Updated: 7:48 PM MDT August 13, 2021. Courtesy CDOT. It’s the 4th highest paved road in the state and it travels through spectacular scenery. Independence Pass Travel Information. The pass itself is situated at 12,095 feet in the Sawatch Range and a scenic overlook at the summit provides excellent views east of Mount Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak and provides great access for hiking, biking, backcountry skiing, … Fees and passes: there is no fee to drive the road or make any of the stops we did. ... May 26, weather permitting,'? West to east, Aspen to Twin Lakes is significantly more difficult than east to west. Independence Pass is one of Colorado’s top 10 Scenic By-ways. Grottos Trail is very popular. Not only is it the highest paved … Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times. High quality Independence Pass-inspired gifts and merchandise. External ... Bicycling Colorado's Mountain Passes; Pass Bagger The summit of Independence Pass at the Continental Divide is 12,095 feet above sea level. A trip over the pass is a visual feast with vistas of wildflowers, thick forests and ample wildlife. West to east, Aspen to Twin Lakes is significantly more difficult than east to west. Independence, CO a well preserved ghost town, situated near Aspen. Lake and Pitkin Counties – Crews with the Colorado Department of Transportation have reopened Independence Pass on Colorado Highway 82 for the season. The Independence Pass connects Aspen with its eastern neighbours. List of rivers of Colorado; List of protected areas of Colorado; Notes References. Get to the trailhead before 7 a.m. We started hiking about 6:45 a.m. and had it to ourselves. Elk Refuge. Enjoy this 34.1-mile point-to-point trail near Twin Lakes, Colorado. At about 8 miles from Aspen, look for road and trailhead signs to your right. Please use extreme caution! The “Top of the Rockies,” and is also designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as a National Scenic Byway and one of America’s 10 best By-ways. As is tradition, the gate opened right at noon, just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. Located 16 miles southeast of Aspen on Highway 82, which is part of the seasonal Independence Pass. Independence Pass Outfitting Company. 39.27 °F. Among some of the highest mountain pass routes in Colorado, Independence Pass tops out at 12,093 feet. Hoback. This road is the highest in elevation for a paved Colorado state highway that sits on a through road. Highway 82 is usually open for only six months of the year, from late May … This seasonal road usually closes in October, depending on snowfall, and … In the late 1800s, it was called Hunter Pass and quickly became the main gateway into the Roaring Fork Valley from the more developed mining towns east of the Continental Divide. With 32 miles of scenic, twisty roads filled with multiple terrain and landscape changes, it’s a no brainer to have this road on your must-ride list. External ... Bicycling Colorado's Mountain Passes; Pass Bagger It experiences thousands of visitors each year. Site notes: Data is provisional and subject to revision. There's some erroneous information out there about a wind gust on Independence Pass going over 180 mph, but that is a false report. Many travelers even decide to make this their main route into Aspen, and it’s no wonder why. Webcam provided by coloradowebcam.net . Colorado Department of Transportation workers arrive to open the winter closure gate to allow the first vehicles of the summer season up Independence Pass on Thursday, May 26, 2022, outside Aspen. Discover footpaths and trails like Independence Pass Colorado, find information like path length, elevation, difficulty, activities and nearby businesses. At 12,095 feet, Independence Pass is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the United States. Enjoy a beautiful drive to the top of Independence pass either via Aspen or Leadville, then get out and enjoy stunning views in every direction as you wonder amongst the giants on the high alpine tundra of the Continental Divide. To download this map onto an 8 12/” x 11” sheet (or larger), hit the button below, then under “file” select “export as PDF”. Independence Pass is located in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. The pass, which closed Monday night, was expected to be closed longer but the storm rolled out, according to a CDOT spokesperson Tuesday morning. “Like last week, this is expected to be a safety closure and not a seasonal closure,” CDOT’s Elise Thatcher said Tuesday morning. independence pass, colroado, usa - independence pass colorado stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. ... Lincoln Gulch Campground. Very dangerous conditions continuing across the Pikes Peak region at this time. Description. Though it is not for the faint of heart. Independence pass is located on Colorado Highway 82, midway between Aspen and Twin Lakes. Awesome place, awesome drive! The western section of the Independence Pass road is located in the White River National Forest. 