Mount of the Holy Cross - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The 122,797-acre wilderness with 164 miles of trails was established in 1980 in the San Isabel and White River national forests near Leadville. It is a rugged and beautiful backcountry with many satisfying routes and experiences. The Holy Cross Wilderness has a history of many hikers, often those who are unprepared, becoming endangered. Primarily, the hikers who require rescue are unfamiliar with the risks of entering wilderness areas

Mount Jackson is a high and prominent mountain summit in the northern Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The mountain was named in honor of photographer William Henry Jackson, who accompanied the Hayden Survey in the 1870s. It is a good trekking destination and also it has vast wildlife too.

The Missouri Lakes trail is 4.4 miles long. It begins at Missouri Creek Road #704 and ends at Cross Creek Trail and Fancy Pass Trail #2006: The first mile of the trail passes diversion dams and water pipelines. Just past mile 1, the trail crosses the creek at the mouth of a miniature canyon, creating a breath taking view.The trail climbs a short, steep distance to the basin that holds the Missouri Lakes.

A small beautiful lake located at the end of a remote valley in the Holy Cross Wilderness. Enjoy either a long, scenic trail hike, or, for those so inclined, look down on the lake from the heights of Fools Peak, a peak whose name alone demands exploration.

Cross Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Minturn, Colorado. The trail begins following a ridge and then drops down to Cross Creek. There is a bridge crossing at 1 mile in a meadow that is usually filled with wildflowers. This, or a view of Mount of the Holy Cross from a rock outcropping a bit further, make nice destinations for a short day hike.

Slide Lake is a beautiful Alpine Lake situated at 11,740' in elevation. The area is flanked on the Southwest by Homestake Peak, and half of the lake is part of the Holy Cross Wilderness Area. Slide Lake and the surrounding area are​ popular among hikers, anglers, offroaders, and those looking to seek Wilderness Areas' solitude.