Independence Lake (Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Independence Lake |
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Independence Lake and Twining Peak
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 Independence Lake
Location in Colorado
Independence Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Pitkin County, Colorado, United States |
| Coordinates | 39°08′38″N 106°34′03″W / 39.143882°N 106.567634°W |
| Lake type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Roaring Fork River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.23 mi (0.37 km) |
| Max. width | 0.09 mi (0.14 km) |
| Surface elevation | 12,497 ft (3,809 m) |
Independence Lake is a stunning natural lake found high in the mountains of Colorado, United States. It's located in Pitkin County, nestled within the tall peaks of the Sawatch Range. This beautiful lake is important because it's where the Roaring Fork River begins its journey. It's also part of a special protected area called the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness.
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About Independence Lake
Independence Lake is an amazing example of an alpine lake. This means it is located very high up in the mountains. The lake sits at an elevation of about 12,497 feet (3,809 meters) above sea level. This makes it one of the highest lakes in the area.
Where is Independence Lake?
Independence Lake is found in Pitkin County, Colorado. It is part of the White River National Forest. This forest is a huge area of protected land. The lake is also within the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness. A wilderness area means the land is kept as natural as possible.
The lake is located south of Lost Man Lake. It is also north of a mountain called Twining Peak. These landmarks help people find their way around this wild area.
What Kind of Lake Is It?
Independence Lake is a glacial lake. This means it was formed by glaciers many, many years ago. Glaciers are huge, slow-moving rivers of ice. As they moved, they carved out the land, creating basins. When the glaciers melted, these basins filled with water, forming lakes like Independence Lake.
The lake is quite small. It is about 0.23 miles (0.37 kilometers) long. It is also about 0.09 miles (0.14 kilometers) wide. Even though it is small, it plays a big role in the local environment.
The Roaring Fork River
One of the most important facts about Independence Lake is that it is the source of the Roaring Fork River. This means the river starts right here at the lake. The Roaring Fork River flows for many miles through Colorado. It is an important water source for wildlife and people.
Visiting Independence Lake
You can visit Independence Lake by following a trail. This trail starts from State Highway 82. The highway is located west of Independence Pass. The pass itself is a famous mountain road.
The trail offers a great way to experience the high mountain environment. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views and fresh air. Remember to be prepared for high altitudes when visiting.
