Mt. of the Holy Cross

Not really. Mount of the Holy Cross is a long, highly committing Class 2 mountain that is poorly suited for beginners. The standard trek requires a demanding 12-mile round-trip distance and a massive 5,600 feet of total vertical climbing. Due to the remote wilderness terrain, extreme elevation profile, and navigation traps on the upper mountain, it should only be attempted by hikers with alpine experience and excellent cardiovascular conditioning.

Yes, backpacking is popular and a great way to split up the strenuous hike. There are several beautiful, designated campsites located near East Cross Creek roughly 3 miles into the trek, just before the steep climbing begins. This location provides an excellent, reliable alpine water source for filtration, but all campers must use a hard-sided bear canister to secure food and scented items from local wildlife.

No. The standard Half Moon Pass route features a punishing "V-shaped" elevation profile. To return to the trailhead from the summit, you must first descend to the East Cross Creek basin and then physically re-climb nearly 1,000 vertical feet right back up over Half Moon Pass. There are no shortcuts that avoid this grueling finish, meaning you must conserve plenty of energy and water for the final leg of your return hike.

The descent off the summit ridge is notorious for route-finding errors that have led to numerous search and rescue operations, strandings, and fatalities. In heavy fog, storms, or darkness, hikers sometimes drift too far west off the ridge and drop into the rugged Cross Creek drainage. This mistake leaves climbers trapped in thick, cliff-banded wilderness miles away from the trailhead. It is critical to stay strictly on the ridge crest during your descent and maintain continuous navigation awareness. Before you head to Holy Cross, do your homework on 14ers.com, then bring the mobile app so you'll have the full route description while on the trail.