The Holy Cross Wilderness is a
U.S. Wilderness Area located in
San Isabel and
White River national forests near
Leadville
Leadville ( ) is a List of municipalities in Colorado#Statutory city, statutory city that is the county seat, the most populous community, and the only List of municipalities in Colorado, incorporated municipality in Lake County, Colorado, Lak ...
,
Minturn,
Avon,
Edwards,
Eagle
Eagle is the common name for the golden eagle, bald eagle, and other birds of prey in the family of the Accipitridae. Eagles belong to several groups of Genus, genera, some of which are closely related. True eagles comprise the genus ''Aquila ( ...
, and
Vail
Vail is a home rule municipality in Eagle County, Colorado, United States. The population of the town was 4,835 in 2020. Home to Vail Ski Resort, the largest ski mountain in Colorado, the town is known for its hotels, dining, and for the nume ...
. The wilderness with of trails was established in 1980. The wilderness was named after its highest peak,
Mount of the Holy Cross.
Holy Cross Wilderness is an area with many routes. Its neighbor
Notch Mountain grants the backpacker or day tripper with a clear view of the "Cross" formed from the Mount of The Holy Cross, that has drawn many a visitor to the site.
The Holy Cross Wilderness has a history of many hikers, often those who are unprepared, becoming endangered. Primarily, the hikers who require rescue are unfamiliar with the risks of entering wilderness areas and do not bring adequate equipment and supplies to respond to emergency conditions. Thorough research and reasonable planning should prevent most tragedies as most occur due to a lack of risk management and preparation.
Holy Cross Wilderness hiking trails include Nolan Lake Trail, Lake Charles Trail to Lake Charles and Mystic Island Lake, New York Mountain Trail, Dead Dog Trail, Middle Lake Trail, Beaver Lake Trail to Beaver Lake and Turquoise Lake, Fancy Lake
Trailhead
A trailhead is the point where a trail begins or is accessed, where the trail is often intended for hiking, biking, horseback riding, or off-road vehicles. Modern trailheads often contain restrooms, maps, signposts, and distribution centers for ...
(or Fancy Creek Trailhead on some maps) Grouse Lake Trail, West Grouse Creek Trail, Martin Creek Trail, Notch Mountain Trail, Half Moon Pass Trail to
Mount of the Holy Cross, Tuhare Lakes Trail, and Cross Creek Trail to Treasure Vault Lake and Blodgett Lake.
References
{{Authority control
Wilderness areas of Colorado
Protected areas established in 1980
Protected areas of Eagle County, Colorado
Protected areas of Lake County, Colorado
Protected areas of Pitkin County, Colorado
San Isabel National Forest
White River National Forest
1980 establishments in Colorado