14,005 foot Mount of the Holy Cross is not easily climbed in a day. It can be done, as I found out, but most people would prefer hiking part way and camping before attempting the summit. The popular route climbs 1200 feet over Half Moon Pass and drops 900 feet to East Cross Creek before ascending Holy Cross. From the creek, it's a 3300 foot climb to the summit. Much of central Colorado can be seen from here on a clear day. I've marked some of the prominent landmarks. Please click here to see pictures and descriptions from the trail.