wildernet

Holy Cross Ranger District

Quick Facts

Tigiwon Road

Beginning Elevation:	8,120 Feet (2531.2 Meters)
Elevation Gain:	2,280 Feet (710.7 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	10,400 Feet (3241.9 Meters)
Length, One-way:	8.5 Miles (14.17 Kilometers)
Road Number:	FDR 707
Ti Topo Maps:	#108 Vail, Frisco, Dillon
USGS Maps:	Minturn; Mount of the Holy Cross

General Description

View of the Tigiwon area from Highway 24

INTRODUCTION
This easily accessed, graded dirt road provides beautiful scenery and a destination at a log lodge built in the 1930's. Originally built as a shelter for those traveling to Mount of the Holy Cross, this lodge is a favorite spot for weddings, picnics, reunions, etc.

The road continues beyond the lodge to Tigiwon Campground. It then climbs two miles further to two trailheads accessing the Holy Cross Wilderness, Half Moon Pass and Fall Creek. Back down the road, about two miles from the bottom, is the Cross Creek trailhead.

Tigiwon is one of the most popular two wheel drive roads in the area, and is only a couple of miles outside of the town of Minturn and the I-70 exit. Wildflowers are generally exceptional on this road.

TRAIL TIPS
Please do not "cut" around the switchbacks. Stay on the road to avoid erosion.

Directions from Vail: Follow I-70 west to the Minturn exit (#171). Follow Highway 24 south through the town of Minturn. At 4.5 miles from the interstate turn-off look for the sign on the right side of the road that reads "Tigiwon Road". You'll reach the lodge and parking area at 6.5 miles from the Highway 24 turn-off. Tigiwon Campground is just beyond the lodge. The road continues for two more miles to two trailheads.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: Summer through Fall (NOTE: Seasons vary depending on snow depth and weather) .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Closed. Opening date July 1st. May open earlier(June 20th) if conditions permit. Very rough and rocky. Updated: 2001-05-16 10:57:00.0

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Cross-country Skiing		Yes
	Automobile Travel	Tigiwon Road	Yes
	Mountain Biking	Tigiwon Road can be ridden, but remember, bicycles are NOT PERMITTED IN WILDERNESS AREAS.	Yes
	Scenic Driving	Tigiwon Road is accessible for 2 WD vehicles.	Yes
	Snowmobiling		Yes
	Snowshoeing		Yes
	Viewing Scenery		Yes

Related Activities

Holy Cross Wilderness Trails - Holy Cross District - The Holy Cross Ranger District portion of the Holy Cross Wilderness lies to the southwest of Vail and Minturn. The different trails are accessed from either US Hwy. 24, Tigiwon Road, or Homestake Road.

Tigiwon Campground - Tigiwon Campground is located near the end of Tigiwon Road, south of Minturn, at an elevation of 9,900 feet. Tigiwon is an improved gravel road, accessible in 2 WD vehicles.

Tigiwon Lodge - Tigiwon is a large log lodge available for public functions. It sits in a scenic area near the top of Tigiwon Road, south of Minturn, at an elevation of 10,000 feet.

Upper Eagle River General Forest Area - The Upper Eagle River General Forest Area includes most of the area from Minturn, south to Tennessee Pass.