OutWestWoods
Holy Cross Colorado
Holy Cross, Colorado, is an extraordinary backpacking destination nestled within the picturesque White River National Forest, just a stone’s throw away from Vail, Colorado. This magnificent area is situated in the heart of Colorado’s stunning interior, boasting breathtakingly rugged landscapes where the snow lingers longer and arrives earlier than in other parts of the state.
Day 1
I prefer parking my car below Fancy Lake, which sits at an elevation of around 10,000 feet and is located approximately 1.7 miles east of the lake in a straight line. On the first day of my hike, I aim to spend the night at Fancy Lake for a couple of reasons.
During the journey, there’s an opportunity to take a relatively easy 1.5-mile flat hike to Holy Cross City, an intriguing historic mining town in Colorado. It’s fascinating to explore the remnants of this former gold mining town, which flourished for 14 years in the late 1800s. Despite being situated at an elevation of 11,500 feet amidst rugged wilderness, it once housed 300 residents and boasted essential amenities like stores, hotels, and even postal services.
The second reason for staying overnight at Fancy Lake is to position myself favorably for the next morning’s ascent over Fancy Pass. This trail spans approximately 0.5 miles and gains an elevation of 800 feet from Fancy Lake. Although the distance from the parking spot to Fancy Lake is only 1.7 miles, covering a vertical gain of 1,600 feet, the actual hiking time can vary between 3 to 6 hours depending on factors such as your hiking party and prevailing trail conditions.
Mount of the Holy Cross
14,009 Feet
Mount of the Holy Cross was named for the distinctive cross-shaped snowfield on its northeast face.
The mountain was proclaimed “Holy Cross National Monument” by Herbert Hoover on May 11, 1929.
The monument was transferred to the National Park Service in 1933.
In 1950, it was returned to the Forest Service and lost its National Monument status.
Day 1 Continued
If you’re new to Colorado or backpacking in general, it’s important to remember that what may appear to be a short one-hour hike on the map can often turn out to be two to three times longer. Carrying the weight of a backpack, navigating steep terrain with switchbacks and hills, and contending with the effects of altitude all contribute to this discrepancy. So, even though the distance from the starting point to Fancy Lake is 1.7 miles “as the crow flies,” you should expect it to feel more like a mile or two longer.
The altitude plays a significant role as well. As you ascend, each step takes you higher, and it’s common for people to slow down after about three hours of hiking when they reach elevations of 10,000 feet and beyond.
Once you reach Fancy Lake, you’ll discover excellent fishing opportunities on the lake’s west side within the rock field. Personally, I enjoy lure fishing. You can find my fishing tips here (link to fishing tips if available).
The hike from the parking spot to Fancy Lake may not offer many breathtaking views, and it can be a challenging and monotonous climb. However, trust me when I say that the reward of catching a couple of nice trout and exploring the mining history at Holy Cross City is well worth it.
And the next day, as you start fresh and make your way over Fancy Pass, you’ll be treated to magnificent views that make for a truly memorable experience.
Day 2
From Fancy Lake, it will take you a little over an hour to reach the top of Fancy Pass. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view from the head of the longest glacial valley in North America.
As you descend from the pass, you’ll come across a rock field leading down to the tree line. It may seem tempting to go straight down, but the best path is actually to the left. Going straight down will lead you to a stream with no convenient way to cross it. By staying to the left, you’ll find a spot where the stream is more of a trickle, making it easier to pass.
Below you and slightly to the right, you’ll notice Harvey Lake, which will be your next destination. As you descend further and reach below the tree line, keep an eye out for an old cabin and remnants of mining equipment. It’s truly fascinating to consider how the old timers managed to transport all that machinery using horses and chains. You might even come across broken chain links, serving as a testament to their efforts.
Be mindful that the trail to Harvey Lake can be well hidden and easy to miss, so stay vigilant as you continue your journey.
Some call this area Colorado’s Bermuda Triangle
If you decided to ascend Mount of the Holy Cross know it is known as a bit of a dangerous place with many getting lost each year.
I have never personally climbed Mt Holy Cross, but I understand you must follow the crest making sure not to descend to early ending up in thick woods for miles.
Please do your research and plan your route properly.
Under Construction
More AweSome OUTWESTWOODS Backpacking Trips
Rowe Mountain – Colorado
Flat Tops – Colorado
Yellowstone Lake – Wyoming
Bitter Roots – Montana
Glacier National Park – Montana
Much More To Discover At OutWestWoods
Discover essential tips for your outdoor adventures in Colorado’s backcountry:
Backpack Equipment List: Get a comprehensive checklist for your backcountry backpacking needs.
Ultra-Light Fishing: Learn a lightweight fishing technique tailored for Colorado’s wilderness.
Must-Visit Places: Explore remarkable destinations in Colorado’s backcountry.
Safety Tips and Tricks: Stay secure with valuable insights on outdoor safety.
Enjoy your Colorado adventure with these handy tips!
With decades of experience, I’ve crafted the ultimate backpacking equipment list for Colorado’s high country.
Discover the perfect fishing experience in Colorado’s small mountain streams with ultra-light lure fishing techniques. Learn my tried and tested methods for guaranteed success.
Experience the wonder of my extensive backpacking adventures in Colorado’s high country. Countless hours of research and exploration led me to discover some truly amazing locations.
Embark on a journey through my extensive backpacking adventures in Colorado’s high country. Countless hours of research and exploration unveiled truly amazing locations that will leave you in awe.
Please see Eseta Mines for jewelry, displays, crystals, mine tours, mine location and filing services.
