cewtwo
New member
This is a difficult trail! The Mighty YJ is a built-up, heavily modified Jeep. It is lifted, has 33†tires, and has ARB locking differentials front and rear. The trail challenged the jeep, the driver and the passenger. It is a hands-on trail!
For a more detailed report, you can research this trail here - TrailDamage.com - Holy Cross
From Vail, Colorado take the US24 exit toward Leadville. Just after the Hornsilver Campground turn right on 703. You will see signs to Blodgett Campground and Homestake Reservoir. The trail is about 9 miles down 703 on the right marked FS 759.
You know you’re at the trailhead when you see this sign. Read it! Everything it says is true. The conditions of this trail are constantly changing.
When we arrived, the weather was sunny and hot. By the time we left, it was pouring rain.
There are 4 main obstacles on this trail and several minor ones. It is rocky with some of the rocks being deceptively tall. The underside of the Jeep got quite a work out.
Most of the above damage occurred during the transit of Frenchman’s Creek.
The first part of the trail is a one-way going up. This part is rocky and narrow. The first minor obstacle comes soon after the start. The trail crosses over rock strata with a deep crack in it. Not too difficult, but keep your eyes open.
The first major obstacle has a sign marking it. The sign reminds you that if you need to be towed off and out, it will cost a minimum of $500. Some travelers chose to turn around here.
Coming Down…
(Link will take you off-site)
A steep obstacle just before Frenchman’s creek.
Frenchman’s Creek crossing is the obstacle that most people remember. During Spring of this year, a rig was using a boulder to winch across. Instead, the boulder was moved down and into the trail. It took 30 minutes to get up to the creek crossing and an hour to cross it (2 rigs).
We have an Amsteel rope on the Warn winch. It popped and broke like a gun going off at one point during the crossing. We ended up using it without the safety thimble on it as we came back down.
After the creek crossing, he went up to Holy Cross City. It is a ruin of a ghost town. Some cabins still stand as well as some mine equipment and other debris.
We stopped and ate lunch here. It started to rain. Starting with just a sprinkle, It started to come down more and more. We decided to head back down.
Frenchmen’s Creek was much more difficult in the pouring rain. Each of the 2 rigs had to be winched and moved several times due to the slippery nature of the wet rocks. Everyone was soon soaked to the bone. We made it through, though.
After this obstacle (much easier going down even in the rain) the rest of the the trail was easily completed.
This trail can get very busy on the weekends. Be prepared to wait for awhile at certain points. It is worth the wait.
This is a fun, challenging trail. There are a lot of beautiful, natural things to see. Be prepared and have the right equipment and you’ll do OK!
For a more detailed report, you can research this trail here - TrailDamage.com - Holy Cross
From Vail, Colorado take the US24 exit toward Leadville. Just after the Hornsilver Campground turn right on 703. You will see signs to Blodgett Campground and Homestake Reservoir. The trail is about 9 miles down 703 on the right marked FS 759.
You know you’re at the trailhead when you see this sign. Read it! Everything it says is true. The conditions of this trail are constantly changing.
When we arrived, the weather was sunny and hot. By the time we left, it was pouring rain.
There are 4 main obstacles on this trail and several minor ones. It is rocky with some of the rocks being deceptively tall. The underside of the Jeep got quite a work out.
Most of the above damage occurred during the transit of Frenchman’s Creek.
The first part of the trail is a one-way going up. This part is rocky and narrow. The first minor obstacle comes soon after the start. The trail crosses over rock strata with a deep crack in it. Not too difficult, but keep your eyes open.
The first major obstacle has a sign marking it. The sign reminds you that if you need to be towed off and out, it will cost a minimum of $500. Some travelers chose to turn around here.
Coming Down…
(Link will take you off-site)
A steep obstacle just before Frenchman’s creek.
Frenchman’s Creek crossing is the obstacle that most people remember. During Spring of this year, a rig was using a boulder to winch across. Instead, the boulder was moved down and into the trail. It took 30 minutes to get up to the creek crossing and an hour to cross it (2 rigs).
We have an Amsteel rope on the Warn winch. It popped and broke like a gun going off at one point during the crossing. We ended up using it without the safety thimble on it as we came back down.
After the creek crossing, he went up to Holy Cross City. It is a ruin of a ghost town. Some cabins still stand as well as some mine equipment and other debris.
We stopped and ate lunch here. It started to rain. Starting with just a sprinkle, It started to come down more and more. We decided to head back down.
Frenchmen’s Creek was much more difficult in the pouring rain. Each of the 2 rigs had to be winched and moved several times due to the slippery nature of the wet rocks. Everyone was soon soaked to the bone. We made it through, though.
After this obstacle (much easier going down even in the rain) the rest of the the trail was easily completed.
This trail can get very busy on the weekends. Be prepared to wait for awhile at certain points. It is worth the wait.
This is a fun, challenging trail. There are a lot of beautiful, natural things to see. Be prepared and have the right equipment and you’ll do OK!
