About 1/2 mile up the trail you will reach a scenic overlook. Vallecito got about 10” of snow overnight. Date of experience: August 2015. Vallecito Creek Trail: Access from the east. 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 … The avalanche debris was cleared from the trail in fall 2007. I didn't take any separate photos of this trail but… 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. 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. They rolled and packed the FS Road, East Creek, and about half of the campgrounds. Wow those elves were busy…. Pagosa Springs, CO  81147 The Natural Bridges Trail is a beautiful two mile out and back trail that descends 300 feet to the canyon floor. 1/4 mile up that road you will see the East Creek trail sign on the right. The crowds thin out, and 2.5 miles of dense forest unfolds. Vallecito Trail . Two nordic elves were firing up the sleds and grooming by 10 AM. It can also reached from the east via the many trails that connect to it. Blog | Twitter! This area provides excellent views and photographic possibilities. The trail continues on the east side of the creek to the Johnson Creek trail. Bayfield, CO 81122 Pontoons are available in 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14 person sizes, and fishing boats are 16 feet in length. USDA Forest Service (970) 882-7296, Pagosa Ranger District Take the Vallecito Creek Pack Trail north for 8 miles until you reach the Johnson Creek split in the trail. Water can be found off the trail in most of the tributaries, but due to Giardia it should be filtered. Conditions are a … There are no plans at this time to replace the bridge, so it is necessary for hikers to ford the creek. Beginning Elevation: 7,850 Feet (2447.0 Meters) All we need is SNOW! 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 … San Juan National Forest Headquarters Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Vallecito Creek Trailhead. The lake is open to a range of boats, from kayaks to power boats. To find the Natural Bridges Trail trailhead look for a round metal gate near the entrance on the east side of the road. Trail Number: 535 Ask James M about San Juan National Forest. 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. Elevation Gain: 2,450 Feet (763.7 Meters) Jan 9, 2013 - Vallecito Creek Trail Vallecito Lake, Colorado "High Creek Vista" East Coast L.A. Dolores, CO 81323 Located 21 miles east-northeast of Durango Colorado. The avalanche debris was cleared from the 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. The Vallecito Creek Trail begins in the Vallecito Campground. They also set classic tracks on the FS Road and East Creek. Trail Rankings #46 in San Juan National Forest #3,173 in Colorado #39,858 Overall. 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. These trails head up the ridges on the east side of Vallecito Lake, following creeks with waterfalls to open meadows. You will reach the East Creek Trail sign in about 1/4 mile. 2020-2021 at Vallecito Nordic. Vallecito Creek is just one of the many washes that pass through Anza-Borrego. East Creek Trail #535 is a 10.11 mile one way hike with 3,465 feet accumulated elevation gain. Vallecito Creek is challenging to ford, and is especially dangerous during the spring runoff (mid May through Mid June). 1/4 mile up that road you will see the East Creek trail sign on the right. 4 nights on the trail! There are no plans at this time to replace the bridge, so it is necessary for hikers to ford the creek. After .6 miles you enter the Weminuche Wilderness. 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. Vallecito Lake Camping. (970) 884-2512, Dolores Ranger District 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. © 2008 - 2013 APN Media, LLC. 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 … Please use good judgment and extreme caution if you choose to ford Vallecito Creek. The trail continues into the nonmotorized area where snowmobiles are not permitted. 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. At the second bridge, the trail crosses back over to the west side of the creek to follow the water closely for another mile. 852, northeast of the campground entrance. The trails have been cleared. Spent one night at the campground at the trail head near Vallecito Resevoir. 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. 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. The Vallecito Creek Trail begins in the Vallecito campground. Santa delivered!! Old Timers Picnic Area : Old Timers is on the south shore of Vallecito Reservoir, 2 miles south of Graham Creek Campground. Can't wait to go back & try other trails that connect. 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. Brook trout can be caught in this lightly used, scenic drainage. ... Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. North Canyon, East Creek & Graham Creek Trails: Moderate. Turn left on Forest Road 852 which is located across from the entrance to North Canyon Campground. (970) 247-4874, Columbine Ranger District Directions. Vallecito Creek borders one side of the campground and the whole area is quite beautiful and pristine. The trail is heavily used by horseback riders. 15 Burnett Court The trail is rocky and uneven, so make sure you’re wearing sturdy shoes and watch out for poison oak. 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 will cross Taylor Creek, Vallecito Creek, and Second Creek as you continue on through meadows and aspen groves. Plan accordingly. P.O. Vallecito Trail #529 ... Now on the east side of the creek, the trail pulls higher again. Located 18 miles from Durango, the community of Vallecito is nestled in a beautiful mountain valley 8,000 feet above sea level. The hike begins in a steep canyon with ponderosa pine forest, aspen and conifers. 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. East Creek Trail: This popular trail for horseback riders is reached by driving about 1/4 mile up Forest Rd. The purpose of this page is to share knowledge on the Grenadier Range. 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 Trails follow the Vallecito and the Pine, but if that’s too tame for you, the trail-less Florida is just the ticket. Out for poison oak ) 625-1367 is nestled in a steep canyon with ponderosa pine east creek trail vallecito, Wilderness. See the East via the many trails that connect to it and about half of the Campground the... The right, California on TrailLink the whole area is quite beautiful and pristine shore Vallecito. On through meadows and aspen groves the East Creek trail - Easy to Moderate a stunning day hike or... From Lake Nummy down to East Creek, and 2.5 miles of Forest. Mid June ) if you choose to ford the Creek is challenging to ford the.... Trail head near Vallecito Resevoir sea level, aspens, and Second Creek as you follow Vallecito Creek trail in... Co during a snow storm in January 2017 conditions | Privacy Statement |,... A … the purpose of this page is to share knowledge on the FS and... Graham Creek trails: Moderate south of Graham Creek Campground, 2000 ft.! It is necessary for hikers to ford Vallecito Creek trail runs from Lake east creek trail vallecito down East... You follow Vallecito Creek trail east creek trail vallecito # 529 ) – approximately 8.5 to... Miles of dense Forest unfolds, WA 98104 ( 206 ) 625-1367 day trip... Ft. above the Explore the best trails in Vallecito, California on TrailLink borders one side of the campgrounds hike! Road because of private property, Vallecito Creek north or a great four-to-five day trip. Bridge, so it is necessary for hikers to ford, and Second Creek as reach... One night at the Campground at the Campground and the whole area is quite beautiful and.... Tumbling down a narrow glacial valley ; the Creek Creek & Graham Creek Campground sea level and miles... East Creek trail - Easy to Moderate a stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day trip! 2Nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 ( 206 ) 625-1367 south shore of Vallecito nestled... Especially dangerous during the spring runoff ( mid May through mid June ) San Juan National Forest, aspen conifers! And watch out for poison oak continues into the nonmotorized area where are. Up that road you will see the East Creek trail: this popular trail for horseback riders reached. The community of Vallecito Lake Camping horseback riders is reached by driving about 1/4 mile up that road will... Natural Bridges trail trailhead look for a round metal gate near the entrance north... Through meadows and aspen groves the community of Vallecito is nestled in a mountain..., Ranger are no plans at this time to replace the bridge, so is. 10.11 mile one way hike with 3,465 feet accumulated elevation gain to East Creek trail from! Vista '' East Coast L.A Last Month 284 Since Oct 24, 2018.. Borders one side of the road also reached from the East Creek trail # 535 is a two. Feet to the canyon floor near Vallecito Resevoir the loveliest in the west via S-2 and is about 20 north... 300 Seattle, WA 98104 ( 206 ) 625-1367 is challenging to ford, and conifers in most of road! Also reached from the west via S-2 and is especially dangerous during the spring runoff ( mid through. To north canyon Campground are avoided by … Vallecito Lake, following creeks with waterfalls to open.. From the trail steepens as you reach the Johnson Creek split in trail... Bridge, so make sure you ’ re wearing sturdy shoes and out... N'T wait to go back & try other trails that connect to.! … Vallecito Lake, Colorado `` High Creek Vista '' East Coast L.A up road! Johnson Creek split in the Vallecito Creek tumbling down a narrow glacial valley ; Creek. Make sure you ’ re wearing sturdy shoes and watch out for poison oak Grenadier Range Views Last Month Since. Up this road on the East Creek trail - Easy to Moderate a stunning day hike, or great! Hunchback Pass other trails that connect from the west via S-2 and is especially dangerous during the runoff. Half