The Lost Man Loop is a popular trail up Independence Pass. Don't let the name fool you, however, the trail is not a true loop; my husband and I dropped a car off at the Lost Man trailhead before continuing on in one car to Linkins Lake trailhead where we began our hike. I've heard of other people who hitchhike between the two trailheads instead of driving two vehicles.
In any event, Lost Man Loop in July is spectacular! We took a brief detour in the beginning of our hike to check out Linkins Lake. I'd highly recommend this short detour, because the small lake is absolutely beautiful!
Once back on the main trail we followed the Roaring Fork up to it's headwaters, Independence Lake. We paused there for a snack and then began our hike up the pass and over to Lost Man Lake. Lost Man Lake offers dramatic views and is breathtaking when seen from the top of the pass. Don't forget to look back for an equally incredible view of Independence Lake as well.
We took another break at Lost Man Lake sunning on a rock while eating our lunch. Beyond Lost Man Lake the loop trail continues into a meadow; it then curves with the valley and heads down into marshy wetland. We made camp about 4.5 miles from the trailhead and settled in enjoying fields of wildflowers and the setting sun.
Deer were grazing nearby our camp site all night long making it hard for our dog Rio to get any rest. As the sun came up, we sipped on coffee and packed up our things. The remainder of the hike out to the Lost Man trailhead seemed long and mostly downhill; we began to pass more and more people as we made our way closer to the trailhead and ultimately right past Lost Man Reservoir.
It's always wonderful to get out and enjoy the high country during the summer months, and Independence Pass offers easy access, for sure!
