Independence & North Lakes

Day hike to a sub-alpine lake off the Mountain Loop Highway. It's 7.0 miles round trip and 2,200 feet of elevation gain.

driving directions

Drive the Mountain Loop Highway east from Verlot for 15 miles.  Turn left on Forest Road 4060, Coal Lake Road.  Drive just under 5 miles to the road's end and the trailhead at 3,700 ft.

on the trail

The trail reaches Independence Lake at 1 mile, then turns uphill, climbing 1,300 feet in 1.5 miles.  About half a mile before the lake the trail reaches its high point at 4,900 ft, then descends about 700 feet to the lake at 4,150 ft.

  • Suitable Activities: Day Hiking
  • Seasons: July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 7.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft
  • 4,900 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Silverton No. 110
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