Trail Overview
Shrine Pass is an easy, scenic 11.2-mile backcountry road connecting Vail Pass on I-70 to the historic town of Red Cliff. Climbing from 8,651 feet to 11,171 feet, this well-traveled, unpaved route offers stunning views of the Gore and Sawatch Ranges. The trail is suitable for most high-clearance 4WD or AWD vehicles under dry conditions. The eastern side is relatively smooth, while the western descent toward Red Cliff is rougher with occasional rocky sections, shallow ruts, and narrow single-lane stretches.
Along the route, visitors will find dispersed camping, vault toilets, and hiking trailheads. The pass is named for its views of Mount of the Holy Cross. In summer, the alpine meadows burst with wildflowers, and autumn brings vibrant golden aspen groves. The road is typically open from late June through October, transitioning to snowmobile and non-motorized use during the winter.
History
Shrine Pass was once used as the main wagon route between Red Cliff and Vail before modern highways cut through the Rockies. Its name comes from the striking views of Mount of the Holy Cross, a 14,000-foot peak whose snowy cross-shaped couloir is visible from the summit. In summer, the area bursts with colorful wildflowers across open alpine meadows, while fall brings golden groves of aspen along the lower slopes. Panoramic views extend across the Gore Range and the Sawatch Range, offering some of the most picturesque scenery along the I-70 corridor.
Access Description
Shrine Pass is managed by the US Forest Service within the White River National Forest and does not require any fees or permits for day-use driving. The road is subject to seasonal closures to wheeled motorized vehicles, typically shutting down from late November through late June depending on snowpack conditions. During the winter, the pass remains open only to non-motorized winter recreation and snowmobiling.