08:31 pm MDT. It’s really no surprise that residents deserted, due to its harsh weather. Independence Pass, almost 13,000 feet high, through the Rocky Mountains; Sawatch Range along the Continental Divide in Colorado. If there's one reason to rent a car in Aspen, it's to take the 20-mile drive through Independence Pass. Each year, this two-lane, 12,095-foot pass closes for the winter for the safety of the travelling public and CDOT maintenance crews. It crosses the continental divide over its 36-mile drive. The fog quickly rolls in. Enjoy this 0.4-mile out-and-back trail near Twin Lakes, Colorado. The drive on the historic byway Independence Pass is as scenic as it is scary. It is a thrilled, adventurous, and memorable experience when you drive on the Independence Pass. Water flows West or East from this point. Overview. The area includes crags between Aspen & Twin Lakes. Teton Valley. Independence Pass is the second highest paved pass in Colorado, reaching 12,095 feet at the summit, and crossing the Continental Divide via the Sawatch Mountain Range. Independence Pass has got to be one of the best climbs in Colorado. Independence Pass Overlook. Cross the Continental Divide at 12095' and enjoy views in all directions. drive Highway 82 from Colorado Highway 24. Safe Driving Tips for Independence PassFollow all posted signs. ...Put away your phone. ...There is a section from on Independence Pass referred to as the Narrows. ...Check the weather. ...There are a few guard rails dotting Independence Pass, but not along the entirety of the highway. ...Independence Pass is a popular destination for cyclist, so be cautious and remember to share the road.More items... #cowx — NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) December 15, 2021. If there's one reason to rent a car in Aspen, it's to take the 20-mile drive through Independence Pass. At 12,095ft at the summit, Independence Pass is the highest paved pass in the state. Enjoy a beautiful drive to the top of Independence pass either via Aspen or Leadville, then get out and enjoy stunning views in every direction as you wonder amongst the giants on the high alpine tundra of the Continental Divide. Independence Pass Hwy 82 Aspen, CO. (970) 948-4868. Independence Pass, originally known as Hunter Pass, is a high mountain pass in central Colorado, United States. The pass is half way from Aspen to Twin Lakes. Highway 82 follows along a stream as it descends from Independence Pass near Aspen, Colorado. east of Aspen on Hwy. PITKIN COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — The Pitkin County Sheriff says Independence Pass is closed so Colorado Department of Transportation crews can clean up debris from a mudslide. Three high points are visible on a ridgetop to the south of the pass. Directions from Aspen: Travel 11 miles southeast toward Independence Pass to Lincoln Creek road. Car drives along Colorado State Highway 82. View all. Getting There. Webcam & Weather Report. Independence is the highest paved mountain pass in Colorado, though there are several higher unpaved passes (such as Mosquito and Cottonwood), while three paved roads climb further (Pikes Peak Highway, Mount Evans Byway, Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park), but these are not passes. Independence Pass on Colorado Highway 82 reopened for the season around noon on May 26. Independence Pass if nothing else is a wonderful scenic drive between Twin Lakes and Aspen Colorado. List of rivers of Colorado; List of protected areas of Colorado; Notes References. Map of the Independence Pass corridor. It is at elevation 12,095 ft (3,687 m) on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. The Independence Pass closure comes on the heels of the prolonged I-70 closure due to repeated mudslides in the Glenwood Canyon area, stemming from the Grizzly Creek fire burn scar. This is a popular trail for walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. If you're coming from the east (Leadville, etc.) The highest point in Wisconsin is a mere 1,951 feet. Colorado Highway 82 east of Aspen over Independence Pass closed about 2:45 p.m. because of a vehicle stuck near the Lower Narrows, a Pitkin County dispatcher said Monday. The following year it dropped to $2,000. If you get a chance to drive through it, it is well worth the harrowing drive. Independence Pass serves as the eastern gateway to the Roaring Fork Valley, as well as an historic link between the Western … There is a short (0.4 mile RT) paved walk from the parking lot to Independence Pass Overlook that is a must do. Independence Pass, Independence Pass, Leadville, CO 80461. Jackson. Independence Pass Colorado September 27, 2018. It’s accessible only in the spring through fall, as it lies at around 11,000 feet in elevation. Independence Pass Colorado is home to a variety of recreational activities within an alpine setting. I was in Aspen and heard about the independence pass so I drove it down from Aspen towards western Colorado. This portion of highway is also incorporated into the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. From Aspen, drive Highway 82 