Tigiwon Road status

[rockchalker Profile 14er Peak List (27) Trip Reports]

A group of us were planning to do Holy Cross the first week in September so I also very interested in the status of Tigiwon Road. I have sent an email to the forest service and will let you know if I hear any new news.

[jimmtman Profile 14er Peak List (34) 14ers in Winter (3)Trip Reports]

I spoke to the HC Ranger Station at lunch. Same story - Tigiwan road closed indefinately to motor vehicles until logging is completed - perhaps before October. The lady ranger said that walking on the road was permitted but of course add 8 miles each way. I asked about mountain bikes and she wasn't sure if that was allowed. She recommended using the Holy Cross City TH and joining up with the Fall Creek trail. I have to look at the map some more and also the Tuhare lake option. I expressed my displeasure about the road closure for the record.

[tmathews Profile 14er Peak List Not Entered]

I tried calling a couple of times and couldn't get anyone on the phone. I didn't have time to wait or call again. I'm planning a trip in that area around July 7th. Making plans for a Gore trip instead unless I hear the road opens.

I betcha they've been inundated with calls.

[leftyslugger Profile 14er Peak List (4)]

I'm sure they have. It's 100 degrees where I live. Hasn't rained since Jan. 24. My home A/C went out...I need some high mountain air! I'm not up for walking the road so I'll hit some lower, remote peaks and seek some solitude of the Gores.

Good luck to everyone in their climbing adventures this summer. Be safe!

[Missy_Goat Profile 14er Peak List (15) Trip Reports]

Thanks to the road closure, our July 4th plans for Holy Cross are debauched. Looking at some other alternatives that would be good for backpacking. Anyone know if there is camping near water on Handies?

[tmathews Profile 14er Peak List Not Entered]

Do you think a link to this thread should be emailed to the USFS or do you think that would piss them off since it might be the source of most of their calls?

[big_red_pride Profile 14er Peak List (33) 14ers in Winter (1)13er Peak List (15)Trip Reports]

Hey Missy,

Not sure about your Handies question, but I have moved my 4th of July weekend plans to this weekend and was thinking about Challenger/Kit Carson, that would be a backpacking trip into Willow Lake and then the hike the next day. Also, if you like a long slog up a gnarly road you can backpack into Lake Como for Blanca/Ellingwood. Just some ideas for you.

-Steve

[leftyslugger Profile 14er Peak List (4)]

I'm not sure if it would help. Every time I'm talked to a Ranger District they act like I'm "not allowed" in the National Forest. I guess they think that I'm going to ruin the wilderness. I pretty much don't ever ask them for conditions anymore because they always say "it's too dangerous," I guess to discourage use.

A thread like this may just make them keep it closed to keep people out. Who knows. It doesn't screw me too much, but for those who need Holy Cross to complete the 14ers it must really suck.

[Missy_Goat Profile 14er Peak List (15) Trip Reports]

Thanks Steve!

However, I have done both of those beautiful hikes! Enjoy Willow Lake - It's a butt kicking hike, but the reward of Willow Lake is well worth it!

[big_red_pride Profile 14er Peak List (33) 14ers in Winter (1)13er Peak List (15)Trip Reports]

Your welcome Missy. I guess I should have looked at your 14ers list first. From what I've heard and seen both the hikes back into Snowmass and the Bells have beautiful spots to camp out and then make the hike/climb the next day. Other than that I'm out of suggestions. Good luck on what ever you end up doing!

[BillMiddlebrook]

I've looked around and can't find any Press Release or public notice that this was going to happen during summer, 2011. Anyone else run across any public notice? If they are going to simply close off a popular trailhead without notice, they should expect to answer some tough questions. And, October?! Come on.

It's our land, we should ask questions. Again...
I urge anyone even remotely interested in hiking Holy Cross this summer to call the US Forest Service office and inquire about the road. Let's make them realize how many people this would impact!

USFS Holy Cross office: 970-827-5715
USFS Eagle District office: 970-328-6388

Email: johnlpeterson@fs.fed.us
cc: cbmyers@fs.fed.us

[CarpeDM Profile 14er Peak List (58) 13er Peak List (97)Trip Reports]

The lady ranger said that walking on the road was permitted ...

That's interesting because I specifically asked about hiking the road and was told that - although the decision wasn't final - they were thinking of closing it to all human traffic.