The Natural Bridges Trail is a beautiful two mile out and back trail that descends 300 feet to the canyon floor. The trail begins approximately 1/2 mile up this road on the right. Located east of Vallecito Lake off of CR 501A, and in the San Juan National Forest, lies a single trail known as Lion Creek Trail. 36 Views Last Month 284 Since Oct 24, 2018 Intermediate. (970) 882-7296, Pagosa Ranger District East Creek Trail: This popular trail for horseback riders is reached by driving about 1/4 mile up Forest Rd. You will cross Taylor Creek, Vallecito Creek, and Second Creek as you continue on through meadows and aspen groves. Pagosa Springs, CO  81147 Ask James M about San Juan National Forest. Signs are posted at the boundary point. With more than 17 Vallecito trails covering 128 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the West Side Rails (Hull Creek to Clavey River) or Dentoni Park Trail . P.O. About 1/2 mile up the trail you will reach a scenic overlook. Vallecito Creek Trail: Access from the east. Take the Vallecito Creek Pack Trail north for 8 miles until you reach the Johnson Creek split in the trail. ... Once you get about 3 or 4 miles up the Johnson Creek trail, ... you can reach the top of Jupiter fairly easily by going up to Columbine Pass and following the trail to the North east towards Hazel Lake. East Creek Trail #535 is a 10.11 mile one way hike with 3,465 feet accumulated elevation gain. After 11 miles you will cross Roell Creek. 2020-2021 at Vallecito Nordic. Trail #'s 529 & 504. Vallecito Trail #529 ... Now on the east side of the creek, the trail pulls higher again. Most swampy areas are avoided by … Please use good judgment and extreme caution if you choose to ford Vallecito Creek. Vallecito Reservoir, CO quantity Add to cart SKU: CO-800487 Categories: 7.5 Minute Maps , Colorado Tags: East Creek Trail , Endlich Mesa Trail , Los Pinos River , Middle Mountain , San Juan National Forest , Vallecito Creek , Vallecito Trail , Weminuche Wilderness , West Mountain Note: On the Vallecito Trail, the third bridge (counting from the South) across Vallecito Creek is out due to an avalanche in the winter of 2004-2005. The range lies entirely within the Weminuche Wilderness of Colorado, and access to it will include un… Backpacked the Vallecito Creek trail up to Hunchback Pass. Vallecito Creek Trail (#529) – approximately 8.5 miles to Johnson Creek, 2000 ft ascent. Beyond Johnson Creek, the views open up. The hike begins in a steep canyon with ponderosa pine forest, aspens, and conifers. Durango, CO 81301 Prominent features include: Weminuche Wilderness, San Juan National Forest, Middle Mountain, West Mountain, Endlich Mesa, Miller Mountain, Carbonate Basin, Vallecito Reservoir, Lake Eileen, Chain Lakes, Los Pinos River, Vallecito Creek, Lost Creek, Red Creek, Jack Creek, Root Creek, Wilson Creek, Graham Creek, Lion Creek, South Bear Creek, Fall Creek, Runlett Park Trail, Vallecito Trail … Usage: Moderate Low fishing usage, low hiker use, moderate horse use, daily commercial rides to Lion Park. The trail climbs gradually as you follow Vallecito Creek north. Vallecito Creek Trailhead. Visitors enjoy the area for its boat rentals, hiking trail and fishing opportunities which are set amid a natural setting of ponderosa pine, gambel oak trees and aspen. Look for the markers with the red diamonds. In some places roots on the walking surface require a little attention to foot placement but for the most part the trail surface is hard packed with a leaf or pine needle cover. Turn left on Forest Road 852 which is located across from the entrance to North Canyon Campground. They also set classic tracks on the FS Road and East Creek. Directions from Bayfield, Colorado: Travel 14 miles north on County Road 501, then 3.5 miles on County Road 501A (across the Vallecito Dam), then turn right onto a gravel road located across from the entrance to North Canyon Campground. It can also reached from the east via the many trails that connect to it. The trail climbs gradually as you follow Vallecito Creek north. Guidebooks & Maps. This area provides excellent views and photographic possibilities. Virtual Tour of East Creek Trail #535. In the first 2 miles you will rise more than 500 ft. above the creek with fantastic vistas, then the trail drops down right beside the creek. Beginning Elevation: 7,850 Feet (2447.0 Meters) Located 18 miles from Durango, the community of Vallecito is nestled in a beautiful mountain valley 8,000 feet above sea level. Vallecito Creek and the Pine and Florida Rivers flow through the western portion of the Weminuche Wilderness and offer fly fisherman endless possibilities for hike-in angling for wild trout. Conditions are a … The purpose of this page is to share knowledge on the Grenadier Range. