Gold Cord Lake Trail

Gold Cord Lake trail is a moderate trail, fairly easy for kids. A little bit of warning, we did hike this one time with someone who doesn't like heights and she suffered a bit of vertigo on parts of the trail. She still made it to the end okay but it's something to think about if someone in your party isn't a fan of heights. The trail starts from the upper parking lot at the Independence Mine. The trailhead is marked and the trail is well-defined. There is some parts that go over a boulder field but someone has come in and made "stairs" from the rocks so it's not a scramble. The lake is a gorgeous shade of turquoise and we saw several people who brought blow up rafts to paddle around the lake on.

For more information on Gold Cord Lake click here.

Hatcher Pass Area

We ended up at Hatcher Pass/Independence Mine area somewhat unexpectedly with no plans. The girls played in the water and made tiny snowmen. I took pictures (of course) and ferried them across water and snow since they weren't wearing the appropriate footwear. A note if you plan to go up in the next week or so, the patches of remaining snow are deeper than they look. :)

For more information on Hatcher Pass click here.

Independence Mine

There's a whole bunch of abandoned mine structures to see here but for some reason I didn't take any pictures of them this time. Heh. The girls have a bunch of fun exploring and my husband has fun thinking he's going to come across some gold that might have been left behind. :) There's plaques to read about life at the mine and paths that go around. I think at least the lower portion would be stroller-friendly.

For more information on the history of Independence Mine click here.

Gold Cord Lake Trail

The weather can change quickly in the mountains so it's best to be prepared. We started off on a beautiful, sunny day and ended up getting poured on! We were able to duck into an abandoned cabin along the trail for the worst of the downpour. Gold Cord Lake Trail shares a parking lot with Independence Mine and is off to the right when you're driving in. It was a fairly easy hike with beautiful views.

For more information on Gold Cord Lake trail click here.

Independence Mine

Until the gates open (I'm not sure exactly when that happens, June?) you have to park in a lower parking lot and walk up to the mine. It's a fairly long walk especially in deep snow so be prepared (the top photo was taken from the parking lot and you can see the mine in the distance). The Hatcher Pass area in our experience usually has snow well past the time it's melted everywhere else. As long as you bring proper shoes (we didn't) and an extra jacket (we did) you'll be fine. The pathways around the mine aren't plowed or shoveled so it's kind of wander at your own risk.

For more information on Hatcher Pass click here.