Holy Cross Wilderness

Holy Cross Wilderness is a large protected area spanning three Colorado counties, featuring a varied mountain landscape with lakes and valleys throughout. The region is characterized by high peaks and crisscrossed by trails that pass through different elevations.

The area was designated as an official protected wilderness by the US Congress in 1980 and is managed by the Forest Service. This designation was part of efforts to preserve Colorado's undeveloped mountain landscapes.

Mount of the Holy Cross, reaching 14,005 feet in elevation, received its name from a cross-shaped snow formation visible on its eastern face.

Access is available through several trailheads where hikers can enter and use an extensive network of routes. Proper footwear and weather-resistant clothing are important, as conditions in the mountains can change quickly.

The name comes from Mount of the Holy Cross, whose eastern slope displays a natural snow formation in cross shape that long attracted mountaineers. This distinctive feature gave the entire wilderness its name and remains a striking geological phenomenon.

Location: Eagle County

Location: Lake County

Location: Pitkin County

Inception: 1980

Operator: United States Forest Service

GPS coordinates: 39.46690,-106.48200

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:06