Facility · Colorado ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
White River National Forest (NF) · Open Access
The Shrine Ridge trail begins at Shrine Pass Road #709 and ends at Shrine Mountain Ridge. Follow the trail southwest as it climbs through pine-studded meadows. After about 1.3 miles the trail turns west heading through pine forest before the steepest part of the climb to the saddle to the west of you. From the saddle turn right and travel northwest to Shrine Mountain where you can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views.
Named “ Shrine” for its excellent view of the Mount of the Holy Cross,the pass was originally a Ute Indian trail and later used by silver miners and settlers. Views from Shrine Mountain include:
View a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this trail which is complete with directions, a map, details, and other information about this trail.
Travel east from Vail on I-70 to Exit 190 for Vail Pass. Exit here and turn right, heading west, onto the Shrine Pass dirt road (FSR 709). Follow this easy road 2.3 miles to just past the indistinct Shrine Pass summit and forest boundary. The trailhead is on the left near the gravel driveway for the Shrine Mountain Inn.
39.54601, -106.24156 · 39°32'45.6"N 106°14'29.6"W
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 2.9 | 2.9 | 3.1 | 3.6 | 2.4 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 2.2 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 2.6 | 2.5 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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