The trail climbs gradually as you follow Vallecito Creek north. The trail travels around the campground and starts again. The trail follows Junction Creek and provides beautiful views in all directions. Most trails are open to horseback riders too. In the first 2 miles you will rise more than 500 ft. above the 2020-2021 at Vallecito Nordic. Consider the hike up that point now a warm-up, because from here on out the trail is a steep and steady uphill trudge. After .6 miles you enter the Weminuche Wilderness. Vallecito Creek. Tour of Carvings. A secondary route climbs steeply to Twin Lakes. The trail is easy to follow but quite steep, ascending 3,000 feet before reaching the basin. The hike begins in a steep canyon with ponderosa pine forest, aspens, and conifers. The trails have been cleared. Part of the thrill of off-roading is that everyone in the vehicle is a little on edge for the duration of the experience. Vallecito Marina is the one and only marina located on Vallecito Lake. The Sauls Creek Trail is an excellent place to begin in this part of San Juan National Forest. Learn More. We went to Vallecito Creek Trail in Bayfield, CO during a snow storm in January 2017. The avalanche debris was cleared from the trail in fall 2007. Vallecito Campground area map. Located just 25 minutes from Bayfield and less than 40 minutes from Durango, CO, our marina is the best way to enjoy Vallecito Lake - the premiere recreational lake in Southwest Colorado. 1)From Bayfield, head north on County Road (CR) #501, also called the Vallecito Road. San Juan National Forest: Vallecito Creek Trail - See 565 traveller reviews, 190 candid photos, and great deals for Durango, CO, at Tripadvisor. The Vallecito Creek Trail begins in the Vallecito Campground. Creek Trail - Easy to Moderate A stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip. After 0.5 miles, as the shoreline grows too rugged, the trail climbs higher and the views slip away behind the basin walls. 2)From Durango, head north on … Parking for the Vallecito Creek Trail, a major access point for the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest (no mountain bikes or motorized vehicles allowed), is at the entrance to the campground. Tour PackagesAs part of your vacation experience the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers the ability to visit additional locations that highlight the history and culture of Southwestern Colorado. Easy access to Vallecito Creek Trail Outdoor living and dining with seating and grill (summer only) Great family camp house Sleeps five Lake Marina is one-minute drive Quiet neighborhood setting Bedroom 1 on ground level - full bed Bedroom 2 - full bed Bedroom 3 - twin bed Bedroom Loft - twin bed The trail is downhill first, so it will be more challenging once you turn around and head back to your car. Vallecito has 22 miles of shoreline and our resort sits on the quite side of the lake. Vallecito Creek Trail (#529) – approximately 8.5 miles to Johnson Creek, 2000 ft ascent. I had organized this trip through the Durango Hiking & Backpacking Group on Facebook. Trail #'s 529 & 504. San Juan National Forest: Vallecito Creek Trail - See 565 traveler reviews, 190 candid photos, and great deals for Durango, CO, at Tripadvisor. Purgatory Creek Trail is rated as a 2.5 mile out and back winter hike near Durango. Or take Vallecito Creek trail and experience the same breathtaking views. Boasting a ping pong table, gas fireplace, and furnished backyard, this 1,388-square-foot home has everything you'll need to create unforgettable memories with your family. Cave Basin Trail is a 10.2 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Bayfield, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out the hiking trails. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains in southwest Colorado, Vallecito Resort offers temperate summers, outstanding beauty and a full range of leisure activities. The hike begins in a steep canyon with ponderosa pine forest, aspen and conifers. La Plata Canyon. Nestled at the end of a wooded road in this little town sits this 3-bedroom, 2-bath vacation rental home for 7 on the shores of Vallecito Creek. Continue on Vallecito Trail #808. Tour of Carvings Turn left on Middle Mountain Road (FS #724). Watch out for visible rocks up East Creek and at the end of the FS road. The Tour of Carvings Project is a comeback story of the Vallecito community following the Missionary Ridge Fire of`2002. Purgatory Creek Trail. Durango … The trail travels around the campground and starts again. The first outings will take place on the Vallecito Creek Trail. In the winter snowshoeing is available. We got a couple of inches of additional snow this week. The trail is about five miles long but use caution because there are usually cyclists and horses out on the trail as well. Take the road about 8 miles to the Cave Basin Trailhead. Spend your days fishing in Vallecito Lake, horseback riding in the surrounding wilderness and exploring nearby Durango. 1-877-872-4607. At 1.1 miles, the trails climbs a ridge between Vallecito Creek drainage and Weasel Skin and Fall Creek Drainage. The plan was to hike up the Vallecito Creek Trail and into the Weminuche Wilderness. Johnson Creek in full flow on 26th June 2009! The Vallecito Creek trailhead is located about 30 miles east of Durango past Vallecito Reservoir. Jan 24, 2015 - Trailhead is in the parking lot just outside the campgrounds. About 5.6 miles from Rock Creek, the trail comes up on the Needle/Johnson Creek Trail #504. Aug 3, 2019 - Trailhead is in the parking lot just outside the campgrounds. Use caution as this is a multi-use trail. 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