Eagle, CO

Gilman Gorge - Fall Creek Crux

Gilman Gorge - Fall Creek Crux
Photo of Eric Bessette by Tom O'Keefe taken 6/5/04 @ 235 cfs

Gauge Information

River Description

Gilman Gorge is a fun but relatively short run that cuts through an interesting gorge and past the deserted Gilman Mine. The gorge is also a popular climbing area. The run used to have a reputation of being manky, with mining and railroad debris, but appears to have been cleaned and so this is no longer a real issue (with the possible exception of Slurry Pipe Rapid).

Scouting and portaging are easy to do throughout the gorge.

Logistics: This is a convenient creek run close to Vail and a popular evening run with the locals. Take exit 171 off I-70 just west of Vail onto Hwy. 24. Head 4.7 miles south on Hwy. 24 and just before crossing the Eagle River turn right onto Tigwon (or Tigawan) Road. Follow this road 0.5 miles to a pull-out along the Eagle River that serves as a take-out. To reach the put-in return to Hwy. 24 and head south up river. After a few miles of climbing up the hill you will cross a high arch bridge. After crossing this bridge take the dirt road that leads down to the river to a small parking area at the confluence of Homestake Creek and the Eagle River. Alternatively continue up Hwy 24 which now parallels Homestake Creek and add the steep drops of this classic creek as an jump start to Gilman. Note that CRC mentions parking on the highway, but in the past few years, parking at the river level hasn't been a problem whatsoever. There no longer seems to be any issues at the put-in or take-out, in regards to private property and the authorities.