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recarea/?recid=43290&actid=50, San Juan National Forest COVID-19 Updates. Old Timers Picnic Area : Old Timers is on the south shore of Vallecito Reservoir, 2 miles south of Graham Creek Campground. My first time snowshoeing was a great adventure! This trail is a single track trail that forms a loop around Lion Creek which drains north into the Los Pinos River which feeds into Vallecito … Vallecito got about 10” of snow overnight. Santa delivered!! View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on … The trail is rocky and uneven, so make sure you’re wearing sturdy shoes and watch out for poison oak. (970) 247-4874, Columbine Ranger District On the Vallecito Trail, the third bridge (counting from the South) crossing Vallecito Creek is gone due to an avalanche in the winter of 2004-2005. Vallecito Trail . In the first 2 miles you will rise more than 500 ft. above the Blog | Twitter! 180 Pagosa Street P.O. Two nordic elves were firing up the sleds and grooming by 10 AM. Brook trout can be caught in this lightly used, scenic drainage. Like. The large lake is surrounded by a wonderful trail system, offering hiking, biking, camping, and water sports in the summer, and great Nordic trails in the winter. 29211 Highway 184 As one of the entry points for the very popular Chicago Basin, a number of more developed backcountry campsites dot the intersection, but you'll have to cross the bridge to find them. The lake is open to a range of boats, from kayaks to power boats. All Rights Reserved. There are no plans at this time to replace the bridge, so it is necessary for hikers to ford the creek. Directions. USDA Forest Service The trail continues into the nonmotorized area where snowmobiles are not permitted. Ending Elevation: 10,300 Feet (3210.7 Meters) Ends at Forest Service Road # 631 You follow rapidly flowing Vallecito creek tumbling down a narrow glacial valley; the creek is among the loveliest in the West. © 2008 - 2013 APN Media, LLC. As with all high altitude areas, storms can move in rapidly, bringing severe wind, lightning, rain, snow, or hail. There are also kayaks, canoes and stand up padd… ... Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. Explore the best trails in Vallecito, California on TrailLink. The avalanche debris was cleared from the trail … Vallecito … After 11 miles you will cross Roell Creek. Jan 9, 2013 - Vallecito Creek Trail Vallecito Lake, Colorado "High Creek Vista" East Coast L.A. The steepest part of the hike is the ascent to Hunchback Pass at 19.4 miles.The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and in August. Dolores, CO 81323 The Trail: The Vallecito Creek Trail starts out nice and level as it meanders around the borders of the Vallecito Campground, with lots of rock formations for the kiddos to climb on, which my kids took full advantage of on multiple occasions.Once it gets around the campground, the trail approaches Vallecito Creek, which you can easily see and access from the east … The crowds thin out, and 2.5 miles of dense forest unfolds. San Juan National Forest Headquarters Look for waterfalls, cascades, and pools; the trail steepens as you reach the Continental Divide Trail. The trails have been cleared. 367 Pearl Street Vallecito Creek is just one of the many washes that pass through Anza-Borrego. Sign Up. Photography (Lisa Bourque) Creek Trail - Easy to Moderate A stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip. Home | About Us | Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Statement | Oh, Ranger! The avalanche debris was cleared from the trail in fall 2007. Trail Number: 535 Elevation Gain: 2,450 Feet (763.7 Meters) 15 Burnett Court Get Here. 1/4 mile up that road you will see the East Creek trail sign on the right. 