Colorado · Hiking · Uncompahgre Wilderness

Independence Bypass

Independence BypassPhoto: gregmote, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
1.9 mi
round trip
97 ft
climb
9,486 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Independence Bypass open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. It doesn't name Independence Bypass, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Independence Bypass is an easy out-and-back hike in Colorado's Uncompahgre Wilderness, within the Gunnison Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. The trail runs about 1.9 miles, with a total elevation gain of 97 feet, from a low of about 9,390 feet to a high of about 9,490 feet. The trail is natural-surface and open to horses. Bikes are not allowed. It is managed by the Forest Service and is open year-round, with a parking area named Independence. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Lake City run to highs around 77°F in July and 75°F in August, with July lows near 44°F. The station sits about 770 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the bypass run cooler. Independence Gulch lies about 0.7 miles away. Little Elk is about 2.2 miles off, and Well Gulch Trail 244.1A is about 3 miles away. For an overnight stay, Elkhorn RV Resort is about 4.6 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Independence Bypass

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      31° / -1°

    2. Feb

      36° / 4°

    3. Mar

      43° / 15°

    4. Apr

      51° / 23°

    5. May

      62° / 30°

    6. Jun

      74° / 38°

    7. Jul

      77° / 44°

    8. Aug

      75° / 43°

    9. Sep

      68° / 36°

    10. Oct

      57° / 25°

    11. Nov

      43° / 13°

    12. Dec

      31° / 1°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Lake City 1nne, CO, 3.3 mi away at 8,714 ft. The station sits about 800 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Silver MountainPhoto: kalestews, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

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Big Blue Creek

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Independence GulchPhoto: gregmote, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

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