Independence Pass - Continental Divide

Standing at the crest of the Continental Divide, Independence Pass offers a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts within the expansive 440,000-acre Salida Ranger District. We manage seven majestic fourteeners, including Harvard and Shavano, alongside three distinct wilderness areas: Buffalo Peaks, Collegiate Peaks, and Sangre De Cristo. Our grounds also encompass Browns Canyon National Monument, providing diverse terrain for every skill level.

Summer brings over 289 day hikes and extensive mountain biking trails, while winter transforms our slopes into hubs for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. Anglers cast lines in ice-covered lakes or river streams, and equestrians explore 159 horseback riding routes. We accommodate various needs with parking, restrooms, and credit card acceptance, ensuring a comfortable visit for solo picnickers and large groups alike. Our interpretive areas and wildlife viewing spots highlight the natural beauty of this high-altitude landscape, managed by the U.S. Forest Service since 1905.