scenic day hikes near Independence Pass

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trektheworld
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scenic day hikes near Independence Pass

Post by trektheworld »

heading over Independence Pass to summit Capitol in a week or two. I wanted to get in a day hike off of Independence pass area somewhere that's scenic, and heads to a lake or nice summit, just to get the legs moving. Any advice?
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Re: scenic day hikes near Independence Pass

Post by sleepdeprivation »

There is a hike that starts at Independence Pass...
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scottda
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Re: scenic day hikes near Independence Pass

Post by scottda »

Right from the pass there is a trail heading north, just east of the lake, that goes up to Pt. 13,500. From here you can continue to Twining peak.

At the first switchback (heading down) on the west side there is a trail that heads to Linkin Lake and/or Lost Man Lake. Can also get a Geissler summit in if you want.
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Re: scenic day hikes near Independence Pass

Post by denvermikey »

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Re: scenic day hikes near Independence Pass

Post by CO Native »

Linkins Lake is a short easy one off of Independence pass.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 186901.pdf
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Re: scenic day hikes near Independence Pass

Post by DeTour »

Linkins Lake is one of two trails starting from the first switchback below Independence Pass on the west (Aspen) side. It's short and steep. The other is Lost Man Trail. Lost Man is a loop trail, the other end at the Lost Man trailhead a few miles further down to the west. We took a portion of Lost Man a few weeks ago as an acclimation hike, coming from Illinois, starting from the higher switchback near the pass. it and the Linkins Lake Trail start together from the road, and split off a short distance in.

We went as far as Independence Lake, which I believe was about four miles roundtrip. Lost Man Pass is another common destination, about a quarter-mile further and 300+' higher than the lake. It's a pretty hike, following the Roaring Fork creek, the lake being the headwaters for the river. It was high enough to do us some good with acclimation, while still being an easy, casual hike.

If you were interested in doing the entire loop, you would want a car (or bike!) shuttle between trailheads. That road is no place for pedestrians.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 186903.pdf
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Re: scenic day hikes near Independence Pass

Post by peter303 »

Several start at the pass itself. It will be immediately obvious.
Could be some snow dustings this time of year and 20s wind chill. Thats what i experienced this weekend.
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Re: scenic day hikes near Independence Pass

Post by Katherineanne98 »

Hope Pass from either side, or the over and back from Twin Lakes. Good views to the north and south, and you also get to see what the LT100 fuss is all about.
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