It was time once again to return to the Wilderness Area located near home. Cross Creek is one of many gems located within Wilderness boundaries, but in my opinion it is the heart of Holy Cross. I would choose to return to a few familiar places for this trip, but the particular destination I had in mind, I had never stepped foot.
The West Cross Creek drainage is an off-trail valley which features no named lakes, no surrounding 14ers, little cover from the elements, but more importantly no people. I had been salivating at the chance to explore the high and low elevations of this area since laying distant eyes on it several times last summer. Â Kelly and I planned for three days and two nights, looping an approximate 23 miles.
Looking down at the Missouri Lakes just after gaining Missouri Pass. We saw several dozen day hikers who were in the midst of completing the very popular Missouri/Fancy Pass Loop on a cloudy Saturday afternoon.
Treasure Vault Lake in the foreground and our intended route in the back. The view from the top of Missouri Pass is just all around good.
We stayed high and skirted around the Cross Creek drainage from above. Kelly spotted snow, so we had to go. Being the ski enthusiast that she is, she naturally had to see how well the snow would slide.
Standing high above the headwaters of Cross Creek.
We dropped down to Blodgett Lake first, then continued west on high tundra towards what I’ll call Middle Mountain Pass.
Easy and spacious walking with an up close view of the Holy Cross Ridge. Small pools of water have formed in many direction.
Standing atop the mellow Middle Mountain Pass and looking  at what’s to become of us in the west.
We descended below tree line and came across what we had come for in the form of West Cross Creek; a beautiful and gentle stream which has bleached the rock and down timber a pearl white. The slow pools of water give off a aqua blue hue.
West Cross Creek and the view to our south. To our north and in the far far away we can see what is obviously a great glimpse of the Gore Range. The only thing left to do is find camp: as close to here as possible.
Early morning sun.
Following West Cross Creek down to Reeds Meadow, we came upon a full bushwhack with big and small, tall and short scenery.
Here, there and everywhere. We swore we’d be better fungi identifiers next time.
Upon reaching the tributary of thee Cross Creek, we circled around Reeds Meadow and began heading south again towards the above and our night two destination of Harvey Lake.
Exploring and fishing Harvey Lake in the afternoon.
Nothing like the freshest tasting trout while in the backcountry. Gourmet style mashed potatoes and rich dark chocolate for dessert (I’m usually not always that nice to myself). It may have been one of the best backpacking meals I’ve had in a while.
Rain came and went and the monsoon season still isn’t breaking through late August.
A gorgeous morning, but the fish disappeared.
We took our sweet time Monday morning and broke camp to make it upstream for the rest of Cross Creek. Mining ruins and old cabins scattered the closer one gets to the headwaters.
We had more miles and more climbing to do than any of three days we were out. Instead of going back via Missouri Pass, we opted to climb higher to Fancy Pass. Treasure Vault Lake sits to the left.
Gaining the pass.
Satisfaction.
