Independence Pass Foundation

Independence Pass Foundation Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Independence Pass Foundation, Nonprofit Organization, PO Box 1700, Aspen, CO.

The mission of the Independence Pass Foundation is to restore and protect the ecological, historical, and aesthetic integrity of the Independence Pass corridor and to encourage stewardship, safety, and appreciation of the Pass. The mission of IPF is to restore and protect the ecological, historical and aesthetic integrity of the Independence Pass corridor and to encourage stewardship, safety, and appreciation of the Pass.

One of the interesting phenomena noticed this summer: certain wildflowers seemed to respond to the drought conditions by...
08/26/2026

One of the interesting phenomena noticed this summer: certain wildflowers seemed to respond to the drought conditions by producing smaller flowers than usual, as was the case with this columbine. What a smart state flower we have 🙂.

Usnea, aka old man’s beard, aka Spanish moss, is not a moss at all, but a lichen that uses trees in spruce-fir forests a...
08/21/2026

Usnea, aka old man’s beard, aka Spanish moss, is not a moss at all, but a lichen that uses trees in spruce-fir forests as a place to live—it is not a parasite on the tree. Usnea is a good indicator of clean air and good moisture, and is abundant in places like New York Creek.

Although the wildflowers are calling it quits, the early fall palette is making for lovely hiking in the high country.
08/20/2026

Although the wildflowers are calling it quits, the early fall palette is making for lovely hiking in the high country.

A grand Engelmann spruce, growing at almost 11,900 feet, just above the road to the summit of Independence Pass. With th...
08/18/2026

A grand Engelmann spruce, growing at almost 11,900 feet, just above the road to the summit of Independence Pass. With that height and girth, it is likely over 500 years old—perhaps well over—as trees grow slowly at that elevation. The oldest documented Engelmann? 911 years, in the Fraser Experimental Forest in north-central Colorado.

Hope everyone gets out this weekend and enjoys these last, precious days of summer 🙂.
08/14/2026

Hope everyone gets out this weekend and enjoys these last, precious days of summer 🙂.

A lot of yellow leaves starting to show: in the bracken ferns, cottonwoods, even a few aspens. Early like everything thi...
08/11/2026

A lot of yellow leaves starting to show: in the bracken ferns, cottonwoods, even a few aspens. Early like everything this year?

The mushrooms are out! King boletes, hawk’s wings, and other edibles (and not so edibles) have emerged on the Pass a wee...
08/06/2026

The mushrooms are out! King boletes, hawk’s wings, and other edibles (and not so edibles) have emerged on the Pass a week after our last rain cycle. Happy hunting!

BIG thanks to RFOV, Neptune, Arcteryx, and all the volunteers who came out for the much-needed work on the Olympic trail...
08/05/2026

BIG thanks to RFOV, Neptune, Arcteryx, and all the volunteers who came out for the much-needed work on the Olympic trail on Independence Pass. You guys rock 🙂.

08/04/2026

The bumblebees are busy in the alpine! Do they sting? Yes, but only the females, and only if stepped on or seriously harassed: they’re laser-focused on getting nectar! Do they make honey? No, as only the queen survives winter (by hibernating), so they have no need to store food.

07/30/2026

Why is this handsome pine grosbeak hanging out in a parking lot? He’s looking for grit that will help his gizzard break down seeds and other tough plant material: no teeth to chew these things before swallowing!

Address

PO Box 1700
Aspen, CO
81612

Telephone

+19702749690

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Independence Pass Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Independence Pass Foundation:

Shortcuts

Share

Category