• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Champagne Tastes®
  • About
  • Travel
    • Food Travel
    • Outdoor Adventure
  • Recipes
    • Garden To Table
    • Seafood
    • Camping Recipes
    • Ferment
    • Backyard Foraging + Wild Game
    • Cooking Basics
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Garden To Table
  • Seafood
  • Ferment
  • Foraging + Wild Game
  • Cooking Basics
  • Camping Recipes
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Food Travel
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Travel » Outdoor Adventure

    Elk Park to Needleton Backpacking Loop (Silverton, CO)

    Published: Oct 7, 2022 · Modified: Mar 21, 2023 · 2 Comments

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    The Elk Park to Needleton backpacking loop near Silverton, Colorado, covers over 40 miles and features stunning mountain vistas. Here’s an overview!

    View from Columbine Pass of mountains in distance.
    Columbine Pass

    The crowning jewel on our recent vacation to Colorado was an epic backpacking trip.

    The Elk Park to Needleton loop in the Weminuche Wilderness, to be precise.

    We took our time getting there. Stops like Mesa Verde, Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Garden of the Gods, and Great Sand Dunes National Park — all were part of our plan to acclimatize ourselves to the altitude before embarking on the big one.

    (For more details on how we prepared to hike this loop, check out my guide with suggestions on the train ride, gear recommendations, etc.)

    To access the trailhead, take the Durango-Silverton train to the trailhead at the Elk Park train stop. You’ll catch the train again at the end of the trail loop (at Needleton).

    Train cars rounding a bend on the side of a mountain.
    Durango-Silverton Train

    How Long and Difficult Is The Elk Park to Needleton Loop?

    I’ve seen a few different estimates for the loop length. Our Garmin map said we walked about 43 miles.

    As for the elevation, Garmin listed our elevation change as 15,331 feet.

    This entire hike is at high elevation, with the lowest point just over 8,200 feet, and the highest point at 12,849 feet.

    Map showing hiking route and elevation information for Elk Park to Needleton Loop.
    Trail Route + Elevation Changes

    I’ve seen this trail listed as moderately difficult. If you’re not used to hiking at high elevation, that alone makes it somewhat difficult. That said, the trail isn’t technically difficult (though if you have a fear of heights, see the Columbine Pass section below).

    How Many Days Will The Elk Park to Needleton Loop Take?

    We did the hike in five days and four nights.

    We probably could have finished a day early if we’d pushed ourselves — but I also think that taking it even slower – making it a 6-day trek – would have been even more enjoyable.

    Here’s a look at the segments of this loop.

    Elk Creek Trail (Colorado Trail)

    Take the train to the Elk Park stop.

    Railroad track with forested mountain in background.
    Elk Park Train Stop

    The trailhead isn’t obvious from the train stop.

    Follow the train track “Y” ahead (on the right, not the one the Durango-Silverton train used) for just a couple hundred feet. You should see a trail through the grass on the left.

    When we were there, the trail was fairly overgrown at this point, but don’t worry! It will get better.

    Beginning of Elk Park to Needleton loop, an overgrown grassy trail with a hiker in distance.
    Overgrown Trail from Elk Park

    Within a few hundred feet, you should see a (fairly faded) sign for both Colorado Trail and Elk Creek. Continue following the trail and soon it will meet up with the Colorado Trail.

    Hiker next to aspen trees with sign for Elk Creek trailhead nearby.
    Sign for Elk Creek Trail

    When you reach the official trailhead, make sure to register.

    Registration and Informational Signs at Elk Creek Trailhead.
    Registration at Trailhead

    This section of the trail is about nine miles long.

    It’s a gorgeous trail that follows the creek and has sweeping mountain views.

    Elk Creek Trail running along side of mountain.
    Elk Creek Trail

    You’ll pass two small avalanche fields with lots of downed trees (but the trail had been cleared when we were there). Next, you’ll come to Beaver Pond.

    There are lots of camping spots here, and we were told moose sightings are common at dusk and dawn.

    Beaver Pond with mountains rising in background.
    Beaver Pond

    Continue on the trail and you’ll pass a waterfall and eventually arrive at a meadow.

    After the meadow, you’ll see a large avalanche debris field. (Again, the trail had been cleared when we were there! You can always check trail reviews to see current conditions.)

    You’ll then have several miles of steep trail, followed by a meadow.

    After the meadow, this trail really begins to climb.

    Hiker with trekking pole climbing rock scramble on Elk Park to Needleton loop.
    Elk Creek Trail Rock Scramble

    Along the way, you’ll pass a short (fairly easy) rock scramble, pictured above, as well as an old collapsed miner’s cabin.

    Small collapsed cabin on hillside of Elk Creek Trail.
    Miner’s Cabin

    There are several campsites in this area.

    As you hike, you’ll also see the entries for several old abandoned mines. (Do not try to explore these!)

