Independence

Maps:

USGS 7.5' Map:

Elkhorn Mountain

Statistics:

Difficulty:	Number:	Miles:	Altitude:	Obstacles:	Time:
Easy 2	FR503	4.14	8,440 ft.	NA	1 hour

County:

Routt

Adopted by:

Managed by:

Routt National Forest,
Hahns Peak / Bears Ears Ranger District

925 Weiss Drive
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487-9315

970-870-2299

Summary:

Independence is a connector 4WD road between County Road 129 and Whiskey Park, FR550, road.

Attractions:

Access to camping and motorized trails.

Seasonal
Closure:

Forest Service - from December 2 to June 14

Best Time:

June - Best
July - Best
August - Best
September - Best
October - May be snowed in

Trail Heads
Accessed:

Elkhorn Trail, FT1149 - ATV, Motorcycle, Pack and Saddle, Mountain Bike, Hike

Camping:

There are dispersed campsites along the length of the road.

Base Camp:

This would be a good area to base camp and explore the road networks north of Hanhs Peak.

Fall Colors:

Good - There are two large stands of aspen that the road travels through.

Navigation:

From Hahns Peak Village, CO, head northwest on County Road 129 toward Lucky Camp Lane for 9.3 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 503, Independence 4WD road.

History:

Description:

Starting from the west end off of County Road 129 you will head across the private property of the Midnight Ranch. As the graded road heads east you will come to a Y in the road. Stay to the left on FR503. The right goes back to the Midnight Ranch. The road will head north passing another private drive on the right. The road will start to head south and then cross Independence Creek. You will now be on public lands for a short distance. The road will climb up away from Independence Creek and head into a large aspen grove. You will be back on private property again. After leaving the aspens and heading into the pine forest you will pass a dispersed campsite on the right, which is on private property. At 0.31 miles from the campsite you will pass back onto public lands. The road will run along high ground through small open areas on a ridge between Independence Creek and King Solomon Creek. You will come to an intersection with FR518 on the right. This road goes just under a half mile becoming Elkhorn motorized trail. Continue to the left and you will come into a large open area. There will be an intersection on the left, FR503.1A, that goes to two dispersed campsites and then another intersection with the Mexican Park, FR501, road on the right. Stay to the left after passing these intersections and cross King Solomon Creek. You will pass another intersection with the Elkhorn Trail before turning to the left and climbing up out of the shallow valley.

	Climbing up from King Solomon Creek photo by: Adam M

After making a switchback you will head into another large aspen grove.

	Heading through the aspens photo by: Adam M

The road will head through the aspens and then out into a more open area of pines. You will pass another intersection with the Elkhorn Trail on your right and then pass a dispersed campsite on your right. Just past the campsite you will connect into the Whiskey Park, FR550, road.

	Just before the connection with Whiskey Park photo by: Adam M

Data updated - February 11, 2024 4WD Road driven - September 3, 2023 Copyright 4X4Explore.com - 2000-2024