Catch Three Alpine Lakes and 13,000-foot Ridges on this 8.8-mile point-to-point Near Aspen
Stay above treeline and cross a 12,796-foot pass on the 8.8-mile Lost Man Loop through the jagged Elk and Sawatch Ranges.
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With three lakes surrounded by alpine meadows and jagged ridgelines, this trail has a lot to offer any hiker. Despite it’s name it isn’t actually a true loop, but connects two different trailheads on highway 82 (the trailheads are 4 miles apart, so dropping a shuttle car at your endpoint is recommended). Start from Upper Lost Man Trailhead just below treeline. A moderately graded ascent follows the Roaring Fork River to a junction; stay right. Hit Independence Lake at mile 1.75, taking a moment to gaze up at the 13,000-foot peaks rising from the wildflower meadows around the shore. The climbing resumes to Lost Man Pass at mile 2.3, where views span the Continental Divide. Descend to Lost Man Lake, then continue down the Lost Man Creek drainage to Lost Man Reservoir and then the lower trailhead at mile 8.8.
Permit none Contact Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness