Trail of the Week: Cross Creek in Minturn
DISTANCE: 14.7 miles one way
ACTIVITIES: Hiking, backpacking
RATING: Easy to advanced
ELEVATION GAIN: 4,000 feet
TYPE: Singletrack, doubletrack
Support Local Journalism
SEASON: Best in summer and fall
PARKING: From U.S. Highway 24 in Minturn, proceed south of town about 5 miles to Tigiwon Road #707, located on the right immediately before crossing the bridge over the Eagle River. Turn right onto Tigiwon Road and continue for 1.7 miles until you see the trailhead and parking to the right.
Go for a short, mellow hike or go on a multi-day backpacking trip on Cross Creek, a trail that ventures deep into the Holy Cross Wilderness. This trail starts outside the town of Minturn and ends at Treasure Vault Lake, with many stopping points and side excursions along the way. From the trailhead, the route drops down to Cross Creek, and about a mile in, you’ll encounter a bridge crossing, wildflower meadows and a pond that make for a good picnic spot and turning point for a short hike. At mile 2, you’ll catch a glimpse of Mount of the Holy Cross, a 14,000-foot peak iconic for its permanent snow field shaped like a cross. The trail undulates gently upward, intersecting with Grouse Creek Trail at mile 6. Those who choose to make a multi-day trip of this trail can check out side trips at Harvey Lake at mile 11 and Blodgett Lake at mile 14 for some alpine fishing and lovely scenery. Over the last few miles leading to Treasure Vault Lake, you’ll see relics from the area’s former mining days, including ruins of mining cabins, ore mills and defunct mines. At Treasure Vault Lake, the trail intersects with Missouri Lakes Trail and Fancy Pass. This trail is in protected Wilderness area, so practice Leave No Trace principles, and don’t camp or start fires within 100 feet of water sources.
