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BPX 3-Day: Hunky Dory and Harvey Lakes from Half Moon TH to Cross Creek TH

Hike into the Holy Cross Wilderness on one of Colorado’s great hikes. Traverse two glacial valleys and climb over three passes, including Fall Creek Pass, which Fielder calls one of the most beautiful in Colorado. Visit spectacular lakes, and the Holy Cross City ghost town. This is a difficult, 3-day Shuttle with 27 miles and 5050ft elevation gain.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members:

Day 1. Start at Fall Creek/Half Moon trailhead. Hike along the Fall Lake Trail climbing past Lake Constantine to Fall Creek Pass and finally make camp at Hunky Dory Lake. (8 miles/+2,800’,-1800’)

Day 2. Hike to Holy Cross City, then Fancy Lake, Fancy Pass and down the Cross Creek Trail to Harvey Lake. Camp near Harvey Lake. (7 miles/+1,500’, -1900’) or to reduce day 3 mileage stay near southern end of Reeds Meadow.

Day 3. Hike down the Cross Creek Trail to the Cross Creek trailhead (12 miles/+800’,-3300’). 

Driving Directions: From Denver take I-70 west past Vail, then turn south at Dowd's Junction onto US 24. Just south of Maloit Park, turn right onto Forest Road 707 (Tigiwon Road). Cross Creek trailhead is less than a mile from the turnoff, and Fall Creek/Half Moon trailhead is only 6 miles farther.

General Requirements: It is possible to camp near the trailhead. A shuttle will need to be established with cars at the starting point at the Fall Creek/Half Moon Trailhead and finishing at the Cross Creek Trailhead. The trailheads are approximately five driving miles apart. 

Notes from 2020 trip: There were two access issues, encountered two significant avalanche debris fields that required some moderate scrambling where we needed to be very careful over large tree falls and boulders.  

Overall Route

  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Length: 27.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 5,050 ft
  • 12,600 ft
  • Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
    Holy Cross Wilderness Area, Holy Cross Ranger District (WRNF)
  • Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
  • Recommended Party Size: 6
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Trails Illustrated 126
  • Trails Illustrated 108
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