Mount of the Holy Cross Trail

Gilman, CO

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Mount of the Holy Cross Trail

This second hike in the Holy Cross Wilderness is a challenging pilgrimage to the summit of Mount of the Holy Cross. It is a tough day hike on steep grades and long stretches of trailless 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 thirteener peaks and a fourteener peak, and a deep valley descent. A truly epic day is in store. Bring plenty of food and water and a good map, plan on an alpine start (at least 3 AM), and set aside about 11 hours to complete the loop.

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Trail Statistics & Information

ActivityHiking
Nearby CityGilman
Length15 mi
Elevation Gain6,790 ft
Skill LevelVery Strenuous
Duration11+ hours
SeasonLate June through October
Trailhead Elevation10,315 ft
Top Elevation14,005 ft
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