Holy Cross Backpacking (August 2003)

Thu May 14, 2009

The Mountain of the Holy Cross, with an elevation of 14,005 ft, is the third lowest 14er in Colorado. Colorado has 53 peaks higher than 14,000 ft called 14ers. They range in height from 14,001 ft up to 14,433 ft. The Holy Cross Wilderness is one of the most beautiful areas of Colorado. The Mountain of the Holy Cross is known for a snow cross on one of its sides. Unfortunately, we went in August and it had already melted. It is possible to hike it in one day, but we took our time and backpacked in. We found a sweet campsite near a creek. The next day we climbed up the mountain, while the clouds began to grow.

The Peak in a Cloud

View on the Way Up - A Lake

The Peak Sticking Up Above a Ridge

As we climbed up, we saw the clouds building up. By the time we got to the top, the sky was almost completely cloudy.

View from the Top

The View from the Top - Clouds Building Up

On the way down we did get rained on...a typical Rocky Mountain Summer Day. After another night by the creek, we hiked out.