Holy Cross-Mt. Massive Wilderness Bike Detour

Begin this detour on the western side of Highway 24 on Tennessee Pass. Travel west on the Colorado Trail approximately 2.5 miles to Wurtz Ditch Road, Forest Road 100. This is where the bike detour diverges from the trail. Where the trail intersects the road turn left (east) toward Highway 24. Pedal 1.5 miles to the Highway and turn right, which is south toward Leadville. Continue 7.75 miles to an intersection with Highway 91. Turn right and continue following Highway 24 southward.

This route will take you through the town of Leadville. After leaving Leadville proper continue traveling south for 3.25 miles to County Road 300. Turn right (west)on 300 and continue for nearly a mile. The first left will be Halfmoon Creek Road, County Road 11. Turn left here and travel southward. In 1 mile turn right and follow signs to Halfmoon Campground. Continue past the campground to pick up the trail as it leaves the Mt. Massive Wilderness. Turn left on to the Colorado Trail leading toward Twin Lakes.

Directions from Leadville: Northern Access: Follow Highway 24 northwest from Leadville approximately 11 miles. You will see the 10th Mountain Division Memorial and the Colorado Trailhead will be across the highway.

Directions from Leadville: Southern Access: From Leadville, travel three miles west on US Highway 24. Take Colorado 300 west 3/4 of a mile to Lake County Road 11. Follow signs to Elbert Creek Campground. Begin hiking south from the Mt. Massive, Mt. Elbert trailhead, which is east of the campground.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: April through October .

ColoradoTrail (Tennessee Pass to Turquoise Lake) - This segment of the Colorado Trail leads users through lodgepole, spruce-fir and aspen forests. It consists of moderately difficult terrain.

Halfmoon Campground - All campsites in the Halfmoon Drainage are first come, first serve. Twenty-four sites are available in the Halfmoon East & West Campgrounds with the maximum RV length of sixteen feet.

Mt. Elbert - Mt. Elbert at 14,433 ft elevation is the highest point in Colorado. It is the second highest mountain in the adjacent 48 states.

Mt. Elbert Family Picnic Ground - Mt. Elbert Family Picnic Ground is located on the northern shore of Twin Lakes Reservoir east of the Mt. Elbert Power Plant. Visitors who use this facility will have access to the lakes as well as the surrounding terrain.