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Holy Cross Ranger District White River National Forest Steep, steep, steep!!! And narrow, too! This trail's difficulty primarily comes from the steep switchbacks on both the ascent and descent. The trail switchbacks through thick, narrow pine forests. The summit rewards you with spectacular 360 degree views, and one of the 10th Mountain Huts is visible from a short walk east at the summit. On the descent where the trail becomes Hornsilver Mountain, you'll see remnants of an old saw mill. TRAIL TIPS DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS TRAIL WHEN WET!!! Due to erosion, and loss of traction from the oily, muddy dirt. This trail is very, very steep. Keep your vehicle in "4-low" at all times, and avoid spinning your wheels. The trail has many switchbacks. Please stay on the trail. Directions from Vail: Follow I-70 west to the Minturn exit (#171). Follow Highway 24 south through the town of Minturn, and continue a total distance of 14 miles from the interstate until you reach a valley opening. Look for the first major turnoff on the left (east) side onto a dirt road entering Camp Hale. Follow the road to the immediate right and at .5 miles from Highway 24 take a left at the "Y" and then a left at the immediate next "Y". Follow this road north along the mountain side until you enter the pine forest. At the beginning of this trail you'll notice that the trail crosses private land. Please respect this crossing and stay on the trail. The summit is about 8 1/2 miles from the private land area, and Hornsilver road ends in a junction with Wearyman Jeep road. Turn left (north) onto Wearyman, which will quickly end at a junction with Shrine Pass. Take a left onto Shrine Pass, and follow the graded dirt road into the town of Redcliff. Go through Redcliff, and you'll be at Highway 24, just north of Camp Hale. Seasonal Information: Normally Accessible: Summer through Fall (NOTE: Seasons vary depending on snow depth) .
