Lifes Adventures
SHRINE PASS ROAD - FSR 709
Length: 11.2 miles (one way) Trail Use: Moderate to Heavy
Difficulty: Easy Open To: 4WD, OHV, Biking, Hiking
Beginning Elevation: 10,600 ft. Ending Elevation: 8,669 ft.
Elevation Gain: -1930 ft. USGS Map(s): Red Cliff, Vail Pass
Access from Vail: Travel east from Vail on I-70 to Exit 190 for Vail Pass. Exit here and turn right, heading west, onto the Shrine Pass dirt road (FSR 712).
Trail Highlights: (This is an easy road that can be done carefully in a passenger car) Reset odometer where road turns from pavement to dirt. A large parking area at mile 2.3 marks the location of Shrine Pass and the trailhead for the Shrine Mtn. Trail. The road then descends gradually to a smaller parking area at mile 3.7 where there is a short, easy walk to “Julia’s Deck.” This deck overlooks Mount of the Holy Cross and is often used for picnics and wedding ceremonies. At 3.8 miles you will pass the Lime Creek Road - FSR 728. Stay right at mile 4.6 where FSR 713 goes left. FSR 758 is on the left at mile 7.0. A small wooden bridge on the left at mile 8.7 goes to McCallister Gulch Road - FSR 708 and
Wearyman Road - FSR 747. A brown information board on the right at 9.3 miles marks start of Lime Creek Road - FSR 743. And you will reach the town of Red Cliff at 11.2 miles. Take a right to get to Hwy. 24.