This is one of my favourite trails in the high country above Aspen. Driving up to Independence Pass from Aspen you first come to the lower trail head where it is a good idea to leave a car. Then continuing on past the ghost town of Independence you will come to the upper trail head. I like best to hike from the upper to the lower but lots of people like to go the other way too. The trail goes up to some beautiful lakes and waterfalls then down through a lovely valley to pine forests. This time I was very happy to see my favourite wildflower which I am told are called Long Plumed Avens. The last time I saw these was three years ago. I have only ever seen them in two places before and only in the first two weeks of July – some years they don’t seem to even grow. I have not seen them on Lost Man before so I was absolutely overjoyed at this new discovery!