Geissler Mountains (West and East) with Lost Man Lake Loop, Hunter Frying Pan Wilderness, Colorado

July 17, 2026 6.6 miles, 2700 feet elevation gain. A gorgeous loop adventure, including a significant offtrail excursion to 13ers West Geissler Mountain (13,308) and East Geissler Mountain (13,381). Many flowers (and mosquitos). This hike is located just west of Independence Pass, near Aspen, Colorado. The 13ers are best left to climbers with off-trail experience (the ascent of West is very steep and the descent is very loose), but the trail to Independence Lake and the amazing Lost Man Lake is very doable for many people and can be extended into the "Lost Man Loop." 0:00 Introduction 0:33 From Lost Man Loop TH 2:12 Off-Trail Ascent Geissler West 3:54 Summit One 4:22 Descent Geissler West 5:19 Ascent Geissler East 5:57 Summit Two 7:04 Descent Geissler East 7:45 Trail Descent to Lost Man Lake 8:30 Lost Man Lake 10:11 Return Toward Independence Lake 10:40 Independence Lake 11:22 Back to TH