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Julia’s Deck

An ADA-accessible trail and deck offering stunning views of Colorado’s Mount of the Holy Cross.

Minturn, Colorado

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Stuart Black
Julia’s deck.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
About PAW   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
The ADA accessible trail leading to Julia’s Deck.   cyccommute / Atlas Obscura User
Mount of the Holy Cross, telephoto view.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Mount of the Holy Cross. The clouds have lifted, but the right crosspiece has melted away for the season.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Memorial to Julia.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Mount of the Holy Cross.   cyccommute / Atlas Obscura User
Mount of the Holy Cross from Julia’s Deck.   cyccommute / Atlas Obscura User
Julia’s Deck   cyccommute / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Mount of the Holy Cross is one of Colorado’s most iconic mountains. The 14,011-foot peak can be seen along Spaulding Ridge from Copper Mountain to Vail. However, the ridge was once very difficult to access for those with disabilities. To fix this dilemma, Julia Love Tuschman and Physically-challenged Access to the Woods, since renamed Partners for Access to the Woods (PAW) established the trail and viewing deck. 

A partnership between PAW, the Vail Rotary Club, and White River National Forest maintain the trail and deck. The approximately one-eighth mile hike ends at the deck built to accommodate around 30 people. The deck offers stunning views of the Mount of the Holy Cross and the surrounding White River National Forest.

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Know Before You Go

The Mount of the Holy Cross Overlook is located 3.7 miles west of Vail Pass on Shrine Pass Road (Forest Service Road 712), or by going east from US 24 at Red Cliff for 7.6 miles. The Red Cliffside is much steeper.

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cyccommute

Published

August 29, 2019

Updated

March 8, 2022

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