    Next, you’ll hike a series of switchbacks that lead to the best view of the whole trip – the trail junction where the Colorado Trail meets the Continental Divide Trail (CDT).

    Scrub brush growing on hillside with switchback trails on Elk Park to Needleton loop.
    Switchbacks on Elk Creek Trail

    Take a few moments here to enjoy the 360-degree views!

    View of mountain range stretching into distance on Elk Park to Needleton loop.
    View from Junction of Elk Creek and Continental Divide Trail

    Then turn right onto the CDT.

    Sign pointing way to Elk Creek Trail and Continental Divide Trail.
    Junction of Elk Creek and Continental Divide Trail

    The Continental Divide Trail

    This section of the trail may be somewhat busy. We found out it was a smart idea to strike up conversations with fellow hikers.

    They just might help you plan your next moves!

    We spoke to a man who asked us what our camping plans were, and then helped guide us to the best spots along the way.

    We also learned that you can rent pack llamas in nearby Silverton and take them on the trail!

    Two llamas and a dog on the Continental Divide Trail.
    Llamas on Continental Divide Trail

    As you hike, you’ll pass Eldorado Lake in the distance on your right, and then the trail begins to steeply descend towards Kite Lake.

    Eldorado Lake, a dark blue oblong lake surrounded by rocky hillsides.
    Eldorado Lake

    The trail goes almost right next to Kite Lake, and it’s a great spot for a lunch break or for camping.

    Kite Lake, a turquoise oblong lake surrounded by rocky hillsides.
    Kite Lake

    After passing Kite Lake, the trail gets wider and rockier. This section of the CDT is also an ATV trail.

    Soon, you’ll come to a trail junction. On the right, you’ll notice the (currently very crooked) trailhead marker for Hunchback Pass, a section of the CDT.  Turn right and head towards Hunchback Pass.

    Informational sign for Hunchback Pass.
    Hunchback Pass Trail Sign
    Signs attached to dried up tree about national forest wilderness being closed to vehicles.
    Hunchback Pass Trail

    The Hunchback Pass trail will take you up, up, and up, and at the top you’ll see more great views.

    Mountain views from Continental Divide Trail.
    Hunchback Pass Trail

    The trail descends from there. Follow it until you reach Vallecito Creek Trail.

    Continental Divide Trail crosses small stream with mountain views ahead.
    Hunchback Pass Trail

    Vallecito Creek Trail

    This is a connector trail on your trip, taking you from the fabulous views you just saw to another set of sweeping views.

    You’ll follow this trail about 10 miles downhill on a not-terribly steep grade. This is mainly a shady, forested trail, but it does have some pretty views.

    Creek with mountain rising in background along Elk Park to Needleton loop.
    Views Over Vallecito Creek Trail

    Technically this should be among the easiest parts of the route, but (as of September 2022) lots of large downed trees may slow you down.

    When you see a downed tree that’s too large to step over, take a moment to look around. Often there’s another trail that’s been forged either around the tree or over to a spot that’s easier to climb or step over.

    Hiker on path with downed trees along Elk Park to Needleton loop.
    Downed Trees on Vallecito Creek Trail

    I recommend wearing long sleeves and pants on this trail, because climbing over downed cedar and pine trees can scratch your legs and arms. Also, there are a number of overgrown (sometimes thorny) bushes intruding over parts of the trail.

    As with many “creek” trails, there are several stream crossings. Depending on the water flow the day you hike, some may be slippery with strong current, so watch your footing and use your trekking pole to help brace yourself when crossing.

    Water flowing over rocky streambed along Elk Park to Needleton loop.
    Vallecito Creek Trail

    Also, be aware that there are very few campsites along this trail. We ended up camping partway down at a campsite in the Stormy Gulch area, and we spotted another site near the Rock Creek crossing.

    Most of the campsites are at the bridge crossing where Vallecito Creek Trail meets the Johnson Creek Trail. This trail junction is also a great place to filter water and eat lunch.

    Johnson Creek Trail

    The Johnson Creek Trail is primarily an unrelenting 7.25-mile uphill hike (with almost no shade), but it more than makes up for its difficulties by providing waterfalls and (when you pass the tree line) great views.

    Waterfall on Johnson Creek Trail.
    Waterfall Along Johnson Creek Trail
    Views of evergreen trees and mountains in distance along Elk Park to Needleton loop.
    View From Johnson Creek Trail

    There aren’t many camping areas along the steepest parts of this trail, and many of the flatter areas are swampy. Look for a group camping area about four miles up on the left. We stayed here and had the whole camp area to ourselves!

    Camp chairs, tent, and campfire in field surrounded by trees and rock faces along Elk Park to Needleton loop.
    Campsite Off Johnson Creek Trail

    A few more miles uphill, just before a set of switchbacks, we found several pretty individual campsites on the right. Beyond those, there’s not much available until you’re nearly at the top.

