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