Copyright: USDA Forest Service
Creek crossing on the Holy Cross City Four-wheel Drive Road
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to one of Colorado's most infamous roads. This historic stage coach route to the ghost town of Holy Cross City has quite a past, and includes some of the most spectacular views and challenging driving anywhere. At one time, the rugged city of Holy Cross boasted more than 1,000 residents. This is quite a feat if you consider the location. From a starting elevation of 9,300 feet above sea level where the ghost town of Gold Park once existed, the road climbs steeply to over 11,400 feet in a mere 3 1/2 miles. This road is not for the faint of heart or scared of heights, either, since many of the tougher sections require serious sidehill driving. In the city's heyday in 1800, Holy Cross was proud of it's two gold mills which processed ore from 30 mines in this area. It is truly amazing to see all of the heavy equipment that was dragged to this location considering how hard it would have been for wagons and horses to get here. This area has also recently regained it's notoriety by being within one mile of the crash site of an A-10 air force bomber in the Spring of 1997. TRAIL TIPS
Holy Cross is extremely challenging and should be attempted by experienced drivers with modified vehicles only. Hi-Lift Jacks, a fire extinguisher, extra clearance and locking differentials are basic requirements for this road. If in doubt, hike it first. It's only about 3 1/2 miles. Because of the bouncy rock road, most drivers lower their tire pressure to between 10-15 PSI, but be sure you still have clearance. Although short in mileage, this road takes most vehicles a full day from the trailhead. Allow adequate time, since this road is much more difficult if you find it took longer than you thought. NOTE: This road is used to reach the city and to return! Be aware of vehicles headed in the opposite direction!
Directions from Vail: Follow I-70 to the Minturn exit (#171). Turn right (south) from the off-ramp onto Hwy. 24. Follow Hwy. 24 south approximately 11.5 miles from I-70 to the turn-off on the right (west) side of the road. This is the start of Homestake road, number 703. Follow this two-wheel drive dirt road approximately 8 miles to the trailhead on the right (west). The trailhead is identifiable by the parking lot in front of a "road of rocks", the only pullover like this on Homestake road. The road follows the rock road without any side spurs to confuse you until about 2 miles from the trailhead, where a spur to the left (south) drops downhill to a two-wheel drive access road, a point to note in case of emergency or a changed mind (if you need to use this access road, it loops around to join back up with Homestake road, just stay to the left at all intersections). Continue making progress up the road and you will be rewarded by the river crossing, the most challenging obstacle on this road. Most small vehicles will find that crossing the river on the left (south) side easier, while some long bedded vehicles enjoy the right side. Note that usually until mid-June at the earliest, the river crossing is not passable due to high water! Immediately after conquering the river crossing, take the left road (there is a "Y" without a sign). From this point, you are about a 1/2 mile from the destination... Holy Cross City. Enjoy the road from this point, and be sure to follow the foot path to the cabins. Backtrack on the same road to complete your trip.
Directions from Beaver Creek: Follow I-70 to the Minturn exit (#171). Turn right (south) from the off-ramp onto Hwy. 24. Follow Hwy. 24 south approximately 11.5 miles from I-70 to the turn-off on the right (west) side of the road. This is the start of Homestake road, number 703. Follow this two-wheel drive dirt road approximately 8 miles to the trailhead on the right (west). The trailhead is identifiable by the parking lot in front of a "road of rocks", the only pullover like this on Homestake road. The road follows the rock road without any side spurs to confuse you until about 2 miles from the trailhead, where a spur to the left (south) drops downhill to a two-wheel drive access road, a point to note in case of emergency or a changed mind (if you need to use this access road, it loops around to join back up with Homestake road, just stay to the left at all intersections). Continue making progress up the road and you will be rewarded by the river crossing, the most challenging obstacle on this road. Most small vehicles will find that crossing the river on the left (south) side easier, while some long bedded vehicles enjoy the right side. Note that usually until mid-June at the earliest, the river crossing is not passable due to high water! Immediately after conquering the river crossing, take the left road (there is a "Y" without a sign). From this point, you are about a 1/2 mile from the destination... Holy Cross City. Enjoy the road from this point, and be sure to follow the foot path to the cabins. Backtrack on the same road to complete your trip.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible:
Late June through October
(NOTE: Seasons vary depending on water level at the creek crossing and snow depth)
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Snow conditions exist late into the summer season. This road is not gated closed but is considered one of the most difficult 4-wheel drive roads in Colorado. A winch maybe required in places to haul your vehicle up. Snow patches may be encountered and muddy conditions. Very steep and rocky. Many huge rocks. Potholes. Mud bogs. Updated: 2001-05-16 11:11:00.0
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