Are dogs allowed on Independence Pass?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Independence Pass but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Independence Pass?

No, Independence Pass does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Independence Pass?

Independence Pass is rated expert. It is 34.1 miles long with 5,407 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Colorado trail conditions

ExpertPoint to Point

San Isabel National Forest/Colorado

Independence Pass

Twin Lakes, Colorado

34.1 mi

Distance

5,407 ft

Elev. Gain

13h 6m

Est. Time

Point to Point

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Independence Pass, originally known as Hunter Pass, is a high mountain pass in central Colorado, United States. It is at elevation 12,095 ft (3,687 m) on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. The pass is midway between Aspen and Twin Lakes, on the border between Pitkin and Lake counties.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:2,445 ft

Max:3,693 ft

1,648 ft

2,024 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Point to Point
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

Verify before you go

Managing agency

United States Forest Service
Find offices, alerts, and current orders for this agency.

Verify by phone or mail

Address:CO

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Colorado hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Independence Pass

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Bartlett Gulch Loop Trail

Willis Lake Trail

Mount Elbert East Ridge Trail

Mount Elbert: North Mount Elbert Trail

Twin Lakes Reservoir and Interlaken via Colorado Trail

The Collegiate Loop

Other trails in San Isabel National Forest

North Mount Elbert Trail

Browns Creek Waterfall Trail

Huron Peak via North Huron Trail

Mount Yale Summit Trail

Timberline Lake Trail

Mount Princeton Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

White Star

Twin Lakes - Dispersed Camping

Parry Peak Campground

Elbert NFS Road Dispersed

Twin Peaks Campground

Twin Lakes View Dispersed

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Pikes Peak via Barr Trail

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Imogene Pass

Argentine Pass OHV Route