Halo Ridge

Dogs Leashed

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This route can be done in either direction to create a loop of Holy Cross, Holy Cross Ridge (Centennial 13er), and UN13,253 along Halo Ridge. This is a fun alternative to the standard out-and-back route to the summit of Mount of the Holy Cross. Following this description in the counterclockwise direction also avoids the uphill when returning to the Holy Cross TH. The Notch Mountain Shelter is visible from Mt. of the Holy Cross and is a good beacon to keep an eye on for most of the ridge hike.

The route starts at the top of Mt. of the Holy Cross. Descend the main summit on the same trail you ascended and begin veering left towards Holy Cross Ridge as it flattens out and heads south. There are vague social trails starting here and across the entire ridge, but it is also easy enough to just keep to the ridge direct for most of the route and keep an eye to where you are heading. The climb up to Holy Cross Ridge is pretty well defined and not all that difficult.

On the summit of Holy Cross Ridge, the route is clearly visible all the way to the Notch Mountain Shelter. Continue over the summit and begin heading in a more south-easterly direction. This section descends across less rocky terrain and is probably the easiest portion of the ridgeline. Eventually, you'll ascend and cross over a small bump that is not a distinct peak but is somewhat rocky.

From here, the route gets a bit more challenging, but nothing that ever exceeds class 2+/class 3 scrambling. The descent off this bump is steeper and requires some thoughtful navigation and you can definitely make it more or less challenging depending on which "trail" you choose to follow.

The climb up to UN13,253 is mellow and easy to follow. Take the ridge as direct as possible over some rocks to the actual summit. Stay high on this ridge and follow it until it begins to drop down towards Notch Mountain Shelter. From here you can pick up the Notch Mountain Trail and follow it all the way back to the TH.