Holy Cross - Clunker to Holy Bucket Segment, CO

Warning
Mountain biking can be dangerous - please know your skill level and be appropriately prepared with PPE before starting any trail.

Overview
This Holy Cross segment connects the popular Holy Bucket and Clunker trails in the Lower Morrison Basin area off of Little Park Road. It is designed to be technically challenging in parts for mountain bikers, but it is an easy hike.

History
Does the name come from some lost religious connotation? The trail's ability to cross terrain and connect other trails? One may never know...

Hike
Starting from the broad clear area by boulders at the intersection of Clunker, the Clunker-Miramonte Connector, the trail heads east along the base of a cliff before turning south and getting a little rougher. A small blind corner passes under a boulder, with a bit of exposure on the east side where watching your footing and looking out for oncoming bikes can be tricky. Once past that, things become easier again. You descend into a draw and then go through a boulder field before hitting the south side of the Lower Morrison Basin. The trail turns east and crosses several small drainages that are usually dry at the pinyon-juniper woodland edge. Eventually, the trail hits a T on some rocks and boulders just before the eastern edge of the Lower Morrison Basin. Turning right will take you further up/back the Holy Cross Trail. Turning left will start you on Holy Bucket, heading towards a trailhead.

Water Sources
A seasonal creek exists, but it is best to bring your own because you don't want to be on this mud when it is wet.

Camping
None allowed.

Note
This trail is rated Black (Advanced) for mountain bikers.

Check out the Official Route and Triplog.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2021-02-15 PaleoRob