
Footbridge to reach the Ranger Trail.

Along the Ranger Trail.

Nice meadowy views to break up the forest walking.

Mostly forested hike along the Ranger Trail.

More views.

View back, Mount Harrison visible over there.

Wrapping around the mountain slope.

Now ascending along the Independence Lakes Trail.

Switchbacks through the forest.

View back.

A sign at the first of the Independence Lakes.

The first of the Independence Lakes I encountered. Mount Independence visible top left.

Continuing through the forest.

The second of the Independence Lakes. I recommend keeping along the edge of the lake since the trail isn't super easy to follow around here.

View back toward the lake.

At the third lake where the trail becomes obvious again. I kept to the right around it. The trail leads up to the top right of this photo.

View back toward the third lake.

View back toward the third and fourth lakes as the Independence Lakes Trail starts to climb to the saddle above.

A wider shot back, Cache Peak in the background.

A view at the switchbacks and the 2nd and 3rd lakes.

Approaching the ridge, Cache Peak seen on the left.

View back toward the lakes.

I reached the top of the ridge, a bit above the saddle. On my right is the route to Mount Independence I'd take later.

Descending a bit to the saddle, Cache Peak seen ahead.

I left the trail at the saddle and started up toward Cache Peak.

View back along the sloped ridge toward Mount Independence and the Independence Lakes.

Mostly brush and forest-free if you pick your route carefully.

Another shot back at my progress up Cache Peak.

Some light boulder-hopping.

Just below the summit, looking back at a portion that was a bit more forested.

Cache Peak summit, view north toward Mount Harrison.

Cache Peak summit, view southeast. Bull Mountain is out there on the right.

Cache Peak summit, view south.

Close-up toward City of Rocks National Preserve.

I backtracked and started up Mount Independence.

View back toward the ridge as I head up Mount Independence.

Class 2 to the summit.

Mount Independence ahead.

Mount Independence summit, view toward the lakes below.

Mount Independence summit, view north.
Hire me or show me some love!
Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!