After 9 miles, we would turn off onto the less-frequented Johnson Creek Trail and climb over Columbine Pass at 12,680 ft. Yes, Vallecito Nordic is open! The trail has incredible towering aspens, snowy views and wildlife along the way. The trail is well marked with a small elevation gain. 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. General Notes: Host on site. Take a point to hike the trail to Spud Lake and enjoy overlooks of Purgatory Mountain Resort across the way. The trail is easy to follow but quite steep, ascending 3,000 feet before reaching the basin. 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. Hiking around the lake is a year round pleasure at Vellecito. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains in southwest Colorado, Vallecito Resort offers temperate summers, outstanding beauty and a full range of leisure activities. Each tour may be added to your historic steam train ride. The Tour of Carvings Project is a comeback story of the Vallecito community following the Missionary Ridge Fire of`2002. The trails have been cleared. Vallecito Creek runs almost entirely in the Weminuche Wilderness, for about 20 miles, and empties into the Vallecito Reservoir. Children have the perfect opportunity to explore the woods and search for signs of wildlife along this spruce-covered trail. The trail is downhill first, so it will be more challenging once you turn around and head back to your car. Part of the thrill of off-roading is that everyone in the vehicle is a little on edge for the duration of the experience. The trail follows Junction Creek and provides beautiful views in all directions. Vallecito Creek Trail: Access from the east. There’s a split for about a half mile, horse riders to the left, hikers to the right. 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. Spend your days fishing in Vallecito Lake, horseback riding in the surrounding wilderness and exploring nearby Durango. Vallecito Creek borders one side of the campground and the whole area is … The avalanche debris was cleared from the trail in fall 2007. 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. The Vallecito Creek Trail begins in the Vallecito campground. Vallecito Marina is the one and only marina located on Vallecito Lake. The trail is about five miles long but use caution because there are usually cyclists and horses out on the trail as well. Looking towards La Plata Canyon from County Road 124 near Mayday. Purgatory Creek Trail. Vallecito Lake Event Center It follows right along the river allowing you access to the water. Learn More. Vallecito Creek Trail (#529) – approximately 8.5 miles to Johnson Creek, 2000 ft ascent. Vallecito Resort is a full service RV Park and campground with cabins. Turn left on Middle Mountain Road (FS #724). On Friday morning, we groomed the FS road, East Creek, and we set classic tracks on the FS road. Or take Vallecito Creek trail and experience the same breathtaking views. The Sauls Creek Trail is an excellent place to begin in this part of San Juan National Forest. In the first 2 miles you will rise more than 500 ft. above the Pulling west, the trail hugs Vallacito Creek at the foot of the steep hillsides. The trail climbs gradually as you follow Vallecito Creek north. Durango … Creek Trail - Easy to Moderate A stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip. Day Trip from Durango: La Plata Canyon and Kennebec Pass Top Guided Destination from Durango. La Plata Canyon. Take that road north 20 miles around Vallecito Lake. Vallecito Campground area map. In the winter snowshoeing is available. 2020-2021 at Vallecito Nordic. 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. A secondary route climbs steeply to Twin Lakes. Jan 24, 2015 - Trailhead is in the parking lot just outside the campgrounds. Use caution as this is a multi-use trail. 1-877-872-4607. The trail climbs gradually as you follow Vallecito Creek north. Seven picnic sites are near the campground entrance, along the creek. The plan was to hike up the Vallecito Creek Trail and into the Weminuche Wilderness. Vallecito Creek Trailhead. Most trails are open to horseback riders too. 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