Independence Run and Hike is the Roaring Fork Valley’s premier running and hiking store.
We strive to provide not only the best hiking and running shoes for women and men but the expertise, equipment and training to properly fit your foot.
Here at Independence Run and Hike in beautiful Carbondale, Colorado you will find the perfect blend of running enthusiasts and Rocky Mountain outdoor trail enthusiasts. Our goal is to be the best running store in the Rocky Mountains for road and trail running mixed with the ideal small mountain town outdoor/hiking shop.
Our goal is to be the best running store in the Rocky Mountains for road and trail running mixed with the ideal small mountain town outdoor/hiking shop.
In addition to our extensive selection of trail hiking shoes and running shoes we carry an excellent selection of running attire and clothes for women and men and hiking and outdoor gear for all of your running and hiking needs. So if you’re looking for hiking stores or running stores within a reasonable drive from the communities of Aspen, Vail, Snowmass, Basalt or Glenwood Springs, Colorado, we’re a short drive away in the “One of the Best Towns for Outdoor Living”, Carbondale, CO.
I’d Give it a “10”
A Note From Brion
I have just begun my tenth year as owner and founder of Independence Run & Hike. When I opened the store I was in my early 30’s and had just enough naivety to think it was going to be a smooth (although challenging ride). A decade later, I know much better and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. What a ride!
When I opened the doors in August of 2006, I didn’t have much. It was just my new manager, Matt Oates, my dog Inde, and myself. We worked our butts off and the store grew! But, I can still remember early on, looking in the mirror one evening after I had worked alone every single day for one month straight (when Matt had to take leave due to a family emergency) and the mirror had spots all over it and was doing the wave. I was stressed and I couldn’t see straight! I could barely pay the bills, I was tired, and I was not sure there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
Needless to say I made it through that rough time. I eventually hired more staff, survived a major economic down turn, and moved to a new location. Now I can look back at all the challenges with fond memories. But through all of this there was one thing that kept me going and made me believe in this little store. That was the customers–you! You kept coming in, you gave me compliments, you bought into what we had, you told your friends, you came to my running groups, and you became my friends. So thank you all who have supported my adventure and let’s keep it going another 10 years!
Brion After- Owner- Independence Run & Hike, LLC
But through all of this there was one thing that kept me going and made me believe in this little store. That was the customers–you! You kept coming in, you gave me compliments, you bought into what we had, you told your friends, you came to my running groups, and you became my friends.
The Great Store Makeover 2015
Our Makeover! Watch our before & after…
We were the winners of a nationwide store makeover contest and had our store remodeled by one of the top retail design companies in the country, 3DOT Design. The store was selected from more than 30 submissions, many of which sent along videos, photos and other creative entries as part of their efforts to gain the makeover, valued at more than $50,000. The makeover of Independence Run and Hike was featured in Running insight (page 19) and also in a series of “webisode” videos.
Part I – Discover Independence Run & Hike!
Episode 2 – The Mysteries Behind Slatwall and Other Secrets from Inside a Retail Remodel
Episode 3 – The Grand Reveal
Interested in Ultra Running?
Our intention is to be the resource for ultra running shoes, ultra running clothing, hydration packs, gear and equipment for this elite level athlete.
As our intention is to be the premier running store in the Valley, we are dedicated to building our reputation as the “go to” place for ultra running and the serious ultra running athlete. Our intention is to be the resource for ultra running shoes, ultra running clothing, hydration packs, gear and equipment for this elite level athlete. Additionally we will be providing information on Colorado Rocky Mountain ultra running marathons, events, training tips, and ultra running shoe reviews and blogs from some of our area athletes.
