Mountain Climbing
General Info:
Overview/Background
The wilderness takes its name from 14,003-foot Mount of the Holy Cross. The famous photographer William H. Jackson embellished the peak's reputation by doctoring his 19th-century photographs of the perpendicular snow-filled gullies, or couloirs, on the mountain's east face. Jackson's additional white touches enhanced the already strong resemblance of these couloirs to a cross and drew countless thousands of pilgrims in subsequent years. This fourteener is by no means the only high peak in the northernmost extension of the Sawatch Range; more than twenty-five peaks over 13,000 feet in elevation dot the wilderness.
Holy Cross represents the archetypical Colorado wilderness area - soaring ridges and peaks built of 1.7 billion-year-old schist and gneiss tower over immense, U-shaped glacial-carved valleys whose headwaters contain placid emerald lakes. The streams run full of fish, and the area's remote valleys offer refuge for deer, elk and a multitude of other solitude-loving creatures, such as black bear, bobcat and lynx. In fall, hikers sniff crisp air foretelling of winter and shuffle through leaves fallen from the ubiquitous aspen groves, blazing golden amidst dark forests of spruce and fir.
Permits & Regulations
A free, self-issued wilderness permit is required year-round. The back of your permit will list regulations pertaining to the wilderness, such as:
Camping and fires are prohibited within 100 feet of water and trails;
Groups are limited to 15 people per group with a maximum combination of 25, including pack and saddle animals;
Dogs are required to be on a leash;
Bicycles are prohibited;
Organized groups are required to obtain approval from the Forest Service Office in advance; and
Shortcutting switchbacks are prohibited.
Thousands of people enjoy climbing Colorado’s peaks. To protect natural resources and preserve the experience for others, please visit http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php to become familiar with Leave No Trace techniques.
Safety Information
Lightning storms build rapidly and occur almost daily throughout the summer. Turn around at the first sign of thunder and lightning.
At this altitude, sunlight is much more intense, and the air is much drier. Wear sunscreen and a hat, and drink plenty of fluids. Carry a topographical map and compass and know how to use them.
Combat altitude sickness by acclimating gradually and staying hydrated. If symptoms do occur (headache, dizziness, or nausea), immediately descend to a lower elevation.
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