The best walks and hikes in Holy Cross Wilderness

This difficult 13.6-mile loop to Mount of the Holy Cross offers challenging terrain, iconic views, and over 5,000 feet of elevation gain.

Embark on a moderate hike along the Fall Creek Trail, covering 4.0 miles (6.4 km) with an elevation gain of 1242 feet (379 metres). This journey typically takes around 2 hours and 1 minute to complete. As you ascend, you'll find yourself immersed in thick pine and spruce forests, with the constant sound of Fall Creek flowing nearby. The trail eventually leads you past open fields, which burst with wildflowers during the warmer months. Your reward is the serene Lake Constantine, a sub-alpine gem cradled by towering peaks and lush evergreen forests, featuring impressive cliffs that add to its dramatic beauty.

Planning your visit to the Fall Creek Trail is straightforward, as the trailhead is easily accessible. If you're heading out for a day hike, you won't need a permit. However, if you intend to camp overnight within the Holy Cross Wilderness, remember to self-register at the trailhead and keep a copy of your registration with you. The area can become quite busy, especially during the summer, so arriving early is a good strategy to secure parking. Consider starting your hike in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

This trail offers a classic Colorado alpine experience within the White River National Forest. The journey to Lake Constantine showcases the region's diverse ecosystems, from dense coniferous forests to vibrant sub-alpine meadows. It's a prime example of the natural beauty found in the Holy Cross Wilderness, providing a peaceful escape into the mountains. The dramatic cliffs surrounding Lake Constantine are a notable geological feature, making it a distinctive destination for hikers seeking scenic grandeur.

Embark on the Surprise Lake via Cross Creek Trail, an easy hike that guides you through diverse landscapes in White River National Forest. You will journey through vibrant aspen groves and dense evergreen forests, following Cross Creek with several stream crossings. The route eventually opens into an alpine meadow, offering expansive views of Notch Mountain and the majestic Mount of the Holy Cross, before reaching the charming Surprise Lake. This 2.5 miles (4.0 km) trail involves an elevation gain of 529 feet (161 metres) and takes approximately 1 hour and 8 minutes to complete.

When planning your visit, be aware that while the trail is generally accessible, you should prepare for potentially muddy sections and water crossings. Sturdy, waterproof boots are highly recommended to keep your feet dry. The trail is open year-round, but if you plan a winter excursion, you will need snowshoes to navigate the snow. Dispersed camping is also available near Surprise Lake if you are considering an overnight trip.

This route is notable for its journey through varied ecosystems, from the initial aspen groves to the high alpine lake. The trail provides a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Sawatch Mountains, with the lake itself surrounded by grasslands and towering pines. It offers a rewarding outdoor escape, showcasing the scenic grandeur of the area.

Embark on the Mount of the Holy Cross Trail, a difficult hike that takes you through varied terrain, from lush forests to more open landscapes. This route covers 2.3 miles (3.7 km) with a significant elevation gain of 1314 feet (400 metres), offering expansive views of the surrounding wilderness. As you climb, you will see sights like Notch Mountain, Lake Constantine, and the Tuhare Lakes, with the summit providing 360-degree panoramas of the Sawatch, Gore, and Elk Ranges. You can expect to complete this challenging hike in approximately 1 hours and 52 minutes.

While this specific segment is shorter, be aware that the full Mount of the Holy Cross experience, especially the North Ridge route, is a much longer and more strenuous 12-mile round trip. That longer journey involves a notable 1,000-foot descent after Half Moon Pass that you must re-climb on your return. For any part of this area, high altitude and rough terrain mean you need excellent physical fitness and proper acclimatization.

The Holy Cross Wilderness is known for its demanding trails and stunning alpine scenery. This trail offers a glimpse into that rugged beauty, leading you to viewpoints that showcase the vastness of the Colorado Rockies. It is a rewarding experience for hikers prepared for a difficult ascent and seeking impressive mountain vistas.