Lost Man Trail and Geissler Mountain East in White River National Forest, CO

Hike Lost Man Trail and Geissler Mountain East White River National Forest, CO

Class 2 9.8 miles 2200 gain 4-6 hrs Shuttle Jul 23, 2018
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Lost Man Trail and Geissler Mountain East GPX Track

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A really nice wanna-be loop through a valley near Independence Pass. In order to make this into a full loop, you'd have to walk along the road for a few miles, so this is better done as a shuttle hike (or hitchhike?). I recommend starting at the higher trailhead and going down to the lower one, and not because it's easier. The views along the way as you hike down the valley are really gorgeous, and you'd be missing quite a bit of the appeal of the hike if you start from the bottom.

From the Independence Lake Trailhead, head up a nice trail to the lake, and then continue to the pass overlooking Lost Man Lake. From here, there is a pleasant Class 2 13er called Geissler Mountain East you can bag in order to make this a slightly more difficult day, and to get lots of nice views from the summit. Once back down, continue along the Lost Man Trail past the lake and into the highlight of the route.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Geissler Mountain East
13320 ft
n/a rise

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Starting along the Lost Man Trail from the Independence Lake Trailhead.
Starting along the Lost Man Trail from the Independence Lake Trailhead.
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Independence Lake ahead.
Independence Lake ahead.
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Looking back at Independence Lake on the way up to the pass.
Looking back at Independence Lake on the way up to the pass.
The pass that separates Lost Man Lake and Independence Lake ahead.
The pass that separates Lost Man Lake and Independence Lake ahead.
Looking back toward Independence Lake from the pass.
Looking back toward Independence Lake from the pass.
Looking onward toward Lost Man Lake from the pass.
Looking onward toward Lost Man Lake from the pass.
Geissler Mountain East ahead, taken from the pass.
Geissler Mountain East ahead, taken from the pass.
Heading up Geissler Mountain East, Lost Man Lake on the left.
Heading up Geissler Mountain East, Lost Man Lake on the left.
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Geissler Mountain East summit.
Geissler Mountain East summit.
Heading down from the pass toward Lost Man Lake.
Heading down from the pass toward Lost Man Lake.
Lost Man Lake.
Lost Man Lake.
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Lost Man Lake, looking back toward the pass, Geissler Mountain East on the right.
Lost Man Lake, looking back toward the pass, Geissler Mountain East on the right.
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Starting down the valley after Lost Man Lake.
Starting down the valley after Lost Man Lake.
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It's a super beautiful valley, not as epic in photos, unfortunately.
It's a super beautiful valley, not as epic in photos, unfortunately.
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Looking back toward the valley we came down.
Looking back toward the valley we came down.
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The valley enters sections of forest on the way down the Lost Man Trail.
The valley enters sections of forest on the way down the Lost Man Trail.
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Approaching Lost Man Reservoir, almost down to the lower trailhead.
Approaching Lost Man Reservoir, almost down to the lower trailhead.
Lost Man Reservoir.
Lost Man Reservoir.

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!