ELK CREEK COLORADO TRAIL
Located in a neighboring New Castle, hike just a portion of the trail or leave early and go for the long haul on this 18-mile round trip hike. Adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness!
The first 1.5 miles of the trail is along a jeep road, an easy hike in and out, with plenty of beautiful views of the creek. At the bridge that crosses the creek the real trail begins, and so does the climbing. The trail extends 18 miles to the Flattops. Most visitors choose to not go the whole distance. Because there’s no obvious turn around point, it’s important for hikers to remember that they must retrace the same distance already walked, so plan accordingly.
• Uses: Hiking
• Length:18 miles out and back
• Ability Rating: Moderate to difficult
• Usage: Moderate to heavy
• Dogs permitted, with leash
The trail is a significant distance from town. To reach the trailhead, take 7th Street/Midland, which becomes the Buford Road (CR 245). About 1.2 miles from Castle Valley Boulevard’s intersection with the Buford Road, take the right branch of the Y onto East Elk Road (CR 241). Here the road becomes progressively more primitive, but keep going another 4.3 miles to reach the parking lot.
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