It’s hard to see elusive Mount of the Holy Cross from any road — most people view it from the distance while skiing in Blue Sky basin at Vail Mountain — but those willing to make the long drive and hike can experience one of Colorado’s greatest fourteeners.

It’s a brutally long hike, one that will have you cursing as you climb up Half Moon Pass twice. But the amazing views from 14,005 feet in the heart of the high country, and the sense of accomplishment from summiting the peak are worth it.

To get there: From Interstate 70, head south on U.S. 24 through Minturn to Tigiwon Road a few miles past town. You can also go through Leadville and north on 24, though as of early August a sinkhole had closed that portion of the road.

Follow Tigiwon Road (Forest Service Road 707) 8 miles to the trailhead. The road is dirt but fine for cars. Get there early on weekends; the parking lot can fill up quickly.

The hike: Get a free permit at the entrance to Holy Cross Wilderness and begin the slog up to Half Moon Pass. The trail pops briefly above timberline here and then begins a gentle downhill, as majestic Holy Cross comes into view.

Catch your breath, then plunge downward into the Cross Creek valley. Now the real fun begins.

The trail runs gradually, then steeply, through the pine forests until you emerge above treeline, eyes stinging with sweat. Follow the obvious trail to the ridgeline as the summit and dangerous cliffs come into view.

The trail vanishes at times in the boulder fields; just aim for the giant stacked rock piles, known as cairns, that show the way. Stay on the ridge until the final few hundred feet to the summit. There is no official trail on the last stretch. Just pick the path that seems easiest, making sure not to stray too far near the cliffs to your left.

Enjoy the top, take some pictures and return the way you came. Once you return from the summit, be sure to stay on the ridge as you descend. Many people become lost when they drift left.

Save some water, because you still need to climb 1,000 feet back to Half Moon Pass and the trailhead, a painful ascent after everything you’ve already put your legs through.Information: Tigiwon Road is closed from late fall through mid-June. The hike is in a designated wilderness area, so no bicycles are allowed and dogs must be leashed.

There are seven campsites in the Halfmoon Campground at the trailhead, first-come, first-serve for a $10 fee. Many hikers choose to do this hike as a two-day backpack, and there are many fine campsites near Cross Creek. Hint: Go farther upstream from the trail for the best sites.

Because of afternoon thunderstorms, a predawn start is essential for this hike.

For current conditions contact White River National Forest at 1-970-328-6388 or check popular climbing website 14ers.com.Rating system

One is easiest, with little elevation gain, and it is at a reasonable altitude. Four is most difficult, with severe elevation gain, difficult terrain or extreme length and altitude.