Independence Pass, originally known as Hunter Pass, is a high mountain pass in central Colorado, United States . It is at elevation 12,095 ft (3,687 m) on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. The pass is midway between Aspen and Twin Lakes, on the border between Pitkin and Lake counties.
What road is Independence Pass on?
Colorado 82How long does it take to drive from Denver to Aspen via Independence Pass?
Take Hwy 82 through Glenwood Springs and stay on the same road all the way to Aspen approximately 42 miles). A slightly shorter and more scenic summer route from Denver to Aspen (approximately 3.5 hours ) goes over Independence Pass.
How do I get from Denver to Independence Pass?
To get to Independence pass, you’ll take I-70 from Denver to Highway 91 south to Leadville and then follow signs to Highway 82 and the pass . It takes just under two hours to reach Leadville, which is a nice spot to stop for a coffee or lunch.
Is Independence Pass in Colorado still open?
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 typically closes on or near Nov. 7 and almost always re-opens on the Thursday before Memorial Day each May.
What is the most difficult Pass in Colorado?
Red Mountain Pass is notoriously tough to drive during the winter and features tricky 8 % grade sections. Named after the price some say it’d take them to willingly drive it, the Million Dollar Highway often tops lists for most dangerous drives in the world.
How long does it take to drive over Independence Pass?
It is about 32 miles long and takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half with stops along the way to enjoy the scenic views. It twists around stunning groves of aspen trees and hugs the Roaring Fork River. The road is steep, narrow, and twisty with only a few guardrails.
Where is Independence Pass closed?
Independence pass is located on Colorado Highway 82, midway between Aspen and Twin Lakes. The summit is 18 miles west of Twin Lakes and 19 miles east of Aspen. Since 2011, the road has closed for the season anywhere from Oct. 28 to Nov.
Is Independence Pass closed for the season?
The road typically opens in May of each year, and stays open as long as the weather permits. It has closed for the season in November for nine of the past 10 years .
How long does it take to drive from Leadville to Aspen over Independence Pass?
Leadville to Aspen via Independence Pass – 1 hour
Independence Pass (Highway 82) is one of the highest roads in the Colorado and only open between Memorial Day and Labor day (check here for road closures).
How far apart are Aspen and Vail?
The total straight line distance between Aspen and Vail is 62 KM (kilometers) and 800 meters . The miles based distance from Aspen to Vail is 39 miles.
Is it hard to drive to Vail from Denver?
From Denver, it is just under a two-hour drive to Vail, depending on weather and traffic (the latter can be heavy on weekends during ski season). You can also take a shuttle or private car service or even hop on public transport from the Mile High City if you are not interested in driving yourself.
Can you drive Independence Pass at night?
Independence Pass is one of the few places in the United States where it’s possible to drive at night to a place that’s pitch dark with clear, dry, high altitude air. Standing on top of it is a like being in a brilliant dream of twinkling stars and night sky.
Where is the Continental Divide located in Colorado?
The divide crosses Wolf Creek Pass in southwestern Colorado in the San Juan Mountains , marked by a line symbolizing the division. The year round pass is very steep and is treacherous in the winter. The Lobo Overlook, at 11,760 feet, offers beautiful views of the divide.
What is the highest paved pass in Colorado?
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway , just 60 miles west of Denver, is the highest paved road in North America.
Where is Wolfe Creek Pass?
Wolf Creek Pass is a high mountain pass on the Continental Divide, in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado . It is the route through which U.S. Highway 160 passes from the San Luis Valley into southwest Colorado on its way to New Mexico and Arizona. The pass is notable as inspiration of a C. W. McCall song.
Is Mt Evans higher than Pikes Peak?
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway (Colorado Highways 103/5) is the highest paved passenger route in North America — including Alaska, Hawaii and California. It ends at 14,130 feet above sea level, or 20 feet higher than the much more famous and popular Pikes Peak Highway — still a gravel road in its upper reaches.
Are there guard rails on Independence Pass?
Located within the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado, the road to reach the pass is narrow, twisting and often without guardrails . At an elevation of 12,100ft (3.700m) above the sea level, it is said to be the highest paved mountain pass in Colorado.
Is Independence Pass the highest pass in Colorado?
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.
Is road to Aspen open?
Independence Pass (Hwy 82 between Aspen to Twin Lakes) is OPEN for the season to passenger vehicles only *. NOTE: Oversized and overweight vehicles are strictly prohibited from using the Pass at any time due to narrow and winding roads and steep inclines.
What passes are closed in Colorado?
- Kebler Pass – Crested Butte to Paonia. Kebler Pass in the fall. ...
- Independence Pass – Twin Lakes to Aspen. Independence Pass in July. ...
- Mount Evans – Idaho Springs to 14,000’+ Mount Evans Road. ...
- Cottonwood Pass – Buena Vista to Almont. Cottonwood Pass in the summer.
