Beautiful vistas and when not cloudy some great photo shots. The trailhead is just to the left of where the Roaring Fork River drops through a culvert channeling the river beneath Highway 82. it was well worth the extra time it took to get to the top. The trailhead is to the Independence Pass viewing deck is located at the Summit parking area, which is about 20 miles from Aspen and 24 miles west of Highway 24 on the Leadville side. Hike to Lost Man's Pass in the Hunter Fryingpan Wilderness. Be sure this is on your list when visiting Aspen or Leadville. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. There are many hikes that you will pass along the way that range from moderate to difficult so check your hiking trail map before driving. The hike can be done as an out and back or, with a car shuttle, a semi-loop. Starting at 11,500-ft. off Highway 82 just below Independence Pass (12,095-ft.), the trail features some of the easiest access to an alpine wonderland of meadows and lakes anywhere in the area. While this is a more of a photography adventure and a fall drive to take through Colorado, there are also many areas to hike along the way. When done with the Grottos look for the trailhead to the ice caves that were formed when the Roaring Fork River was swollen with meltwater from receding Ice Age glaciers about 15,000 year ago. Distance from Trailhead: 4.6 miles (round trip), The Linkins Lake/Upper Lost Man trailhead starts just below timberline to the west of where the Roaring Fork River, really just a creek at this point, drops through a culvert channeling the river beneath Highway 82 near Independence Pass (12,095-ft.). This opinionated guide includes all the hikes in the Aspen, Buena Vista, Crested Butte, Marble and Leadville sections of the website plus info on local services and nearby attractions. From the lake enjoy magnificent views of the high alpine meadows and summits surrounding the Continental Divide. The trail briefly crosses to the west side of Lost Man Creek as it drops through a boggy area filled with wildflowers and small pockets of scrub willows. The trail begins with a moderate ascent along the nascent Roaring Fork River and then passes pretty Independence Lake before topping out at panoramic Lost Man Pass (12,815-ft.). The drive can start from really anywhere in the general area.  - Out-and-Back Trail. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. To reach the lower Lost Man trailhead stay right. Approximately 45 mins from Aspen, bring a sweater as its cool at the top.This drive does not Disappoint, Enjoy! At the foot of the lake the path starts its descent of the Lost Man drainage, making a wide arc to the north and then west through a large meadow with scenic views of the Williams Mountains rising to the west. Follow the trail as it ascends steeply up the hillside to the glacial cirque holding Linkins Lake (12,008-ft.) at 0.6 miles. Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness, White River National Forest, near Aspen in Central Colorado. Ask AspenRealLifeAspen about Independence Pass, Ask michaeljones46 about Independence Pass, Ask smilingathena about Independence Pass. Beyond the lake ascend rock strewn meadows on a moderately steep trail to the top of the pass (12,815-ft.) at 2.3 miles. Distance from Trailhead: 9.8 miles (round trip). You can access the mountains of the cirque in any direction. There are 2 ways to access the Lost Man Trail: 1) Linkins Lake / Upper Lost Man trailhead: Drive 18.5 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82 to the parking lot on the left (north) side of the road at the last switchback before Independence Pass. If you’re wanting to continue the adventure drop down the other side of the pass to Twin Lakes. Located about 29 miles north of Buena Vista, Colora... Overview There have been many a thrill seeker jumping or diving off of a cliff into this hypothermic swimming hole, carved out from where the Roaring Fork River runs through a five-foot opening below The Grottos on Independence Pass. At 7.5 miles the trail enters a large meadow with nice views down valley. All Rights Reserved. The snow was melting and the roads had water rushing across them. Please note that walking along Highway 82 to return to your car at the upper trailhead parking area at Linkins Lake is not recommended. After the caves drive up the rest of windy Route 82 up to 12,095 feet above sea level to the summit of Independence Pass that marks the Continental Divide. We drove from Vail to Aspen along some curvy, breathtaking, roads to get to Independence Pass. If you make a loop including Lost Man's lake to the lower trailhead is about 11.5 miles. As you climb be sure to turn around and enjoy ever improving views of Independence Mountain (12,703-ft.) and a sea of jagged ridges and summits in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness to the south. Map of Independence Pass, CO with distance, driving directions and estimated driving time from neary any location. The places that had guard rails were mangled by the snow plows. This is one of my favorite hikes. We came from Aspen driving across Independence Pass. When we got to the top we were blown away by the spectacular view. To Lost Man's Pass and back is 4.5 miles with ~1200 feet of gain. Geissler Mountain rise above the basin to the northwest while Twining Peak dominates the ridge to the east. After walking just over a mile the grade steepens as the trail curves east away from the Roaring Fork and climbs to a bench to circumvent boggy meadows around the river. Reach the lake, nestled amid wildflower-filled meadows at the base of 13,000-ft peaks at 1.75 miles. As you lose elevation the scrub growth thickens. Follow the trail as it ascends on moderate grades through scrub willows up the left (west) side of the Roaring Fork, passing the last few pockets of spruce trees along the way. If you're looking for things to do in the area, you might want to stop in and see Aspen Mountain and Mount Elbert. Many options for scrambling from the area around Independence Lake. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the Ghost Town of Independence, fields of wildflowers and the occasional moose, elk or deer. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Independence Pass. The starting point for directions can be a city or town, an intersection or a specific street address. Independence lake is probably the best part of this hike, but the trail on the other side down to Lost Man trailhead is very beautiful and serene. Soon the trail crosses back to the west side of the creek and plots a course slightly above the valley floor, skirting the marshy areas along the creek. City: Leadville. Just before arriving at the southwest end of Independence Lake the trail crosses the lake’s outlet stream.

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