Julia’s Deck

Mount of the Holy Cross, telephoto view. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

The Mount of the Holy Cross is one of Colorado’s most iconic mountains. The 14,011-foot peak can be seen along Spaulding Ridge from Copper Mountain to Vail. However, the ridge was once very difficult to access for those with disabilities. To fix this dilemma, Julia Love Tuschman and Physically-challenged Access to the Woods, since renamed Partners for Access to the Woods (PAW) established the trail and viewing deck.

A partnership between PAW, the Vail Rotary Club, and White River National Forest maintain the trail and deck. The approximately one-eighth mile hike ends at the deck built to accommodate around 30 people. The deck offers stunning views of the Mount of the Holy Cross and the surrounding White River National Forest.

Know Before You Go

The Mount of the Holy Cross Overlook is located 3.7 miles west of Vail Pass on Shrine Pass Road (Forest Service Road 712), or by going east from US 24 at Red Cliff for 7.6 miles. The Red Cliffside is much steeper.