Mount Of The Holy Cross Overlook

Description:

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

  Shrine Pass is easily accessed, and frequently traveled by two wheel drive vehicles, hikers, and bikers. The scenic road winds through a beautiful valley with aspen and pine forests, and the Holy Cross Overlook as one of the very best views of Mount of the Holy Cross.

  Mount of the Holy Cross lies in the Sawatch Mountain Range. It is 14,005 feet high. A rock slide in 1956 obliterated part of the northern arm of the cross.

  Julia's Deck or Mount of Holy Cross Overlook was constructed by volunteers who represented the PAWS organization. The PAWS organization is interested in providing recreational facilities for handicapped people.

  The deck is a popular place for summer weddings and site seeing. Weddings need to be reserved at the Holy Cross Ranger District at 970-827-5715.

  The deck can be accessed either 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 that is generally open in the summertime to the public for lunch and dinner. Inquire locally.

  VIEWING TIPS
  This road is heavily traveled. Watch for vehicles/people traveling in opposite directions. There are many spur roads off of the main road.

  Views of Mount of Holy Cross are west from the deck. The best time for viewing the cross is late June and early July. Usually by late July, the cross is difficult to distinguish on the mountain face due to snow melt.

  This is a multiple use facility, no one has exclusive use of it. Please take this into consideration when making your plans.