Easily accessed, and frequently traveled by snowmobiles, and skiers, this scenic road winds through a beautiful valley with aspen and pine forests, and a pull over for one of the very best views of Mount of the Holy Cross.

Shrine Pass can be traveled 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, the Shrine Mountain Inn. At the west end of the road (near Redcliff) there are the remnants of log cabins... a great picture spot.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This trail is located within the Vail Pass Recreation Fee Demo Site. All users are expected to purchase a pass and follow recommended trail routes. For more information, please contact the Holy Cross Ranger District at 970-827-5715.

BACKCOUNTRY RESPONSIBILITY

It is your responsibility to be aware of the potential risks and to take safety precautions at all times when you visit the National Forest. Changing terrain and weather conditions present a wide variety of hazards. Hazards include, but are not limited to: severe weather, snow and avalanches, obstacles of all kinds such as rocks, trees and stumps; over exertions, hypothermia, and becoming lost; remnants of mining and other activities involving excavations and debris; and exposure to unreasonable acts of other people.

TRAIL TIPS

This road is heavily traveled. Watch for winter vehicles/people traveling in opposite directions. There are many spur roads off of the main road. Be sure to gather information before attempting these roads. Spurs are more difficult than Shrine Pass, and most require the use of topographic maps. Obtain current avalanche information at 970-827-5687.

When accessing the road by the Town of Red Cliff, do not drive past the water tank. The road is not plowed and many vehicles get stuck.

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. Park at the water tank and unload your equipment. At the top of the Vail Pass, you'll travel through a rest area, and then to I-70, about 10 miles east of Vail. The road directions may also be reversed. Obtain a Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area Map from a Forest Service visitor station.

Gore Creek General Forest Area - The Gore Creek General Forest Area includes the entire Gore Creek drainage, which runs from Dowd's Junction to Vail Pass and the Gore Range.

Lime Creek Four-Wheel Drive Road - This is a short spur off the Shrine Pass Road. It can be accessed from either the Redcliff or the Vail Pass end of the Shrine Pass Road.

Mount Of The Holy Cross Overlook - The Mount of the Holy Cross Overlook, Julia's Deck, is located off the Shrine Pass Road between Redcliff and Vail Pass. Julia's Deck was constructed as a handicapped accessible facility.

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

Wearyman/Resolution Four-Wheel Drive Road - The Wearyman Jeep Road begins east of Redcliff and eventually links to the Resolution Road, which leads to Hwy. 24 at Camp Hale.