Ascending Hikes – Ascending Hikes Section, Winter Edition - Independence Peak via O'Fallon and Pence Parks

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at Morrison PnR at 8:30am, for a 8:45am departure (Morrison PnR - Google Maps)

We'll then carpool to the O'Fallon Park trailhead parking area (O'Fallon Park - Google Maps)

This is a reverse lollipop hike through O'Fallon and Pence parks to the summit of Independence Peak. We start out in O'Fallon Park hiking along the Meadow View Loop and Bear Creek Trails, cross Myers Gulch Rd, enter Pence Park, and follow the Independence Peak (Mountain) Trail to Independence Peak. On our return we'll take the West Ridge Trail back to the O'Fallon Park Trailhead. We'll find a comfortable spot at or near the summit for lunch/snack. Our pace will be determined by the strength, stamina, and endurance of the group. Overall ~7 miles and ~1600 ft of elevation gain. (O'Fallon Park to Independence Mountain | COTREX (colorado.gov))

The Colorado Mountain Club's Ascending Hike Section (AHS) provides an opportunity to make new friends and explore new places in Colorado's backcountry, while increasing your personal hiking speed, strength, and stamina. The section is administered by CMC volunteers. There is no cost, fee, or scheduling commitment. There are no dues or elections. Open to all CMC members. To join the section, contact the CMC office. (Ascending Hikes Section — The Colorado Mountain Club (cmc.org))