Over 40 Easy, Fun Hiking & More!

This moderate, 4.1 mile, 541 EG hike will begin with a 1.7 mile walk through pine forest, close to snow melt ponds, and fields of wildflowers. With a moderate ascent we will reach the site of the Round Lake Mine. Interpretive signs tell the story of the mine and gold mining in the area. To complete the loop we will hike past six glacially carved alpine lakes where we can rest and enjoy the scenery or cool off in the water should you choose to do so.

Good hiking shoes due to rocky area and poles are recommended

From Graeagle go south appx 1.5 miles on Highway 89. Turn right on Gold Lakes Highway. Drive 8 miles and turn right at Gold Lakes Lodge. We will gather at the trailhead located at the northwest end of the parking lot. Bring plenty of water. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on leash. Carpools recommended.

PLEASE READ RISKS, DISCLAIMERS and WAIVER OF LIABILITY.
By signing up for MeetUp you agree to the MeetUp Terms of Service Agreement. Section 6 of this agreement releases the organizers and event hosts from any liability related to incidents that occur when involved in a Meetup event.
Your RSVP indicates that you acknowledge that you are in good physical health and capable of participation in the event.
You acknowledge that the organizers and hosts are not professional guides and are not First Aid certified.
Your RSVP will affirm that you have read and agree to these terms and the terms of the MeetUp Service Agreement found here:
Http://www.meetup.com/terms/

Let’s explore this 5.8 mile out and back, 341 EG hike along the shores of Independence Lake near Sierraville California. The trail begins on the east shore entrance, and features pristine views, a cave, and aspen groves along the way.
LOW PROFILE VEHICLES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED. See Caravan location in directions listed below
Dogs Allowed but MUST be on leash as this is a Preserve.
Please check the weather for the area and dress for the conditions of the day and, as always, bring water.

DIRECTIONS:
Exit I-80 to Route 89 North—Sierraville.
Travel approximately 15 miles north on Highway 89 to Independence Lake/Webber Lake/Jackson Meadow Reservoir turn-off.
Turn Left/West off of Route 89 toward Independence Lake/Webber Lake/Jackson Meadow Reservoir. WE CAN MEET AT THE PARKING AREA JUST OFF 89 AND CARAVAN IN FROM THERE.
Stay on paved road for 1.5 miles. Turn Left/South at sign for “Independence Lake—5 miles.”
Continue approximately 5 miles to Independence Lake. The road becomes a rough dirt road. High clearance vehicle advised. After roughly 2 miles you reach a fork in the road and a sign for “Independence Lake—3 miles.” Take the RIGHT fork of the road. After approx. ½ mile there is another fork, follow the LEFT fork across a stream. If you do not drive across a stream soon after taking this left fork, you have made a wrong turn. Continue along this road going roughly south.
Follow the directional signs to the parking area.

PLEASE READ RISKS, DISCLAIMERS and WAIVER OF LIABILITY.
By signing up for MeetUp you agree to the MeetUp Terms of Service Agreement. Section 6 of this agreement releases the organizers and event hosts from any liability related to incidents that occur when involved in a Meetup event.
Your RSVP indicates that you acknowledge that you are in good physical health and capable of participation in the event.
You acknowledge that the organizers and hosts are not professional guides and are not First Aid certified.
Your RSVP will affirm that you have read and agree to these terms and the terms of the MeetUp Service Agreement found here:
Http://www.meetup.com/terms/