Mount of the Holy Cross facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount of the Holy Cross |
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Mount of the Holy Cross, 2009
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 14,011 ft (4270.5 m) NAVD88 |
| Prominence | 2113 ft (644 m) |
| Isolation | 18.41 mi (29.6 km) |
| Listing |
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| Geography | |
 Mount of the Holy Cross
Location in Colorado
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| Location | High point of Eagle County, Colorado, United States |
| Parent range | Sawatch Range |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map Mount of the Holy Cross, Colorado |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | August 1873 James Gardner and W.H. Holmes |
| Easiest route | North ridge: hike/scramble (YDS Class 2) |
Mount of the Holy Cross is a very tall mountain in the Rocky Mountains of North America. It is part of the northern Sawatch Range in Colorado, United States. This mountain is known for a special cross shape made of snow on its side.
Mount of the Holy Cross is 14,011 feet (4,270.5 meters) high. Mountains over 14,000 feet are called "fourteeners" in Colorado. It is the highest point in Eagle County. The mountain is located in the Holy Cross Wilderness area. This area is part of the White River National Forest.
Contents
The Famous Cross-Shaped Snowfield
Mount of the Holy Cross gets its name from a unique snowfield. This snowfield looks like a giant cross on its northeast side. It is a very famous natural feature.
A National Monument for a Time
Because of its special cross, the mountain was once a "National Monument." President Herbert Hoover made it a monument in 1929. This meant it was a protected area managed by the government.
The monument was first managed by the United States Forest Service. Then, in 1933, it moved to the National Park Service. However, in 1950, it went back to the Forest Service. It also lost its National Monument status. Not as many people were visiting, so it was too expensive to keep full-time staff.
Inspiring Artists and Explorers
The mountain's unique cross has inspired many people. Painters and photographers have captured its beauty. Even the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a poem about it. It was called "The Cross of Snow."
The first public photo of the mountain was in National Geographic magazine. A famous artist named Thomas Moran painted it. His painting is now in a museum in Los Angeles, California. Even today, many people still photograph this amazing mountain.
Exploring the Mountain Area
Around Mount of the Holy Cross, you can find several beautiful lakes. Bowl of Tears Lake is right under the peak's east face. Tuhare Lakes are also nearby in a bowl-shaped valley.
Other interesting places are within 35 miles (56 km) of the mountain. These include the Dotsero volcano and the towns of Vail and Aspen. US 24 runs close to the peak, passing through Gilman.
First Climbs and Early History
The first recorded climb of Mount of the Holy Cross was in 1873. It was done by F. V. Hayden and photographer W. H. Jackson. They were on a geographic survey trip. It's possible that Native Americans or miners climbed it before this.
The first time someone climbed the mountain in winter was in 1943. This was done by Russel Keene and Howard Freedman. They were part of the 10th Mountain Division, a special army unit. They were stationed nearby at Camp Hale.
Holy Cross City
A mining town called Holy Cross City was started in 1880. It was built to support the mining work in the area. A trail was built to the town in 1883. However, the town's population quickly dropped from 600 people the next year.
Climbing Mount of the Holy Cross
There are at least four different ways to climb Mount of the Holy Cross. The easiest and most common way is the North Ridge route. This hike involves climbing about 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) over 11.5 miles (18.5 km). It is considered a moderate scrambling route.
The Cross Couloir route is another way to climb. This route goes up the vertical part of the famous snow cross. It is a more advanced climb for experienced mountaineers. It can also be used for extreme skiing down the mountain.
Staying Safe While Hiking
Hiking Mount of the Holy Cross can be challenging. Hikers sometimes get lost or stranded if they miss the correct path down. It is very important to plan your route carefully. Researching the trail and knowing where to turn is key to staying safe. Groups like the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative work to make these trails safer for everyone.
The mountain can be reached from Tigiwon Road, south of Minturn, Colorado. The Half Moon Pass Trail is the usual path to the summit via the North Ridge. For the best view of the Holy Cross snow feature, you can follow the Fall Creek Trail. This leads to an ascent of Notch Mountain Trail and Notch Mountain Ridge.
Historical names
- Mount Holy Cross
- Mount of the Holy Cross – 1947
See also
In Spanish: Monte Holy Cross para niños
