The first mile of Elk Creek Trail follows a logging and mining road that has been abandoned. This section of the trail is the easiest section. Just as the road leaves the timbered area the trail forks to the right and leads through Elk Creek Basin. The trail connects with Woods Lake Trail, 406, from which it leads south to Navajo Lake or north to Woods Lake.

This trail serves as a connecting link between the Elk Creek Road and the Woods Lake Trail. Approximately one half a mile up Elk Creek Road is an abandoned sawmill site. The remains of some cabins and machinery lay strewn about the site. (Logging occurred on 160 acres of private land in the Elk Creek Basin.) You'll notice a cabin and abandoned mines along the road.

Before the trail connects with the Woods Lake Trail, there are some open areas with beautiful views of the Wilson and Specie Mesa country. Woods Lake is visible from one overlook and the Uncompahgre Plateau can be seen at a distance.

Directions: From Sawpit, Travel Highway 145 east for three miles and turn right on Silver Pick Road, #622. Follow Silver Pick Raod for 6.8 miles, after crossing the cattleguard take the first road to the right toward Bear Creek. This is Road #645. Follow it for two miles to the Elk Creek Trailhead. Road #645 is a four wheel drive road.

Elevation: 9,760 feet

Ending Elevation: 11,480 feet

Elevation Gain: 1,750 feet

Distance: 3.6 miles

Usage: Light

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

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