Basics
- Location:
- Northeast of Durango
- Setting:
- Mountainous
- Length:
- 15.5 miles oneway
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate
- Time:
- 8 to 9 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 8000 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 3800 feet
- Season:
- Summer - Fall
Description
The Vallecito Creek Trail begins in the Vallecito Campground. The hike begins in a steep canyon with ponderosa pine forest, aspens, and conifers. After 0.6 mile you enter the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail climbs gradually as you follow Vallecito Creek north. You will cross Taylor Creek, Vallecito creek, and Second Creek as you continue on through meadows and aspen groves. After 11 miles you will cross Roell Creek. Look for waterfalls, cascades, and pools as you reach the Rock Lake Trail turnoff at 13 miles and continue on FS #655 to Rock Lake.
The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and in August. There are excellent views and photographic possibilities. Water can be found off the trail in most of the tributaries, but due to Giardia it should be filtered. As with all high-altitude areas, storms can move in rapidly, bringing severe wind, lightning, rain, snow, or hail at any time of the year. Plan accordingly.
Fishing Considerations:
Wild rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout are found in Vallecito Creek. The fish are appropriate for the size of the stream, generally 8-to-12-inch range. Deeper water may have trout of 16 inches, but they are not found often. The river offers some of the finest fly-fishing found anywhere. The entire Vallecito Creek drainage in the Weminuche Wilderness is managed as fly-and-lure-only water, with a bag and possession limit of 2. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc.
Details
Location:
Setting:
Length:
Difficulty:
Time:
Trailhead Elevation:
Elevation Change:
Season:
Useful Map(s):
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From Bayfield, head north on County Road (CR) #501, also called the Vallecito Road, for 13 miles until you reach Vallecito Reservoir and continue north on the west side of the reservoir for an additional 11 miles to the Vallecito Campground, where the trailhead is located.
2) From Durango, head north on Florida Road (CR #240) for 14 miles until you reach CR #501 and continue north on #501 to Vallecito Reservoir. Continue on the west side of the reservoir for an additional 11 miles to the Vallecito Campground, where the trailhead is located.
