Typical Holy Cross route used

[taintedsaint]

Y'all helped me immensely in post about the passes in Colorado for upcoming trip, so I'm turning to the experts again.
On our return route back to VA, our last trail will be Holy Cross. I've got it mostly planned out, entering just off Hwy 24, but looking at the trail in OnX, I'm confused about the typical route taken as it seems to have a large loop with the end of the trail heading off northwest.

How is it usually run and if you run to the NW tip, do you return to the eastern start or is the another way out?
Thanks in advance for the valuable input.

-Joe

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[GI Grandpa]

Y'all helped me immensely in post about the passes in Colorado for upcoming trip, so I'm turning to the experts again.
On our return route back to VA, our last trail will be Holy Cross. I've got it mostly planned out, entering just off Hwy 24, but looking at the trail in OnX, I'm confused about the typical route taken as it seems to have a large loop with the end of the trail heading off northwest.

How is it usually run and if you run to the NW tip, do you return to the eastern start or is the another way out?
Thanks in advance for the valuable input.

-Joe

The bottom part of Holy Cross is one-way up hill. When you come back down, you have to exit on to 727.1 and follow that back down to Homestake Road. The lower part of the trail is very tight and twisty but not hard, there is just nowhere to pass or turn around. Some people enter the trail at the exit as you can get a trailer to that point with some finesse. Also, there is an ongoing construction project on the water line that parallels 727.1, so you may encounter some equipment on the way out, but they do a good job of keeping the trail clear. If you are camping, there are several dispersed campsites along Homestake Road and a NFS Campground as well.

 

[steven1955]

If you are coming from rte 24 on Homestake Rd, 703, you come the high clearance off road Holy Cross City Road, 759 on the right. It is one way going up to the junction of 727, after which 759 is two way

When you return from Holy Cross City on 759 you go down to 727, then you have to take 727 the rest of the way down.

727 is an easily driven two way gravel road, so you may meet less adventurous people like us. I have parked at the Junction of 726 and 759 and hiked to Holy Cross City. It was a hard hike for us, but then I am an old fart. (I won't speak for the GF.)

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