Holy Cross Ranger District 24747 US Hwy 24 P.O. Box 190 Minturn, CO 81645 (970) 827- 5715 - Voice (970) 827-9343 - Fax
United States Department of Agriculture
HIKING
HALF MOON PASS TRAIL #2009 Length: 3.4 miles (one way) Difficulty: More Difficult Beginning Elevation: 10,314 ft. Elevation Gain: +1748 ft.-972 ft. = +776 ft.
Trail Use: Very High Open To: Hiking, Horseback Ending Elevation: 11,095 ft. USGS Map(s): Minturn, Mt. of the Holy Cross
Permit Information: In order to continue to provide quality recreation experiences and to protect the wilderness lands, the Forest Service must gather data regarding visitor use and travel patterns. Each party recreating in the Holy Cross Wilderness is required to self-register at the trailhead and to carry a copy of the registration with them during their visit. There is no fee charged and no limit to the number of permits issued. Access from Vail: Take Exit 171 from I-70 for Minturn, Leadville, and Hwy. 24. Turn right onto Hwy 24. Proceed south about 5 miles, passing through Minturn, to Tigiwon Road #707 (immediately on right before crossing bridge over Eagle River). Turn right and continue up this rough dirt road to the end, 8 miles. Park in the parking area at the end of the road. Trail Highlights: From the parking area, the trail is a moderately steep climb to Half Moon Pass, passing through spruce-fir stands the first mile then climbing above timberline to the Pass. On the west side of Half Moon Pass, the trail descends, with some steep sections, to Cross Creek. The maintained trail continues .75 miles further. Comments: From the top of Half Moon Pass, views to the west are of the Sawatch Range and the Mt. of the Holy Cross ridge. To the northeast are views of the Gore Range and to the southeast lies the Mosquito Range. Those wishing to climb Mt. of the Holy Cross can continue past the end of the maintained trail following a fairly evident path up the northern ridge of the mountain through boulders. The path is periodically marked with cairns, but topographic map and compass are strongly recommended. Use caution on the descent as many experienced hikers have gotten disoriented and lost by not following the cairns back down. **THIS AREA GETS VERY HEAVY USE EXPECIALLY ON WEEKENDS. PLEASE USE "LEAVE NO TRACE" CAMPING AND HIKING ETIQUETTE WHEN TRAVELLING ON AND AROUND THIS OVERUSED TRAIL. Important Information: Half Moon Pass is within the Holy Cross Wilderness. Wilderness is for your use and enjoyment, but you have an obligation to leave it unimpaired for future generations. Please understand your responsibilities when visiting these special places. Leave them as you wish to find them: * Camping - camp at least 100 feet from streams, lakes, and trails * Dogs - must be leashed out of consideration for both other people and wildlife * Fire - campstoves are recommended and fires are prohibited at and above timberline * Group size - limit group sizes to 15 people * Sanitation - bury human waste 100 feet from water and 6 inches in the soil
PACK IT IN - PACK IT OUT!!
LEAVE NO TRACE!!
This map is intended for use as a general guide only, not for actual land navigation. The White River National Forest strongly suggests purchasing a topographic map and compass prior to your hiking trip. Brought to you by Beaver Creek Online - Kenton Hopkins MRE, CRS, GRI and David McHugh with Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate Office: (970)845-8053 Web: www.BeaverCreekOnline.com
Brought to you by Beaver Creek Online - Kenton Hopkins MRE, CRS, GRI and David McHugh with Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate Office: (970)845-8053 Web: www.BeaverCreekOnline.com