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Peak:	Mt. of the Holy Cross (14er)
Route:	Halo Ridge
Range:	Sawatch
Posted By:	Exiled Michigander
Date of Information:	07/19/2011
Date Posted:	07/20/2011

Report
Trip report to follow (hopefully by this Friday--work permitting). For now, here is an update on conditions for the Halo Ridge/Orbital route: Tigiwon Road: As most of you know, Tigiwon Road is closed. This will add around 15 miles round-trip to any hike from the Half Moon trailhead. BRING MOSQUITO REPELLENT! I was eaten alive by wave after wave of the little vampires. Consider taking a mountain bike to the trailhead. I saw a few hikers who did this--pretty smart way to make Tigiwon Road go by faster. Fall Creek Trail: A bit muddy in spots, but otherwise in good shape. Creek crossings very doable. Notch Mountain Trail: Excellent shape. Be sure to fill up on water at treeline. Halo Ridge: Solid rock. Nearly all snow can be avoided. The only snow field I had to cross was just above the Teardrop Couloir. I would still recommend an ice axe in case you get off route though. North Ridge: Great shape. East Cross Creek: I amazingly stayed dry crossing it, although it is a bit tricky. After a heavy rain it would be hard to cross without getting wet up to one's knees. Bring extra socks. Half Moon Trail: Some mud, but generally in good shape. Image 1: A calendar shot of the Cross from Notch Mountain. Image 2: Close-up of the Cross Couloir. Image 3: Teardrop Couloir Image 4: Angelica Couloir. Photos (click for slideshow):

Report

Trip report to follow (hopefully by this Friday--work permitting). For now, here is an update on conditions for the Halo Ridge/Orbital route:

Tigiwon Road: As most of you know, Tigiwon Road is closed. This will add around 15 miles round-trip to any hike from the Half Moon trailhead. BRING MOSQUITO REPELLENT! I was eaten alive by wave after wave of the little vampires. Consider taking a mountain bike to the trailhead. I saw a few hikers who did this--pretty smart way to make Tigiwon Road go by faster.

Fall Creek Trail: A bit muddy in spots, but otherwise in good shape. Creek crossings very doable.

Notch Mountain Trail: Excellent shape. Be sure to fill up on water at treeline.

Halo Ridge: Solid rock. Nearly all snow can be avoided. The only snow field I had to cross was just above the Teardrop Couloir. I would still recommend an ice axe in case you get off route though.

North Ridge: Great shape.

East Cross Creek: I amazingly stayed dry crossing it, although it is a bit tricky. After a heavy rain it would be hard to cross without getting wet up to one's knees. Bring extra socks.

Half Moon Trail: Some mud, but generally in good shape.

Image 1: A calendar shot of the Cross from Notch Mountain.
Image 2: Close-up of the Cross Couloir.
Image 3: Teardrop Couloir
Image 4: Angelica Couloir.

Photos (click for slideshow):

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