Hike Lost Man Pass via Independence Lake

Independence, Ohio

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Distance

4.5 miles

Elevation Gain

1200 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Eric Schuette

Hike to Lost Man's Pass in the Hunter Fryingpan Wilderness. Enjoy the views at Independence Lake (and Lost Man Lake if you decide to make a loop). In the summer the area has a wonderful wildflower display. To Lost Man's Pass and back is 4.5 miles with ~1200 feet of gain. If you make a loop including Lost Man's lake to the lower trailhead is about 11.5 miles. From the pass there are several 13ers that can also be climbed and stay at class 2/3. However, class 4 options are available in the area.

Park at the pull out just west of independence pass. From there, begin on the Linkin's Lake Trail. The trail is generally easy to follow (although it can be muddy as it is a wet area) and climbs 900 feet in the 1.8 miles to independence lake. From Independence lake it is about 0.5 miles and 400 feet of incline to the pass. The trail stays to the west of the lake although there is a use trail that encircles the lake.

If you continue down to lost man's lake and down to the lower trailhead it is an additional 6 miles to the trailhead across from lost man's campground on Highway 82.

To access the 13er's in the area there are no official trails but in some places climbers trails will lad through the scree and talus. You can access the mountains of the cirque in any direction. Just be careful as the summer sees many storms above treeline.

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Features

Camping

Photography

Backpacking

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Lake

Scenic

Wildflowers

Reviews

Shaun, Debbi Jackson

Hike Lost Man Pass via Independence Lake

08/29/16

This is one of my favorite hikes. Easy to access and not very crowded, a gentle climb through willow and alpine tundra. Vistas that change as you curve and climb up the valley. Many options for scrambling from the area around Independence Lake.

5.0

Explorer

Mike Fennell

Explorer

Hike Lost Man Pass via Independence Lake

02/11/16

If you have the time and the energy, definitely make this hike into a "loop" and go down to Lost Man Lake and reservoir. 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. If you decide to do the "loop" however, you'll need to set up a car at the other end or hitch hike since the Lost Man Lake trail ends 4 miles down the Independence Pass road from where the Independence lake trailhead starts.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike Lost Man Pass via Independence Lake

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Nearby

Hike Mountain Boy Ridge from the Top of Independence Pass

Photograph the Milky Way on Independence Pass

Photograph Fall Colors Along Independence Pass and Twin Lakes, CO

Drive Independence Pass

Watch the Sunset from Independence Pass

Sunset Hike to Twining Peak

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