Holy Cross Trip Report 2008

We departed the Safeway on Colorado Avenue at 12:30 P.M with just two vehicles, Ben Boggan and his sister Hannah , my daughter Stephanie and I along with Tanner our Golden Retriever puppy (trail dog in training ).

After regrouping in Leadville we drove on to the camp spot, which ended up being the same nice spot we camped at last year near the trailhead. After we setup the tents and had dinner we were feeling a little restless so we decided to go on a little night run and explore some of the spur roads in the area. We ran into a couple groups just getting off the trail. It must have been a long day for them and I was hoping it wasn't a sign of things to come for us. Jason and Tara Texer and daughter along with his brother and girlfriend arrived at the camp spot and setup their camper for the night .

After relaxing around the camp fire we all settled in for the night. We arrived at the trailhead at 8:00 A.M where Farid Moreno was waiting for us after driving up from the Springs that morning. We pulled out at 8:30 A.M with four vehicles and headed up the trail which was pretty wet due to all the rain. After some on and off light drizzle and no issues we arrived at French Creek. The water at the creek was running as fast and high as I have ever seen it. With nobody in front of us I took the far right line which seemed harder than it used to be and made it through. Jason was maneuvering in the creek to get his line when a boulder got wedged under him and punched a hole in his rear diff cover. We got him out of the way for the repair since another group was coming up behind us. Ben made it with no issues and Farid took the far left line and made it through.

After a temporarily fixed diff cover Jason made it through. We stayed to watch the group behind us beat up their vehicles . We weren't disappointed . With some light rain starting to fall again, we proceeded to Holy Cross City. The rain stopped and we had lunch at the City. As we ate lunch a group of really nice vintage Dodge Power Wagons arrived. After lunch we headed uphill to Cleveland Rock where Jason tried the steep rock face to the left, with the rain starting to fall again it was very slippery . I tried the middle line and with the rain and the water running down the obstacle there was no traction to be had. Ben tried a few lines but with the wet conditions the same results. The winch was the choice today. Farid decided to park at the obstacle and walk up.

The next obstacle above Cleveland Rock doesn't look like much, but with the wet conditions it proved otherwise. We made it up and proceeded to the end of the trail where you can take a short hike to Cleveland Lake. Again, it started to rain so we decided to head back down. I went down first and then waited at the bottom of the first obstacle. Jason and family were coming down next in their CJ-8 when it rolled and landed on its side. Everyone was a little shook up, but were alright.. Thank you Lord! Ben and I, with some help from some great folks that ran up from below, winched the Jeep onto its wheels. Jason has a very well built Jeep and roll cage so damage was mainly limited to fender and hood damage and a broken motor mount.

After some reflection on what just happened and thanking the Lord for what could have been a much worse outcome we proceeded down to Cleveland Rock. We went down with a few of us holding the back end down with a strap. French Creek was backed up going down with a group in front of us. After a little wait we were once again on our way down the trail and back to camp. Ben and Hannah stayed Saturday night as well as Jason and Tara and family. Farid headed back to the Springs as well as my daughter Stephanie and I. The wet conditions made the trail much more difficult than usual and it goes to show you that even with good driving and a well built vehicle anything can happen.

God Bless,
Dave Chladek
Trip Leader