Come Hike!
If you are planning to make the trip up the magnificent Mountain of mount Cristo rey, there are many things you need to know. Here you will get all the information you need to get the whole Mount Cristo rey experience.
Thousands of faithful gather under the limestone cross of Jesus Christ during the annual Good Friday pilgramage up Mount Cristo rey. Some people start the climb at dawn, and a steady stream of people continue up throughout the morning. Good Friday, being the biggest religious holiday for Christians is by far the most popular, and best time for people to make the trip up the mountain. If you are planning on being a part of the crowd of 20,000 people who come annually to the monument, you will notice, while hiking on the trail, all of the unique parts in this massive monument.
Thousands of faithful gather under the limestone cross of Jesus Christ during the annual Good Friday pilgramage up Mount Cristo rey. Some people start the climb at dawn, and a steady stream of people continue up throughout the morning. Good Friday, being the biggest religious holiday for Christians is by far the most popular, and best time for people to make the trip up the mountain. If you are planning on being a part of the crowd of 20,000 people who come annually to the monument, you will notice, while hiking on the trail, all of the unique parts in this massive monument.
One of the parts in the hike up id the symbolic 14 blue crosses/stations (see picture left). The reason for the 14 crosses/stations is that in the christian religion, there were 14 events leading to the crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. The stations are as follows;
- I. Jesus is Condemned to Die
- II.Jesus is Made to Bear His Cross
- III. Jesus Falls the First Time
- IV.Jesus Meets His Mother
- V. Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
- VI. Veronica Wipes Jesus' Face
- VII. Jesus Falls the Second Time
- VIII. Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
- IX. Jesus Falls the Third Time X. Jesus is Stripped
- XI. Jesus is Nailed to the Cross XII.Jesus Dies on the Cross
- XIII. Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
- XIV.Jesus is Laid in the Tomb.
In addition to the 14 stations up the mountain, you can also expect to see many people walking up the long trail with big heavy crosses and/or bare feet with out shoes. The reason for this, is because for many people of the christian religion who climb up the mountain annually feel that by doing this, they make the hike up more significant. Another thing you will see on Mount Cristo rey on the good Friday trip, is the security. whether they are on horseback or in the patrol jeeps, you can be sure to see , some volunteers, some workers their keeping the people safe from the bandits and thieves that are said to hand around. Thats why, even on a huge day like good Friday, always go with a group of Friends or family. the patrol group usualy only come about three or four times a year (including good Friday).
As far as what to bring up the mountain, all you really need is a bottle of water, a hat, some sunglasses and you will definitively want to bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area of Mount Cristo Rey.
As far as what to bring up the mountain, all you really need is a bottle of water, a hat, some sunglasses and you will definitively want to bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area of Mount Cristo Rey.