After screwing up the 14er trip the weekend before, Sarah took back control over our weekends and planned a backpacking trip to Mt of the Holy Cross. Sarah did this 14er two years ago during the winter and said it was one of her favorites, so I was really excited to do it.
We made it to the trail head without any problems, packed up our stuff as well as Bella's and headed up the trail.
From the parking lot at about 10,300ft, the trail slowly heads up the side of Notch Mountain to the Half Moon Pass at 11,674ft. From here we finally get our first look at Mt. of the Holy Cross.
From here you start switch-backing down Notch Mountain to the Bowl of Tears valley floor at 10,600ft. After reaching the valley floor, we hike up East Cross Creak and find ourselves a suitable campsite.
We rise at 6am the next morning, fill my backpack with water and snacks, and head up the 3500ft climb up to the summit. The first part of the trail is very gentle as it slowly climbs the mountain heading north before curving back south again. From here there are fantastic views of the mountain range to the west.
From here the trail starts to get steeper, and the nice dirt trail gives way to rocks and boulders. After about an hour, we are afforded our first glimpse of the summit for the day.
The boulder field isn't too bad and we eventually make the summit. The view was absolutely fantastic and the weather couldn't have been better. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the wind was calm.
After enjoying the view for about 45 minutes, we decide to head back down the mountain to our campsite. After an hour nap, we pack up and head back home, which unfortunately means we have to get back up out of the valley and over Notch Mountain again. Overall the trip was great. This is one of the most beautiful hikes I've done in Colorado and would recommend it to anyone. My only complaint is that from the standard route up to the summit, you can't see the cross for which the mountain is named. I guess next time I'll have to hike the Bowl of Tears route...
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