    Once you pass the tree line, the trail becomes very rocky. Have fun saying to yourself or your hiking buddy, “Wow, these Rocky Mountains are really rocky!”

    Rock scramble on Johnson Creek Trail.

    These rocky sections were full of pikas, chirping at us constantly to (I think) cheer us on as we made our way to the top.

    Just before the top of the trail (the Columbine Pass), you’ll reach Columbine Lake.

    This is a perfect spot to rest up, eat lunch or a snack, and filter water. This would also be a great place to camp (as long as you’re at least 100 feet from the water).

    Columbine Lake with bare rocky mountains in distance.
    Columbine Lake

    Columbine Pass

    This pass provides more sweeping views of the Continental Divide.

    View from Columbine Pass with rocky mountains stretching into distance.
    View From Columbine Pass

    It’s a breathtaking spot, and I would’ve enjoyed it more if my fear of heights hadn’t made the experience somewhat nerve-wracking.

    Bare rocky mountain tops viewed from Columbine Pass.
    View From Columbine Pass

    This is a steep pass, both up and down. The top sections are covered with loose pebbles, and there are steep drop-offs on one side.

    If you’re afraid of heights, this may not be a trail for you.

    Columbine Pass trail along side of treeless mountain with other peaks in the distance.
    Columbine Pass Trail

    Chicago Basin + Needle Creek Trail

    Once you start heading downhill (carefully) on the Columbine Pass, you’ve entered the Chicago Basin on the Needle Creek Trail.

    Loose rocks and bare rocky mountaintops along Elk Park to Needleton loop.
    Chicago Basin

    From the top of Columbine Pass to the Needleton train stop is about nine miles.

    This is another gorgeous area, and it’s also a popular base camp area for hikers headed to any of the three 14-ers (14,000-foot elevation peaks) that surround the basin.

    This area will likely be the most populated of the entire loop. (Evidently a lot of hikers opt to start from the Needleton train stop and do a shorter out-and-back hike in this area.)

    Mountain slopes covered in grass and evergreen trees along Elk Park to Needleton loop.
    Needle Creek Trail

    There are no campfires (stove fires only) allowed within the Chicago Basin. Plan to dress warm enough to be comfortable without a campfire!

    You’ll find lots of camping options when you get down off the mountain trail area onto the plateau. Once you begin going steeply downhill off the plateau, there are very few campsites available until you’re almost at the end of the trail.

    As you hike through the basin, keep an eye out for mountain goats.  We didn’t see any (even though I was assured that there were so many I’d be shoo-ing them away with my trekking pole), but some campers we passed saw one.

    We did see a few more mine entrances.

    Entrance to mine in side of mountain on Elk Park to Needleton loop.
    Entrance to Mine on Needle Creek Trail

    Follow the Needle Creek Trail downhill. As you hike, you’ll pass SO MANY waterfalls. 

    Waterfall on Needle Creek Trail.
    Waterfall on Needle Creek Trail
    Waterfall on Needle Creek Trail.
    Waterfall on Needle Creek Trail

    Keep going all the way downhill. When you reach the trail junction, go to the right all the way to the Animas River for the Needleton train stop.

    Once you cross the bridge over the Animas River, you’ve made it!

    Now it’s time to relax a bit and wait for the train to take you back to civilization.

    By the time we were finished with the Elk Park to Needleton loop, we were ready for a feast back in Durango – Himalayan Kitchen was amazing.

    And our tired muscles were more than ready for a little pampering. So we headed over to Pagosa Springs to soak in the hot springs – a great way to celebrate the completion of this hike!

    Have you ever done the Elk Park to Needleton loop, or a different nearby route? Or do you have any questions about backpacking in the Weminuche Wilderness? Let us know in the comments!

    « Preparing to Hike Elk Park to Needleton (Silverton, CO)
    European Delights Bakery (Nicholasville, KY) »

    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Steve

      November 28, 2022 at 1:09 pm

      Excellent write up, I especially appreciate the beta on campsites. Thanks for taking the time to post this.

      Reply
      • Alisha Trenalone

        November 28, 2022 at 1:32 pm

        We’re glad you found it helpful, thanks for letting us know!

        -Alisha at Champagne Tastes

        Reply

    Leave a Comment: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    bio

    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

    Learn More →

    Currently Trending

    • Sardine Fish Cakes in a stack with sauce on the serving tray
      A Canned Sardine Recipe: Mini Fish Cakes
    • pan-seared rockfish on a plate
      Pan-Seared Rockfish
    • pan-seared red snapper on plates
      Pan-Seared Red Snapper
    • crab butter sauce on a platter with crab legs
      Crab Butter Sauce

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Supplemental Privacy Notice For California Residents
    • Supplemental Privacy Notice For Nevada Residents

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Recipe and Photo Reuse Terms + FAQ

    Copyright ©2015-2023 Champagne Tastes
    All Rights Reserved.