Elk Falls Pond is a 9.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Conifer, Colorado that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Staunton State Park charges a fee to enter. Entrance fees are $10/vehicle or $4/person for any non-vehicle entry. An annual pass is also available for $80.
March 6, 2021
March 3, 2021Snow has really melted off the trail. Still some packed/icy patches in the upper shade but not necessary for spikes
March 2, 20213/2/21 - Trail is starting to get a little muddy in some spots, but it’s mostly avoidable. Still some packed snow and ice in some areas, but didn’t need my spikes/Yaktrax at all. Overall great hike and conditions.
February 23, 2021February 7, 2021February 3, 2021so pretty in the winter! traction needed after the first few miles. we couldn’t find the waterfall cuz the trail was going off the alltrails map in a different direction and there was some weird chain hanging across the trail about .1 miles from where the waterfall should have been. will try again next time but still worth the trip.
January 31, 2021January 27, 2021January 24, 2021Great!
January 16, 2021January 1, 2021Great hike to start the new year! Great views, very few people. No sweeping vistas, but those are available elsewhere in Staunton. The pond is pretty when it's frozen over. Light snow pack for most of it. Didn't even need spikes, but good winter hiking shoes or boots recommended. Exactly what we were hoping for.
December 31, 2020This is a fairly easy trail getting there. The signs are clear on where to go and the pathway is super clear and easy to follow. As a fellow hiker that genuinely does primarily 4 mile hikes, this was BRUTAL!! But also a huge accomplishment. 10/10 recommend.
December 28, 2020Beautiful. Definitely some slick spots & nice snow. Went up Bugling Elk from Elk Falls Pond. For those who aren’t familiar with that trail There is one tricky spot where you can lose the trail. It was beautiful on that trail & doesn’t seem to be traversed much lately. There was a light snow for the full hike - Gorgeous!
December 20, 2020December 19, 2020December 19, 2020Hiked on Saturday 12/19. Snow-covered trail the whole way, but we didn’t use the spikes we carried. Not slick enough to need them. Started at 9 and done by noon. Not many people heading out to the pond but passed plenty on the way back. Fair amount of winter mountain bikers too.
December 9, 2020Hiked this route yesterday on Wed 12/9, adding Scout Line and Marmot Passage Trails to make a clockwise lollipop loop, which adds about a mile and 300' elevation gain to the hike. A beautiful unseasonably warm 60 degree day, there were a fair number of hikers on the various trails and, on average, I saw another party roughly every 30 minutes or so. There was plenty of parking at the trailhead and everybody was conscientious about social distancing. There was maybe 15-20% snow coverage on these trails but only ONE super-icy spot at the beginning of Scout Line Trail that required the use of microspikes. Otherwise, the trails were nice and dry. Summer hiking boots were more than adequate for all other snowpacked/icy sections, most of which became slushy and muddy by mid-afternoon. As a bonus, I sighted deer in two different locations on this route. With tonight's snowfall (6-10" predicted), this will likely be a totally different hike by tomorrow morning.
December 5, 2020November 19, 2020Great day for an out and back to Elk Falls today. More trekkers than expected at the onset - thinned out as we got further away. Trails are well marked - only trace amounts of snow. Hike beyond the pond was fairly easy and quick.
November 13, 2020Not too challenging. Around 5.5 miles to get to the falls which were iced over-pretty cool. Have to do some scrambling near the falls, but worth it. Moderate amount of traffic
November 7, 2020November 6, 2020November 6, 2020Well maintained and clearly marked trails. Thank you. Also knee-friendly :-). Started the hike at 7am (and 28F) and did not encounter another hiker for many miles. Elk Falls, Lionshead and the surrounding scenery is incredible. Wonderful hike. When I returned to the parking lot at 2pm it was just about full.
November 5, 2020November 1, 2020October 19, 2020October 13, 2020October 11, 2020October 5, 2020Hiked on 10/4 to see the aspens. They're anywhere from "just starting to turn" to "peak colors" so now is the time to go but there is still some time left. The pond is nice but nothing too rewarding so we added the Elk Falls mini-trail to our adventure, bringing us to a total of 11-miles. It was definitely worth it and we saw two deer near the creek about half a mile before the pond. Just be sure to listen for cyclists because most of them don't announce themselves.