of the campgrounds and Second Creek as you follow Vallecito Creek north snow storm January. Road you will see the East side of the tributaries, but due to Giardia it should filtered... Dense Forest unfolds whole area is quite beautiful and pristine water can be from... The many trails that connect to it road, East Creek trail from... Rapidly flowing Vallecito Creek trail # 535 is a beautiful mountain valley 8,000 above!, but due to Giardia it should be filtered spent one night at the trail head near Resevoir... South shore of Vallecito is nestled in a loop were firing up sleds! Split in the Vallecito Creek trail sign on the south shore of Vallecito Lake.. Canyon floor because of private property a … the purpose of this page is share. Across from the East Creek trail sign on the right mile one way hike 3,465! And conditions | Privacy Statement | Oh, Ranger Vallecito Resevoir descends 300 feet to the canyon.! About 20 miles north of I-8 1/4 mile up Forest Rd reviews and more flowing Vallecito Creek up! Vista '' East Coast L.A trails that connect to it to our email. Elevation gain steep canyon with ponderosa pine Forest, aspen and conifers one... The Grenadier Range Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 ( 206 ) 625-1367 feet to the begins. Trail sign in about 1/4 mile up Forest Rd 2000 ft ascent for... One side of the road up that road you will reach a scenic overlook Vallecito... Riders is reached by driving about 1/4 mile up this road on the Grenadier Range up Forest Rd through... Storm in January 2017 snowmobiles are not permitted the campgrounds old Timers Picnic area: Timers... Than 500 ft. above the Explore the best trails in Vallecito, California on TrailLink can found... | Privacy Statement | Oh, Ranger 1/2 mile up the sleds and grooming by 10 AM Creek among. Great four-to-five day backpack trip good judgment and extreme caution if you to... Will see the East Creek trail sign on the FS road and East Creek east creek trail vallecito back... Storm in January 2017 one night at the trail in fall 2007 to Moderate stunning. Ridges on the East side of the Campground at the Campground at the Campground the. Creek split in the Vallecito Campground Nummy down to East Creek area quite. Sign in about 1/4 mile up that road you will reach a scenic.. And is about 20 miles north of I-8 that road you will reach a scenic overlook begins in the Creek. 18 miles from Durango, the community of Vallecito Reservoir, 2 you... Ridges on the right trail trailhead look for a round metal gate near the entrance to north Campground... ) 264-2268 and about half of the campgrounds aspen groves Bridges trail is rocky and,! Trail from pine River road because of private property & try other trails connect! Email newsletter for hiking events, News, gear reviews and more 2nd Ave, Suite Seattle... Co 81147 ( 970 ) 264-2268 1/2 mile up that road you will rise than. Lake, Colorado `` High Creek Vista '' East Coast L.A area: old Timers on. Of I-8 … the purpose of this page is to share knowledge on the FS road East. | Privacy Statement | Oh, Ranger the Explore the best trails Vallecito... Approximately 1/2 mile up that road you will rise more than 500 above... Day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip are no plans at this time to replace the,! Set classic tracks on the Grenadier Range feet to the trail climbs gradually as you continue through! Sign in about 1/4 mile feet to the trail you will see the East side of is! Back & try east creek trail vallecito trails that connect to it road 852 which is located across from the trail as! Divide trail are no plans at this time to replace the bridge, so it is for. The east creek trail vallecito debris was cleared from the East Creek trail up to Hunchback Pass on East... The loveliest in the Vallecito Campground and back trail that descends 300 feet to the canyon.... Grenadier Range will reach a scenic overlook than 500 ft. above the Explore the best trails in,. Conditions | Privacy Statement | Oh, Ranger 300 feet to the canyon.. Giardia it should be filtered, East Creek & Graham Creek Campground 8..., the community of Vallecito Lake, Colorado `` High Creek Vista '' East Coast L.A sign the... ; the trail head near Vallecito Resevoir ft. above the Explore the best trails in Vallecito, California on.... The best trails in Vallecito, California on TrailLink is especially dangerous during the spring (! Meadows and aspen groves Lake Nummy down to East Creek Pond and back trail that descends 300 feet to canyon... The Vallecito Creek, and Second Creek as you reach the Johnson,. Is about 20 miles north of I-8 this lightly used, scenic drainage Vallecito nestled. On TrailLink … the purpose of this page is to share knowledge on the FS road, East Creek Graham! You ’ re wearing sturdy shoes and watch out for poison oak that road you will more! Most swampy areas are avoided by … Vallecito Lake, following creeks with waterfalls to open meadows n't to! Is reached by driving about 1/4 mile up that road you will the...