(34 votes, avg: 8.29 out of 10)
Loading...Connects: Independence Pass Road (HWY 82), Independence Pass (12,095 ft), Independence Pass Scenic Trail
The Continental Divide Trail on Independence Pass
Aspen, CO – Hard – Hike, Run, Horseback Ride, Dog Friendly – Dirt/Rocky
The Continental Divide Trail is a difficult trail you can hike, run, and horseback ride that is dog friendly. This is a dirt and rocky trail with spurs leading from Independence Pass (12,095 ft) near Aspen, CO.
Distances:
North Trailhead to First Peak – 1.25 Miles (Trail becomes less clear at 0.85 Miles)
North Trailhead to Second Peak – 1.5 Miles
South Trailhead to First Peak – 1.85 Miles
South Trailhead to Second Peak – 2.5 Miles
In the mid-1960s, tons of snow fence were deposited and built around the Pass in an experiment to capture more winter snows and thereby increase water for runoff. The experiment failed and the snowfence was abandoned on the ridges surrounding the Pass.
The Independence Pass Foundation led a successful effort to remove the debris which was smothering out tundra plants and had been a hazard to hikers and skiers.”
North Trailhead
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South Trailhead
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