Rio Grande National Forest

USDA Forest Service
Rio Grande
National Forest
1803 W. Highway 160
Monte Vista, CO 81144
719-852-5941

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-852-6271

The Duck Lake Trail is a fairly gentle walk that offers scenic vistas of the Conejos Valley and gives access to several fishing lakes.

Access:

Follow Highway 17 to the Elk Creek Campground turnoff, 23 miles west of Antonito. Take the left fork of this access road and follow it 1 mile past Elk Creek campground. At the trail head area, Duck Lake is on the left. Park at the main trail head area and walk on the rough 4wd road for 1/4 mile to reach the beginning og the trail. There is very limited parking available and is a very rough road.

Attractions & Considerations:

The Duck Lake Trail is a fairly gentle walk that offers scenic vistas of the Conejos Valley and gives access to several fishing lakes. The round trip makes an ideal day hike, especially for those camping at Elk Creek Campground or at the trail head.

Water is available along the trail as it passes by numerous streams and lakes; water should be treated before consumption. Adequate parking is available at the trailhead.

The South San Juan Wilderness is entered about half way up the trail. Motorized equipment is prohibited the entire length of this trail.

Narrative:

The Duck Lake Trail traverses high forested bench above Elk Creek that was carved into the valley wall by the glaciers that filled the valley over 28,000 years ago. The bench falls gradually to Elk Creek but is bounded on the south by a steep cliff or volcanic rock. Duck lakes, Rock Lake, Beaver Lake and several small beaver ponds lie on this bench. The lakes Lake, Rock Lake, Beaver Lake and several small beaver ponds lie on this bench. The lakes feed streams tributary to Elk Creek. Duck Lake feed a tributary of South Elk Creek, which dissects the bench before joining Elk Creek at First Meadows.

The Duck Lake Trail is fairly steep for the first mile, as it climbs to the bench above Elk Creek. The remaining two miles of trail traverses gently rolling terrain, providing a leisurely, scenic hike. The trail passes through forests of aspen and fir, where blue grouse can often be seen. Fresh subalpine meadows surround the old beaver ponds and lakes. Duck Lake is popular for fishing and is probably the main attraction to people traveling the Duck Lake Trail. At several points along the trail, spectacular views into the Conejos River Valley reward the hiker. Just below Duck Lake, the hiker can see a waterfall where South Elk Creek tumbles over a high ledge.