HALF MOON PASS TRAIL #2009
Length:
3.4 miles (one way)
Trail Use: Very High
Difficulty:
More Difficult
Open To: Hiking, Horseback
Beginning Elevation:
10,314 ft.
Ending Elevation: 11,095 ft.
Elevation Gain:
+776 ft.
USGS Map(s): Minturn,
Mt.
Holy Cross
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
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.