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A challenging backcountry adventure. This hard to follow route takes you deep into the Holy Cross Wilderness.


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Map Key

2.4

Miles

3.9

KM

Point to Point

11,749' 3,581 m

High

11,267' 3,434 m

Low

460' 140 m

Up

856' 261 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek

Need to Know

Extremely difficult route finding and terrain.

Description

This hard to follow route branches off of the New York Mountain trail and drops down a very steep section just below the New York Mountain ridge. Once the trail descends off of the ridge, it becomes very challenging to follow. This trail has been described as "the most challenging, tiring and even dangerous at times trail". Be aware of the weather changes since you can't really see the storms coming until they are on top of you due to the extreme angle of the valley. Don't count on being able to follow this trail with your eyes, make sure you have an offline GPS backup. If you decide to explore this route, you'll be rewarded, but it is not to be underestimated. No view is worth a search and rescue call.

Contacts

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Hiking Project Staff

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 3 votes

#10243

Overall
  4.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#833

in Colorado

#10,243

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,594 Since Jan 10, 2019
Very Difficult Very Difficult

0%
0%
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33%
67%

Photos

The cliffs are the base of New York Mountain from the New York Lake Trail.
Oct 7, 2020 near Edwards, CO
This is the trail through the valley below New York Mountain on the way to New York Lake. You have to cross lots of talus. Trail is sketchy but cairns are well placed. It is a rugged trail with lots of ups and downs.
Oct 7, 2020 near Edwards, CO
The arrow shows the beginning of the decent route on the New York Lake Trail, taken from the bottom of the headwall.
Oct 7, 2020 near Edwards, CO
This is the trail just below the ridge at the start of the New York Lake Trail. It is VERY steep and rocky. You'll need both hands to go down (and back up).
Oct 7, 2020 near Edwards, CO
This is the top of the ridge that is the start of the NY Lake Trail. Your first step is straight ahead. Put your trekking poles in your pack as you'll need both hands.
Oct 7, 2020 near Edwards, CO
Start of the NY Lake Trail - where it splits off the NY Mountain Trail.
Jul 29, 2019 near Edwards, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Oct 6, 2020
Mark Noble
We did not make it to the lake. Mileage includes 1 mile on the New York Mountain trail from the trailhead before the New York Lake trail branches off. 3.8mi — 8h 00m
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