Eagle River
02. Redcliff to Tigiwon Rd/FR 707(Gilman Gorge)
| Difficulty | IV-V(V+) |
| Length | 4.4 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 120 fpm |
| Gauge | Eagle River Near Minturn, Co |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 97 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | September 27, 2024 |
River Description
Gilman Gorge is a classic run in the high country characterized by consistent class 4/5 rapids for four miles. It can be run from ~200 to 1500 CFS (the run changes character above 700). The top half is classic class 4/5 boogie water followed by two miles of class 5 drops. One you pass Fall Creek on the left be ready for the run to change character.
The run used to have a reputation of being manky, with mining and railroad debris, but this was cleaned up recently and is now mostly clean (with the 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 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. There no longer seems to be any issues at the put-in or take-out, in regards to private property and the authorities.
River Features
Put-in
Upper Half
The first 2 miles consists of fast-moving, read and run class III and IV rapids.
Gilman Mine
You can't miss it.
Fall Creek Rapid
Starts at railroad overpass. Fall Creek comes in on the left. Longest rapid of the run. Builds up to 10' crux drop about 2/3 of the way down, which becomes a sticky hole at higher flows. Technical run-out. Scout before the bridge or just after.
S-turn Rapid
Can be run down right or left channel.
Boof Rapid
Fun, technical 5' boof in the middle of this one.
Tower Rapid
This double drop rapid is identified by a large rock tower on river right. Look for a riverwide log at the entrance, which may need portaging, depending on water level. UPDATE - in the Spring of '04 local boates cut out the left end of the log, creating a means for passage without a portage.
Boogie Water
Primarily read and run with a few holes to punch.
Slackwater
1/2 mile of class II.
Slurry Pipe Rapid
Contrary to CRC, most local boaters run this rapid on a regular basis. A definite scout for a newbie. This steep and manky rapid starts at the railroad bridge and contains some artificial hazards. Watch out for the sticky 'guardian hole' located directly under the bridge, which is generally snuck on the right or left. Lots of sharp rocks so stay upright. Although AW rates this as a 'Standard Rated Rapid' of 5.2 difficulty, this rapid is probably better classified as a 5.1 at low to medium flows and a 5.2 at high water.
Take-out
Tigawon Road (FR 707).
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportThe current gauge is the Eagle Source. Homestake meets the source at the start of the run, and this is the boogie water. Once you get to the meat (i.e. fall creek rapid) of the run you get a boost of cfs from fall creek coming into the river. The best gauge to use for this run would be the Eagle near Minturn. The lowest its been run of late is 150, but I wouldn't recommend going in until roughly 275-300.
First test run with the new headcam. Didn't realize the lense was fogged until the take-out.
Out enjoying Gilman Gorge with friends before the American Whitewater 50th Anniversary Gala.