Holy Cross City

The Holy Cross City trail in Colorado is not only a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, but also for off-roading enthusiasts looking for a challenging and scenic route. The trail is rated as one of the most difficult off-road trails in Colorado, with steep inclines, rocky terrain, and narrow pathways that require careful maneuvering.

The Holy Cross City trail begins Homestake Road #703 and ends at Holy Cross City historic site, and takes off-roaders on a 10-mile journey through the White River National Forest. The trail features stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the iconic Mount of the Holy Cross, as well as alpine lakes, streams, and wildflower meadows.

Off-roading on the Holy Cross City trail requires a capable vehicle and an experienced driver. The trail is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles with high ground clearance and advanced off-road capabilities.  Stock vehicles should not attempt this trail. For those with the skills and rigs to take it on, it's important to come prepared with recovery gear, including a winch, tow straps, and a high-lift jack, as well as plenty of water, food, and sunscreen.

One of the highlights of off-roading on the Holy Cross City trail is the historic mining town of Holy Cross City. The town was founded in the late 1800s and was home to over 300 residents during its peak. Today, off-roaders can explore the remains of the town, including old mining buildings and equipment, while navigating the challenging terrain.

This trail is short, drivers should expect it to take up a full day as progress through obstacles is slow and there is very little downtime.  Brittany and Kevin at LiteBrite have run this trail a number of times, and do a great job providing insight into what Holy Cross is like and how to run it safely.