Mountain Boy Ridge via Independence Pass

The trailhead is to the Independence Pass viewing deck is located at the Summit parking area, which is about 20 miles from Aspen and 24 miles west of Highway 24 on the Leadville side. At the parking area you will notice a paved walkway that takes you to the viewdeck, which is a easy five minute walk and worth checking out. The tundra around the area is easy to navigate about and fun to explore different views as you're on top of the Continental Divide.

If you're up for a longer adventure, you can do a moderate hike among the tundra along the section named Mountain Boy Ridge. You'll want to find the old jeep trail heading to the south west. It begins approximately half way between the view deck and the parking lot. This is not an official trail, and you will find no trailhead signs or name, but some have referred to it as Independence Pass Summit Trail and is clearly visible going up up the ridge. As it ascends along Mountain Boy Ridge, which is still part of the continental divide, it will gently curve towards the south as it wraps around Mountain Boy Gulch. The old Jeep trail eventually reaches two unnamed peaks that are close to 13,000 feet high. The trail ends just before the second peak once the tundra has turned into rock. Once on top of this tame peak along the Continental divide, enjoy beautiful views of the Collegiate Peaks to the East and Grizzly Peak to the West. If hiking in the summer, it is recommended to do this trail in the morning and avoid and scares of lighting storms. If doing the hike in the spring, bring your snowboard/skis and enjoy some spring alpine skiing on top of Independence Pass! With epic views the entire way, most will be satisfied turning around at any point, but to reach the second peak is about a 6 mile out-and-back trip.