Mount of the Holy Cross Loop

Mount of the Holy Cross is a 14,000+ foot mountain in the Sawatch Range. Two ways to summit this mountain are via the Halo ridge and via the North Ridge. These can be combined to make the Mount of the Holy Cross Loop. This hike is 12.8 miles long and gains over 5,000 feet of elevation. There is some light scrambling required for this route. This hike starts from Half Moon Trailhead. There is a long dirt road that leads to the trailhead. There are pit toilets available here. Begin hiking on Fall Creek Trail to take the loop clockwise. You will be hiking uphill amongst trees. After 2.3 miles, you will come to a junction and turn right. The trail gets steeper here as you switch back up a slope. After 2.5 more miles, you will reach Halo Ridge. Here, you will pass Notch Mountain Shelter. This small shelter was built in 1933. Mount of the Holy Cross will also be visible from here. Continue southwest along the rocky ridge. You will be traveling gradually uphill. As you are hiking, you will be able to see Lake Constantine. After 0.5 miles, you will reach an unnamed peak on the ridge and begin hiking downhill. The downhill hiking will last for 0.5 miles before you begin going uphill again. Around this time, Bowl of Tears and the Tuhare Lakes will be visible. After another mile of uphill trekking, you will reach Holy Cross Ridge. From here, continue downhill on the ridge for 0.3 miles. Then head uphill for 0.5 miles to reach the summit of Mount of the Holy Cross. From the summit, you will be able to see Mount Elbert and Mount Massive along with various other peaks. After taking ample time to enjoy the summit, head north on Mount of the Holy Cross trail. You will be hiking downhill for 2.4 miles. Then you will begin hiking up Half Moon Pass. This is the last uphill of the hike. After 1.2 miles, you will reach the top of Half Moon Pass and continue downhill. Another 1.6 miles will bring you back to the trailhead. Mount of the Holy Cross is open for hiking year round, but the road to the trailhead closes in the winter. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but they must be on a leash at all times.