INDEPENDENCE LAKE Trail

Hiking & Hot Springs

MOUNT PRINCETON HOT SPRINGS RESORT

ALPINE LAKES.

INDEPENDENCE LAKE.

This lake is in the “Lost Man Trail loop” on Independance Pass. There are (14-15 inch) Brook Trout in this lake sitting at 12,500 feet above timberline. It is in the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness so dogs must be on a leash. This basin is loaded with wildflowers along the trek of 2.5 miles one way. It sits below a pass of 12,800 feet before the trail drops down into Lost Man Lake. The best fishing is along the entire West Bank  having deeper and colder water. Black ant fly patterns behind a streamer have been very productive at this lake in past years. More info about this lake is available in a guidebook titled  “Central Colorado Alpine Lakes“.

Independence Lake Trailhead:

1 Hour 10 Minutes from Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

 Central Colorado Alpine Lakes Guide Book

About The Author

tom-parkesTom Parkes spent 12 years fishing, hiking, and camping at these alpine lakes, enjoying the solitude and scenery surrounding them. For the most part, these lakes have trails leading to their locations on public land and are open to everyone will ing to expend the effort to hike to them. The most prominent lakes are located in the San Juan, San Isabel, Sangre de Cristo, and Swatch Mountain Ranges.

The best times to hike into these lakes are from late May thru November with lower elevations best done in early and late season. July, August, and September are the best months to reach the higher lakes. To successfully complete these treks, physical conditioning and preparation are very important. The following items are essential: adequate water (at least 1.5 liters per person per 5-6 hours}, compass and topo map, sunscreen, adequate food, protective clothing for cold and wet weather (backup socks/have gloves}, flash light, matches or lighter, whistle, mosquito repellant, aspirin, and a CD for reflective device. Included in this pack of course is the essential fishing gear including a four-piece 5-6 weight rod and reel, for windy conditions I have always had a spin-casting rod and reel with clear plastic bubble. My arsenal of flies is both dries and nymphs. Parachute Madam X is an excellent dry fly and most midge nymphs with wooly bugger patterns are normally productive.

It is important to know what to expect in terms of distance and elevation profiles. A GPS or Topo Map complete with routes up and into the lakes are crucial. Also, it is prudent to be familiar with what I call "points of caution" when hiking into these lakes. Elevation gain and altitude can greatly change the difficulty of the hike.

10 Hiking Essentials

  1. Water (1.5 Liters per person per 5-6 hours)
  2. Snacks (Beef Jerky, nuts, power bar)
  3. Navigation (map and compass and/or GPS)
  4. Sunscreen
  5. Extra clothing (hat, socks, gloves)
  6. First aid supplies
  7. Light (headlamp or flashlight)
  8. Fire starter and matches/lighter
  9. CD Rom or mirror, whistle, mosquito repellant
  10. Emergency shelter (Biffy Bag)

LOCAL HIKES.

12 popular trailheads in the Nathrop area with hikes for all abilities and age levels. Surrounding areas have additional options for exploring our beautiful valley.

Trail Etiquette


Care For Colorado

The Etiquette of Poop

Colo-Ready

Trash The Trash

COTREX Colorado Trail Explorer APP
COLORAO TRAIL APP

Respect Wildlife

Surrounding Towns

Buena Vista, Colorado

Buena Vista, Colorado

Buena Vista, Colorado is just 9 miles from Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. This unique mountain town is located on the Arkansas River. There are many shopping opportunities along with restaurants, a brewery and a distillery. LEARN MORE

Salida, Colorado

Salida, Colorado is 21 miles from the resort. This is Colorado's largest National Historic District. Dine on the banks of the Arkansas River and explore the many art galleries in this historic downtown. This area was named Colorado's first Creative Arts District. LEARN MORE

 

 

 

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Phone: 719-395-2447
15870 County Road 162 Nathrop, Colorado 81236-9703

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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