Several downed trees. Follow FDR #578 for approximately 9 miles to the Hermosa Creek trailhead in Hermosa Park. Some technical terrain and limited alternate lines. 766' Down 233.5 m Down, 22.6 mi • Because the Elbert Creek trailhead begins at just above 8,500 feet, hikers will witness the landscape transforming from the desert sagebrush and scrub oak of Durango (6,512 feet) to aspen groves and alpine meadows of the higher elevation. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. High altitude sickness may occur at this altitude. You will need to hike the additional 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers) each way from the South Lower Trailhead to the Upper Trailhead. Uneven terrain with small rocks or roots. To request your selected free visitor guides, please fill out the form below and click "Submit". 1)22 miles north of Durango on U.S. 550, turn off the highway southwest of the Needles Country Store. 2861.74 m Down, 8.5 mi 2761.26 m Up Based in Durango, Colorado, Durango Trails is a 501(c)3 organization that builds and maintains trails, educates trail users and encourages connectivity on road, path and trail. • We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. On this narrow trail, be aware of other trail users, including horses, as this is a common ride year round. 3,261' Up You must have JavaScript enabled to fill out this form. The cliff band emerges abruptly from the forest showing, among other landmarks, Purgatory Flats, the Animas River Basin, Potato Hill, Engineer, Twilight peak and the Needles, Pigeon Peak, and Electra Lake. Hikers looking for views will not be disappointed with the views from Purgatory Cliffs, which include the surrounding mountains and surrounding evergreen valley. • From the Needles Country Store, the trail climbs steadily uphill on an east-facing slope inhabited by aspens. It then crosses Elbert Creek Road (Forest Road 581) and climbs a small hill, traversing beautiful, scenic meadows. 1,360' Down Take a left turn onto FDR #581 and follow for about 3 miles to where Elbert Creek and the trail cross the road. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Steep. • Follow FDR #578 for approximately 9 miles to the Hermosa Creek trailhead in Hermosa Park. 484.44 m Down, 7.8 mi Create Recommended Route or 6,235' Up Land Manager: USFS - San Juan National Forest Office, 6.9 mi Castle Rock via Elbert Creek Trail is a 4.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Durango, Colorado that features a river and is rated as moderate. Beginning Elevation: 8,800 Feet (2743.1 Meters) Directions from Durango, Colorado: Access 1: 22 miles north of Durango on U.S. Highway 550, turn off the highway southwest of the Needles Country Store. 3)Access is available via the Hermosa Creek Trail. Take a left turn onto FDR #581 and follow for about 3 miles to where Elbert Creek and the trail cross the road. The South Elbert Trail is the standard route for winter climbing. Mount Elbert is a 14,433 foot mountain in the Sawatch Range of Colorado. Parking is available. The west section, ridden east to west, is a less trafficked trail. 704.12 m Up This is a very popular campground for hikers. Water is available, but requires filtering to prevent possible Giardia. — Technical terrain with no alternate lines. Follow FDR #578 for approximately 9 miles to the Hermosa Creek trailhead in Hermosa Park. 13.7 km © 2008 - 2013 APN Media, LLC. 752' Up • 10mi • 724.08 m Down. A spring surfaces near the cabin at the base of Castle Rock. • Request these additional visitor guides selected below. It can be ridden uphill, but expect to hike-a-bike in a few steep spots. Shortly after beginning the trail there is a creek crossing. 1900.45 m Up Despite stunning views and a rigorous hike, Elbert Creek Trail remains less traveled than many others in the area. Follow this road 2 1/2 miles to the fork and then turn left onto Elbert Creek Road (FDR 581) and follow it about 3 1/2 miles to Elbert Creek and the trailhead. See our full. Elevation Gain: 400 Feet (124.7 Meters) Drive approximately 9 miles to the Hermosa Creek Trailhead in Hermosa Park. Mostly ridden as a downhill from FR 581, Elbert Creek's east section ends at the parking area near the Needles Conoco gas station on Hwy 550. 414.64 m Down, 7.2 mi The trailhead is at the corrals. 1,589' Down Turn right along an abandoned logging road through the clear cut on and into the woods. Spam? At the trailhead, navigate your way through the cattle gates, being sure to close them behind you, and begin your hike along a flat, shaded trail. Part of the Hermosa Creek Trail System. All Rights Reserved. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. At the trailhead, navigate your way through the cattle gates, being sure to close them behind you, and begin your hike along a flat, shaded trail. 1,824' Down Be sure to close the gates as you go through. The trail then abruptly drops for some 7 miles into the Hermosa Creek drainage. Being a jerk / offensive? Overgrown, non-used trail with steep hike when traversed from west to east. We offer a compact version of Go-Colorado for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. 2761.11 m Down, 5.4 mi High altitude sickness may occur at this altitude. Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and potable water. All Rights Reserved and. Follow the trail roughly 5 miles downstream to the Big Lick Creek and Elbert Creek Trail junction. 9,389' Down 494.05 m Up Please explain. 13.1 km Elbert Creek Trail is a hearty hike clocking in at 9.9 miles with steep sections throughout, but the rewards, especially in the fall, are worth the effort. This trail goes a couple miles down to the Elbert Creek Trail. Mostly ridden as a downhill from FR 581, Elbert Creek's east section ends at the parking area near the Needles Conoco gas station on Hwy 550. 1,621' Up Located off the Halfmoon Road (FSR 110), Elbert Creek is a first-come, first-served campground adjacent to the Mount Elbert and Mount Massive Trailheads at 10,000 feet. We also have the following visitor guides in Colorado. The first half of the hike travels through one of these groves and the light that is filtered through the leaves becomes bright gold in the morning. Distance – 9.6 miles round trip (15.4 km) Height – 14,433 feet (4,399.18 m) From the Needles Country Store, the trail climbs steadily uphill on an east facing slope with aspen trees. Leaf peepers on the hunt for a show of color will find the changing aspens in the fall stunning and very well worth the effort of reaching the peak. • • From there, the trail curves around the base of Castle Rock and continues to climb. The trailhead is not readily visible, but follow the path towards the corral until you reach the Elbert Creek Trail sign. You're all set! 483.89 m Up 9,059' Down A spring surfaces near the cabin at the base of Castle Rock. Length, One-way: 9.9 Miles (16.5 Kilometers) Enjoy this brief section, as the remainder of the hike follows a more vertical line. When the trail begins to emerge from the shadows of the tall pines, follow it east as it rambles over moss covered rocks and exposed tree roots. • 11.8 km The trail then abruptly drops for approximately 7 miles into the Hermosa drainage. In the fall, veins of yellow aspens contrast with the snow capped peaks and evergreen valley. Return to Main Site. The trail gets very steep from here on, but remains simple to navigate with the exception of a few tree roots and mud if there have been any mountain storms, which is apt to happen in the late summer and fall.