852, northeast of the campground entrance. Date of experience: August 2015. Water can be found off the trail in most of the tributaries, but due to Giardia it should be filtered. Located 21 miles east-northeast of Durango Colorado. From the Forest Service gravel road on the east side of the lake, take the gravel road that starts between North Canyon and Pine Point Campgrounds. Directions from Bayfield, Colorado: Travel 14 miles north on County Road 501, then 3.5 miles on County Road 501A (across the Vallecito Dam), then turn right onto a gravel road located across from the entrance to North Canyon Campground. It can be reached from the west via S-2 and is about 20 miles north of I-8. The trail climbs gradually as you follow Vallecito Creek north. Plan accordingly. Box 310 North Canyon, East Creek & Graham Creek Trails: Moderate. Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. So wax your skis and get ready… This season we welcome an additional partner the Pine River Irrigation District (PRID), which expands our longtime collaboration with the US Forest Service. You will reach the East Creek Trail sign in about 1/4 mile. After .6 miles you enter the Weminuche Wilderness. The hike begins in a steep canyon with ponderosa pine forest, aspen and conifers. You can bring your own and lunch from the boat ramp, or rent one seasonally at the marina.Vallecito Marina – You can rent quality pontoon and fishing boats by the hour (2 hour minimum) at the marina. (970) 884-2512, Dolores Ranger District The trail is heavily used by horseback riders. The Vallecito Creek Trail begins in the Vallecito campground. You will find the beginning of Vallecito Creek Trail at the Vallecito Creek campground, just a few miles past the North end of Vallecito Lake near the towns of Bayfield and Durango. Vallecito Creek borders one side of the campground and the whole area is quite beautiful and pristine. These trails head up the ridges on the east side of Vallecito Lake, following creeks with waterfalls to open meadows. Trail in San Juan National Forest, Weminuche Wilderness. Bayfield, CO 81122 Spent one night at the campground at the trail head near Vallecito Resevoir. On the Vallecito Trail, the third bridge (counting from the South) crossing Vallecito Creek is gone due to an avalanche in the winter of 2004-2005. You follow rapidly flowing Vallecito creek tumbling down a narrow glacial valley; the creek is among the loveliest in the West. I didn't take any separate photos of this trail but… Vallecito Creek is challenging to ford, and is especially dangerous during the spring runoff (mid May through Mid June). Trails follow the Vallecito and the Pine, but if that’s too tame for you, the trail-less Florida is just the ticket. The avalanche debris was cleared from the trail in fall 2007. There is no public access to the trail from Pine River Road because of private property. At the second bridge, the trail crosses back over to the west side of the creek to follow the water closely for another mile. Can't wait to go back & try other trails that connect. 4 nights on the trail! 1/4 mile up that road you will see the East Creek trail sign on the right. All we need is SNOW! You will cross Taylor Creek, Vallecito creek, and Second Creek as you continue on through meadows and aspen groves. Trail Rankings #46 in San Juan National Forest #3,173 in Colorado #39,858 Overall. To find the Natural Bridges Trail trailhead look for a round metal gate near the entrance on the east side of the road. They rolled and packed the FS Road, East Creek, and about half of the campgrounds. Part of the Vallecito, Colorado area. The white-blazed East Creek Trail runs from Lake Nummy down to East Creek Pond and back in a loop. (970) 264-2268. Camping at Lake Vallecito is very popular. thank you!! Box 439 The Vallecito Creek Trail begins in the Vallecito Campground. Vallecito Lake Camping. There are no plans at this time to replace the bridge, so it is necessary for hikers to ford the creek. The trail continues on the east side of the creek to the Johnson Creek trail. East Creek (#756) See weather forecast. Pontoons are available in 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14 person sizes, and fishing boats are 16 feet in length. After .6 miles you enter the Weminuche wilderness. East via the many trails that connect be caught in this lightly used, scenic drainage popular trail horseback. 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