Trail Overview
Wigwam Creek Road is an easy, scenic 2.8-mile dirt road in Pike National Forest that provides beginner offroaders, standard passenger vehicles, and SxSs with convenient access to Cheesman Reservoir. Branching off southwest from Colorado Road 126, this beginner-friendly route traverses beautiful mountain scenery with elevations ranging from 6,545 feet to 7,198 feet, gaining about 706 feet of cumulative elevation. Mostly two lanes wide, the unpaved surface is well-maintained and composed primarily of dirt, though it narrows down to a single lane in a few tight sections where drivers must yield to oncoming traffic. It requires at least six inches of ground clearance, making it highly accessible for stock high-clearance four-wheel-drive SUVs, light trucks, and recreational vehicles.
The trail winds southward through the picturesque rugged landscape of Cheesman Mountain before terminating at the Cheesman Reservoir parking area, which features restroom facilities. Along the way, offroaders can take in views of the surrounding granite rock formations and dense pine forests typical of the Pike National Forest. The road is typically accessible during late spring through late autumn, though winter snows can make the route impassable for standard vehicles without proper recovery gear. Visitors can enjoy hiking and sightseeing around the reservoir, though motorized vehicles are restricted to designated parking areas near the water.