toward Independence Pass. Independence Pass Colorado is a scenic drive, 34 miles long, along State Highway 82 to Highway 24. THE TRADITIONAL OPENING OF THE ROAD IS THE THURSDAY BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, THIS YEAR MAY 26, at noon. See Independence Pass Aspen Colorado Live Video Webcam - SeeJH.com. LAKE & PITKIN COUNTIES – Crews with the Colorado Department of Transportation have reopened Independence Pass on Colorado Highway 82 for the season. The views are breathtaking and you can stop at the top for some light hiking, even if you are just passing through. Snow King. 82. To be the crowds, do what my friend Lisa and I did. SNOTEL Site: Independence Pass State: Colorado Site Number: 542 County: Pitkin Latitude: 39 deg; 5 min N Longitude: 106 deg; 37 min W Elevation: 10598 feet Reporting since: 1979-10-01 Questions about this site. Workers unlocked seasonal closure gates on Thursday afternoon at 12 p.m., reopening CO 82 on each side of the pass to vehicles. Officials with the Colorado Department of Transportation swung open the winter closure gate east of Aspen just after 2 p.m. Friday. Webcams. 91 mph gust just occurred at Colorado Springs Airport! See.cam North America US Colorado Aspen Aspen Independence Pass. CDOT announced. HIGHWAY 82 OVER INDEPENDENCE PASS IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO VEHICLES. The summit is 18 miles west of Twin Lakes and 19 miles east of Aspen. The 12093 ft Independence Pass sits on Route 82 between the towns of Aspen and Leadville, Colorado. Overview. Workers unlocked the seasonal closure gates in Lake and Pitkin counties for the Highway 82 pass today at noon. Try 1 Month for $1. View of the Top Cut (1/2 mile before the summit on the west side of the Pass) on May 15, 2022. An Aspen Times reporter on the pass said traffic started moving again about 3:30 p.m. but there was a very long line of cars going in both directions. Independence Pass is a wonderful way to reach Aspen in the summer. Independence Pass, part of Colorado State Highway 82, passes over the Continental Divide between Leadville and Aspen, Colorado. At an elevation of 3,700 m(12,100 ft), it is one of the highest paved roads in Colorado, featuring steep climbs, sharp curves, and three big switchbacks. This is supplemented by the many nature trails and biking routes that surround the pass. They were hoping to get it open by 5:30 p.m. Friday but were able to open a bit earlier. Get ready, Aspen: The Colorado Department of Transportation has reopened Independence Pass for the season. Description. Independence Pass is a two-lane, 12,095 ft pass through the Rocky Mountains that is only open Memorial Day to early November. Independence Pass, Independence Pass, Leadville, CO 80461. T-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more, designed and sold by independent artists around the world. It typically closes on or near Nov. 7 and almost always re-opens on the Thursday before Memorial Day each May. The Grottos Trail off of Independence Pass near Aspen, Colorado, has geological wonders including unusual boulders, an ice cave and cascading waterfall. Bing Maps has a collection of great footpaths and trails with directions to starting points as well as photos. Report Issue. Independence Pass (aka Indy Pass) is located in central Colorado, sitting at an elevation of 12,095 feet (3,687 m) on the Continental Divide of the Americas. The pass is midway between Aspen and Twin Lakes, on the border between Pitkin and Lake counties. Weller Campground. It begins its climb over the continental divide just west of Twin Lakes, which is by Leadville. Independence Pass has got to be one of the best climbs in Colorado. Independence Pass originally known as Hunter Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado in the United States. Between Twin Lakes and Aspen, the altitude seldom dips below 9,000 feet, and Independence Pass travelers find themselves surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Independence Pass view point. Getting there: Independence Pass is the stretch of Highway 82 between Twin Lakes and Aspen; it can be reached from either town, but beware that any vehicle over 35 feet isn’t allowed and the road is closed from Oct-May. Cross the Continental Divide at 12095' and enjoy views in all directions. I was there June 27, 2020 and there was still snow. Workers unlocked seasonal closure gates on Thursday afternoon at noon, reopening CO 82 on each side of the pass to vehicles. