How to Hike Holy Cross in Colorado

This hike in the Holy Cross Wilderness is a challenging pilgrimage to the summit of Mount of the Holy Cross via an eastern, and crowd-free, approach for the best views of the peak. It is a tough day hike on steep grades and long stretches of trail-less bouldering, but it is also one of the most rewarding hikes in the entire state. There are unforgettable views of the namesake mountain and its trademark cross, demanding scrambles up a succession of thirteen peaks and a deep valley descent. Plan at least 8 to 10 hours to complete the loop.

Things You'll Need

• Sturdy hiking boots
• Alpine hiking gear: cold weather shell, hat, gloves, rain gear
• Water
• Map and compass
• First Aid Kit
• Pocket Knife
• Emergency poncho
• Waterproof matches
• Extra food
• Extra water
• Sunglasses
• Rope or cord
• Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries

Instructions

1. Camp overnight at Halfmoon Pass campground, southwest of Minturn, and plan for an alpine start of around 3:00 a.m. To reach the campground, follow Highway 24 south from I-70 to Tigiwon Road (Forest Road 707). Follow Tigiwon Road eight miles to the campground.

2. Follow the Fall Creek Trail two miles through dense lodgepole pine forest, with nice views east of the Continental Divide and Tenmile Range, to the Notch Mountain Trail. Switchback up the narrow path into a rocky landscape mixed with green grasses and small thickets of spruce and fir scattered among wildflower meadows. Keep climbing up and up, about one mile and another half to an open saddle at 13,000 feet, just below Notch Mountain. Ahead is the saintly sight of Mount of the Holy Cross.

3. The small knob of the Holy Cross summit is the goal for the day, and there is a huge basin of mountains to cross on the way. This is the Bowl of Tears, a gnarly ridgeline with knife-edge drops arcing around to the Holy Cross. A very rugged, daunting place, but beautiful all the same. It commands respect with just a cursory glance, and the route climbs over three successively higher 13,000-foot peaks before reaching the final ascent. There is no trail from here to the top of Holy Cross. Simply follow the basin, using great caution on the steep talus slopes.

4. A handful of cairns leads the way up a boulder field to the Holy Cross summit at 14,005 feet. The views, naturally, are simply stunning, including Vail ski area and the Gore Range, the string of peaks of the Holy Cross Ridge and the Sawatch Range, and Mount Elbert, the highest point in the state, far to the south. A careful few steps to the eastern edge of the summit allows a gaze down into the 1,500-foot depths of the main couloir. It's a long way down, so stay glued to the ground here.

5. Descend via the main, established trail to the valley far below, and hump over another steep climb to Halfmoon Pass, and finally the closing descent through a vibrant wildflower meadow to the trailhead.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a headlamp to light the way on the first few miles of trail. Don't sleep in. A sunrise view of Holy Cross is unforgettable. Fuel up at the Notch Mountain shelter before tackling the trailless basin section. Get off the summit before 1 p.m. to avoid the regularly scheduled afternoon thunderstorms.

• If there is any kind of precipitation at Notch Mountain, think twice about attempting the basin section; the lichen and moss on the rocks turns to grease and it is nearly impossible to retain any kind of grip. Travel with at least one partner. Share the views, and you'll have someone near in case of trouble. Use common sense in the high country. Weather conditions can change in minutes. Do not tempt fate just to reach the summit. Come prepared, and turn back if the situation turns sour.