The view from Julia’s Deck looks out over the Sawatch Range and up to Mount of the Holy Cross. The view is a bit narrow as it’s hemmed in by trees. The deck is known as both the Mt Holy Cross Observation Deck and, as it was later renamed, Julia’s Deck. The deck has wooden benches that oddly don’t face the view, but a vaulted pavilion off to the side. The deck is outfitted with a number of highly visible signs that photographers will likely find irritating to photoshop out. The trail is pretty flat and well maintained and while there is a small set of steps there is also a side trail which ramps up to the deck itself. Reservations are taken in 2-3 hour time slots during the summer months. Shrine Pass Rd from I-70 up to the overlook is an uneven dirt road and easily passable with some care by just about any vehicle that doesn’t tout a low road clearance. The vault toilets are right by the parking lot and a 5 minute hike back from the deck. Parking can be limited, but there are several larger parking lots down the road that can be used for shuttling if necessary. There are a couple of informal trails that wind around the deck and can provide some interesting forest backdrops for couples photos.