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 16 h 4 min to complete. Independence Pass, Colorado. This route is full of scenic views of the mountains and valleys in Aspen. The iconic pass is situated on Highway 82 at an elevation of around 12 thousand feet. Independence Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.692m (12,112ft) above the sea level, located in Pitkin County, in central Colorado, USA. See the sun rise and set over 12,095-foot Independence Pass. The elevation at the bottom of Independence Pass is approximately 7,800' and 12,095' at the high point. Independence Pass east of Aspen opened a bit early Friday after a week-long delay from its traditional opening. The Colorado Department of Transportation has reopened Independence Pass for the season. Throughout its brief history, Independence was also known as: Chipeta, Farwell, Hunter’s Pass, Mammoth City, Mount Hope, and Sparkill. Independence Pass. Independence Pass, Co. - The winding, cliff-hanging road between Highway 24 and Aspen is the highest paved state highway over the Continental Divide in Colorado and one of the highest in the United States. The summit at … Description. Independence Pass offers an overwhelming sense of peace . The Colorado Department of Transportation is strongly discouraging travel over Independence Pass as a detour around the I-70 closure through Glenwood Canyon. DENVER — While the Colorado Dept. Livestream Current Still Daylight Still. Independence Pass. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 8 min to complete. The campground will be on the left side of the road. Carrie and I crossing Independence Pass on our way out of Aspen after an overnight snow. Independence Pass if nothing else is a wonderful scenic drive between Twin Lakes and Aspen Colorado. The summit is 12,095 feet, making it Colorado’s second-highest paved pass to Cottonwood. There is a short (0.4 mile RT) paved walk from the parking lot to Independence Pass Overlook that is a must do. Independence Pass in Colorado is one of the most magnificent alpine landscapes in the country. Independence Pass on Colorado Highway 82 reopened for the season Thursday afternoon after a six-month seasonal closure. See the sun rise and set over 12,095-foot Independence Pass. Independence Pass on Colorado Highway 82 reopened for the season around noon on May 26. Parking is clear (9,320 feet). (Just past here, Weller Campground will be to your left on the north side of the road.) It is at elevation 12095 ft (3687 m) on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range. Independence Pass. 9 mi. Colorado Highway 82 traverses it. With shorts and a knit cap, I exit the car to explore Independence Pass. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. Independence Pass is a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway that is maintained by CDOT. Independence pass is located on Colorado Highway 82, midway between Aspen and Twin Lakes. Independence Pass, Colorado's highest continuous paved state highway, is officially closed for the season. It's also the fourth-highest paved road in the state, and is also the highest paved crossing … View fullsize. Independence Pass, part of Colorado State Highway 82, passes over the Continental Divide between Leadville and Aspen, Colorado. At 12,095 feet, my lungs aren't used to this altitude. Colorado’s Independence Pass is a Scenic and Historic Byway that passes over the Continental Divide between Aspen and Leadville. This is a very popular area for scenic driving, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. “In order to reopen the road for the 2022 season, crews fixed potholes, cleared rockfall and repainted (striped) the roadway. North to south, these include: Point 12812 ft, Point 13020 ft and Unnamed Peak 13198 ft. Turn right on Lincoln Creek Road then drive 2 1/2 miles to campground entrance.... Lincoln Creek Road. Description. I can so recommend that drive, it's very very beautiful and you get to go up to 12,000ft to the continental divide. Independence Pass is an often overlooked but ultra-worthy, granite area, East of town off the super-steep CO Highway 82. In addition to being a scenic byway, Independence Pass, just east of Aspen, is a favorite recreation location during the summer months. This portion of highway is also incorporated into the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. PITKIN/LAKE COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — After a delayed opening in 2020 due to COVID-19, Independence Pass will open for the 2021 season on Thursday at noon. Independence pass is located on Colorado Highway 82, midway between Aspen and Twin Lakes. Please check the "Alerts and Restrictions" section of www.cotrip.org for status updates. CDOT IS CURRENTLY DOING ROADWORK ON THE PASS AIMING … A trip over the pass is a visual feast with vistas of wildflowers, thick forests and ample wildlife. Visit Website. At the last switchback turn on the east side of Independence Pass. The road over the pass is not for those who fear heights. View from Independence Pass highway, Colorado, USA., driving to Aspen. It’s the 4th highest paved road in the state and it travels through spectacular scenery. The best times to visit this trail are June through September. Here in the midst of the majestic Collegiate Peaks, Rocky Mountain scenery is at its best. Depending on snow … Independence Pass begins its … Visit Website. Independence Pass Webcam HWY82 by CDOT Highway 82 ESS Curve on East Independence Pass The Continental Divide, The Great Divide, The Western Divide. Independece Pass is the summit of the Top of the Rockies National Scenic & Historic Byway, and is located between Twin Lakes Village and Aspen..
