The beginning of August 2021 we hiked to Linkins Lake. The trailhead is about two miles west of Independence Pass on CO Highway 82 which crosses the Sawatch (suh-watch) Mountains, home to some of Colorado’s highest peaks. There seems to be little agreement on the elevation gain over the .6 mile trail to the lake, but we walk up about 550 feet. Not to mention all the rocks, switchbacks, and gorgeous wildflowers! Come on along, but watch your step.
About two miles west and 500 feet down from Independence Pass on CO Highway 82 is the Independence Lake/Lost Man Trailhead. It is also the trailhead for the shorter hike to Linkins Lake. My original plan was to consider doing this hike only after seeing a few other sights. However, there were only 6 cars in the parking area designed for over 20 which is usually full by now (8:40am), so let’s go for it!
Midway between the tiny town of Twin Lakes and Aspen, on Colorado Highway 82, sits Independence Pass. The second highest paved highway in Colorado, the Pass sits on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch (suh-wahch) Range of the Rockies.
Let’s explore the views and the tundra, but first we need to get there. From Twin Lakes we drive 17 miles climbing 2,718 feet, so there will be hairpin turns. At the second hairpin, what a view east at 7:30am! There’s CO-82 along Lake Creek making its way to the Twin Lakes. Yes, there are two lakes about the same size just out of view. Onward . . .
