The western slope of the pass is separated into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area (to the south) and the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness Area (to the north). Opportunities for biking, hiking, four-wheel driving, fishing, camping, and motorcycling among other activities exist in this area.

Directions from Aspen: From Aspen drive east on Highway 82. Independence Pass Road is the same road as Highway 82.

Grottos Trail - This is a popular area for picnicking and exploring. There is a waterfall, some interesting rock formations, an ice cave, and numerous short trails. This is a great area for families.

Independence Historic Townsite - Independence is generally considered to have been the first mining camp in the Aspen area. This current ghost town supported a population of 1,000 people in 1882.

Independence Pass - This mountain-pass road is one of the best ways to see some amazing scenery out of your car window. It crosses the Continental Divide at Independence Pass (elevation 12,095 feet.)

Lincoln Creek Road, #106 - There is access to many activities along the first six miles of the road. The section of road from Grizzly Reservoir to the ghost town of Ruby is much less traveled and suitable only for hiking, mountain biking and 4 WD.

Lincoln Creek Road, #106 - There is access to many activities along the first six miles of the road. The section of road from Grizzly Reservoir to the ghost town of Ruby is much less traveled and suitable only for hiking, mountain biking and 4 WD.

Linkins Lake Trail - This is a moderately steep climb to a high alpine lake above the timberline with fair fishing. Beware of severe afternoon thunderstorms.

Lost Man Campground - Lostman Family Campground is situated directly across Independence Pass road from Lostman Trailhead. The campsites are within a lodgepole pine forest at an elevation of 10,500 feet

Lost Man Trail - This trail is good for hiking and backpacking, also fishing is fair in Independence Lake, Lost Man Lake, and Lost Man Reservoir. The trail is not a complete loop; it is a good idea to set up a shuttle.

Midway Creek Trail - This is a great trail for backpacking and horse travel. The trail is mostly in the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness and is one of the less-used trails in the Aspen area.

New York Creek Trail - This is a moderate to difficult hike through spruce and fir forests. From the White River National Forest and the Gunnison National Forest boundary the trail is not maintained, you need to use orienteering skills to continue to Ptarmigan Lake.

Portal Campground - Portal Family Campground is located east of Aspen on Lincoln Creek Road. Campers can access some wonderful day hikes from this location as well as terrain for motorcycle riding, mountain biking, ATV riding and horseback riding.

Portal Campground - Portal Family Campground is located east of Aspen on Lincoln Creek Road. Campers can access some wonderful day hikes from this location as well as terrain for motorcycle riding, mountain biking, ATV riding and horseback riding.

Tabor Creek Trail - This trail follows Tabor Creek and ends at the top of a pass which looks out onto the basin of Anderson and Petroleum Lakes. A side hike, using orienteering skills, can be made to Tabor Lake to the west.

Weller Campground - Weller Family Campground is situated in an aspen grove with ten accessible campsites. The campground is located on Independence Pass road east of the city of Aspen.

Weller Lake Trail - This is a moderate climb with fair fishing at the lake. There is limited camping (Camp stoves ONLY) at the lake. Because of the fragile alpine tundra, it's recommended that camping be below the timberline.