Hike: Mount of the Holy Cross

August 15, 2009
Mount of the Holy Cross, 14,006'
North Ridge Route

A physically challenging peak to climb, Mount of the Holy Cross is situated near Vail, Colorado, rising above an incredible valley with waterfalls and verdant forests.

The weather was not ideal for hiking; for the first several miles we repeatedly donned and removed our ponchos and rain jackets. Clouds churned over our heads and rolled in and out of the valleys below us. As we got higher, rain turned to sleet and a bit of snow. We passed many hikers descending without having summited due to blizzard conditions near the summit. I believe this is the only time that arriving later was a benefit rather than a detriment because the snow had cleared out before us. (We left the house at 4:30 AM, but we should have left at 3:30.)

There was some fresh snow as we climbed over large boulders to reach the summit. The air was frigid. Even with gloves on, I had to put my hands inside my shell and under my arms to warm them as they were completely numb. My companions had the same problem. (I will be taking my ski mittens from now on!)

We summited under scattered clouds, but dark, ominous ones were approaching quickly. We hurried off the summit and met with some more sleet as we were descending. It was an exhausting climb, but worth every step. We celebrated with dinner at the Red Lion in chilly, picturesque Vail.

Our first glimpse of Holy Cross.

The valley to the west.

For miles, all we could see was the ridge. Climbing higher up the ridge, however, brought Holy Cross into view.

The Holy Cross summit with hikers in the foreground.

One of many views from the summit.

Mount of the Holy Cross as seen during our descent.