Mount Of The Holy Cross Overlook

Copyright: USDA Forest Service Looking toward Mt. of the Holy Cross from Julias Deck

Shrine Pass is easily accessed, and frequently traveled by two wheel drive vehicles, hikers, and bikers. The scenic road winds through a beautiful valley with aspen and pine forests, and the Holy Cross Overlook as one of the very best views of Mount of the Holy Cross.

Mount of the Holy Cross lies in the Sawatch Mountain Range. It is 14,005 feet high. A rock slide in 1956 obliterated part of the northern arm of the cross.

Julia's Deck or Mount of Holy Cross Overlook was constructed by volunteers who represented the PAWS organization. The PAWS organization is interested in providing recreational facilities for handicapped people.

The deck is a popular place for summer weddings and site seeing. Weddings need to be reserved at the Holy Cross Ranger District at 970-827-5715.

The deck can be accessed either from Vail Pass to Redcliff, or vice versa. Either direction, the view is entirely different. At the summit of the Pass, there is a 10th Mountain Division Hut that is generally open in the summertime to the public for lunch and dinner. Inquire locally.

VIEWING TIPS
This road is heavily traveled. Watch for vehicles/people traveling in opposite directions. There are many spur roads off of the main road.

Views of Mount of Holy Cross are west from the deck. The best time for viewing the cross is late June and early July. Usually by late July, the cross is difficult to distinguish on the mountain face due to snow melt.

This is a multiple use facility, no one has exclusive use of it. Please take this into consideration when making your plans.

Directions from Vail: Follow I-70 west to the Minturn exit (#171). Follow Highway 24 south through the town of Minturn for 9 miles until you come to the turn-off for the town of Redcliff just before crossing the suspension bridge. Travel east 1/2 mile to the town of Redcliff, and take the first road to the left. This road turns into the two wheel drive dirt road, Shrine Pass. At the top of the Pass, you'll drive through a rest area, and then to I-70, about 10 miles east of Vail. The road directions may also be reversed. The deck is located 3.7 miles from Vail Pass Rest Area. Look for a parking area and restroom. Park here... hike for 500 feet on a gravel path to the deck.

Directions from Beaver Creek: Follow I-70 east to the Minturn exit (#171). Follow Highway 24 south through the town of Minturn for 9 miles until you come to the turn-off for the town of Redcliff just before crossing the suspension bridge. Travel east 1/2 mile to the town of Redcliff, and take the first road to the left. This road turns into the two wheel drive dirt road, Shrine Pass. At the top of the Pass, you'll drive through a rest area, and then to I-70, about 10 miles east of Vail. The road directions may also be reversed. The deck is located 3.7 miles from Vail Pass Rest Area. Look for a parking area and restroom. Park here... hike for 500 feet on a gravel path to the deck.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: Summer through Fall (NOTE: [From Shrine Pass] Seasons vary depending on snow depth and weather. Many trails travel through high elevations and are not clear of snow until Mid-Summer. This area is also known as Julia's deck and is available by reservation for group gatherings such as wedding receptions. There is a large deck with a beautiful view of Mt. of the Holy Cross but no shelter available) .

Upper Eagle River General Forest Area - The Upper Eagle River General Forest Area includes most of the area from Minturn, south to Tennessee Pass.