20 Attractions to Explore Near Independence Lake

A majestic mountain located in the Sawatch Range in United States.Twining Peak is a “named” thirteener and a fun hike that should be started early in the day to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. It can be done as a loop as shown: blue being the uphill route and yellow is the descent, although you can also descend on the blue line but you’d need to re-summit Blarney Peak.

Lost Man Lake is a small alpine lake located in Pitkin County, Colorado. The lake is situated at an elevation of 11,760 feet, and is surrounded by mountains and forests. Lost Man Lake is a popular destination for hikers and campers, who come to enjoy the scenic views and the peaceful atmosphere. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and small mammals.Lost Man Lake is a beautiful and secluded spot that is well worth a visit.

Linkins Lake is a beautiful natural lake that offers plenty of opportunities for recreation. The lake is situated at an elevation of 9,400 feet, making it a great destination for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is also popular for fishing, canoeing, and picnicking. There are also several campsites located around the lake, making it a perfect place to enjoy a night under the stars. This is a truly special place and is well worth a visit if you find yourself in central Colorado.

Independence Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. The pass is located on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 12,095 feet, in the White River National Forest. It is the highest paved pass in the United States. The pass provides access to the towns of Aspen and Crested Butte, as well as the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area. Independence Pass is typically open from late May to early October, depending on weather conditions.

This is a former mining town located in Pitkin County. Founded in 1879, the town was a thriving community for many years, with a population of over 1,000 people. However, the mines began to play out in the early 20th century, and by the 1950s the town was largely abandoned. Today, It is a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved Victorian-era architecture. Visitors can explore the town's old mining equipment, visit its museums, and hike or camp in the surrounding mountains.

Mount Oklahoma is located in Pitkin County, Colorado. It is the highest peak in the Elk Mountains, and it has an elevation of 12,953 feet. The mountain is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and eagles. There are also several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Mount Oklahoma is a popular destination for climbers and hikers alike, and it is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Fryingpan Lakes is a chain of three Alpine lakes located in Pitkin County, Colorado. The lakes are situated at an elevation of over 11,000 feet, and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The area is popular with hikers and campers, who come to enjoy the solitude and natural beauty of the lakes. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and visitors often spot moose, bears, and wildflowers. The Fryingpan Lakes are a perfect example of the pristine wilderness that can be found in Colorado.

French Mountain is a high mountain summit in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 13,966-foot thirteener is located on the Elbert Massif in San Isabel National Forest, 13.0 miles southwest by west of the City of Leadville in Lake County, Colorado, United States.

The Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness is located in the White River and Gunnison National Forests in central Colorado. It encompasses over 485,000 acres and includes the Hunter Creek, Fryingpan River, and South Fork Eagle River drainages. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, bears, and cougars. There are also numerous hiking trails that wind through the wilderness, offering breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.

Mount Massive is the second-highest summit of the Rocky Mountains of North America. An iconic location which offers you astonishing views and also a good trekking destination.

A majestic summit in the Sawatch Mountains of Colorado. It offers beautiful views and also it is a good trekking destination too. The peak is 6 mi south of Independence Pass in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness of San Isabel National Forest.

Mount Elbert is Colorado's highest peak and the second highest peak in the lower 48 states. The mountain was named in honor of a Colorado statesman, Samuel Hitt Elbert, who was active in the formative period of the state and Governor of the Territory of Colorado. The easiest and most popular climbing routes are categorized as Class 1 to 2 or A+ in mountaineering parlance. Mount Elbert is therefore often referred to as the "gentle giant" that tops all others in the Rocky Mountains.

The Mount Massive Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area in the Sawatch Range. The wilderness now contains over 30,000 acres, and it is co-managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The name comes from Mount Massive, the second highest peak in Colorado, located inside the wilderness. It is the only federally designated wilderness area within the National Fish Hatchery System.

Grizzly Peak is a popular mountain peak in Pitkin County, Colorado. The peak is located in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area, and it offers stunning views of the Continental Divide. Grizzly Peak is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, and it is also a popular spot for camping and backpacking. The peak is named for the grizzly bears that once inhabited the area, and there are still a few bears in the wilderness area today. v

The Grottos Trail is a beautiful hike that takes you through some of Pitkin County's most scenic landscapes. It is located near the town of Aspen, and the hike itself is just under three miles long. The trail is relatively easy to follow, and there are several markers along the way to help you stay on course. The scenery along the trail is truly spectacular, and you'll get to see some of Colorado's finest scenery along the way. The Grottos Trail is a great hike for all levels of experience.

North Mount Elbert Trail is 4.3 miles long and is located off the Halfmoon Road southwest of Leadville. . Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 42 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking.

Garfield Peak is a high mountain summit of the Collegiate Peaks in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 13,787-foot thirteener is located 5.6 miles south-southwest of Independence Pass, Colorado, United States, on the Continental Divide separating San Isabel National Forest and Chaffee County from White River National Forest and Pitkin County.Garfield Peak was named in honor of James A. Garfield, 20th President of the United States.

The Leadville National Fish Hatchery was established in 1889: at 117 years old, it is the second-oldest National Fish Hatchery in existence. It lies within the Mount Massive Wilderness, most of whose area lies within San Isabel National Forest and which is managed by the United States Forest Service. Leadville National Fish Hatchery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

La Plata Peak is another big and bulky Sawatch mountain, similar in configuration to Colorado's highest two mountains Mt. Elbert and Mt Massive. The nearby ghost towns of Winfield and Hamilton were prominent silver mining towns in the early part of the 20th century. Northwest Ridge and the Ellingwood Ridge are the prominent climbing routes in this area.

Hagerman Pass is located in Pitkin County, Colorado. The pass is named for geologist Albert H. Hagerman, who surveyed the area in the late 19th century. Hagerman pass is situated at an elevation of 11,933 feet and it provides a crossing point for the Continental Divide. The pass is accessible by a 4x4 road and it offerst breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Although Hagerman pass is open all year round, it is recommended that visitors use caution when driving in winter conditions.