The trail starts at the parking area. Fill out a Wilderness Registration Card and hike up the Half Moon trail (
1 and
2) to reach Half Moon Pass
, after 1.5 miles -
3. 13er Notch Mountain is up to your left. Cross the pass and follow the trail as it gradually descends west -
4 and
5. Near 11,300', Holy Cross and much of the north ridge route is visible to the southwest -
6. Continue over the northwest shoulder of Notch Mountain and descend toward East Cross Creek -
7,
8 and
9. After descending 1,000 feet from Half Moon Pass, reach the forest near East Cross Creek (approx. 10,700'). If you're camping in the area, please see the information sign for a map of defined camping spots -
10.
Cross the creek
and follow the trail west -
11 and
12. Hike through several rocky areas (
13) and continue south up through the forest to reach tree line
near 11,700' -
14. Taken from the northeast,
15 shows much of the north ridge. Follow the trail south and southeast to reach the crest of the ridge near 12,100' -
16. The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) constructed an excellent trail from here to 13,400'. It weaves through talus to reach the upper ridge but it's defined and cairned -
17,
18 and
19. When the terrain eases near 13,100', continue south along the ridge (
20 and
21) to reach a corner
near 13,400' -
22.
Turn left and continue on a less-defined trail as the terrain becomes more difficult -
23. Near 13,700', reach a notch at the top of the Angelica Couloir -
24 and
25. Without a trail, continue east up the final, rugged 300 feet (
26) to reach the summit
-
27,
28 and
29. On your return trip, you must re-gain nearly 1,000' of elevation to reach Half Moon Pass.
