The Independence Trail is a great trail for all skill levels. There are a large number of campgrounds in the Boulder Valley, with Hicks Park being closest to the trail head. About 3/4 of the way up the trail, you will come across the old Independence Mine and all of the old equipment. This is a great stop for the kids! Then the trail climbs to nearly 10,000 feet and ends at the boundary of the Absoraka-Beartooth Wilderness, and about 200 yards in from the end of the trail is the beautiful alpine Blue Lake. Stunning mountain views abound this trail.