Saturday, July 2, 2016

Shrine Pass/ Vail in the clouds

We had heard so much about this trail near Vail. We got a room for the night and headed over.  Unfortuneatly the weather was awful.

It rained almost the whole time but we were equipped with our raincoats and rain pants.

The trailhead starts on Shrine Pass about 2.3 miles from Interstate 70 and the Vail Pass rest area. Most of the trail was really muddy.

There is supposed to be wonderful views but only clouds for us.

There was some snow we had to trek across.

Lots of pretty trees. The distance is 2.1 miles each way.  Elevation 11,089. Gain is +743 feet.

This trail is named Shrine for its excellent view of the Mount of the Holy Cross. It was used by silver miners and settlers.

Can be viewed on a clear day: Gore Range, Uneva Peak, Copper mountain ski area, ptarmigan Hill, Sawatch Range, and Flat Top Mountains.

Wildflowers are supposed to be wonderful too. We didnt see much.


Lots of clouds :(

One snowfield we had to cross.

We will have to return again since the weather did not cooperate.

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