Drive Independence Pass

Independence, Ohio

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Distance

32 miles

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Lindsay McClure

Independence Pass is a scenic 32 mile drive or ride. The pass allows you to travel to "The Top of The Rockies." Along the route, there are numerous trailheads for you to pull over and hit the trail.

Whether you are driving or biking, the elevation gain is significant, it's over 4,000 ft. The road is fairly narrow so being cautious is important. The highway itself is seasonal; it's closed for winter due to icy conditions. We stopped along the Grotto trailhead to hike around and get some views of the switchback-ing road. The snow proved to be a great variable, giving the pass a much different landscape than that of it's popular summer one.

There is a world-class climbing wall here in the Grotto, where I was fortunate to get a shot of "The Man on the Face." See if you can spot him!

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Features

Cycling

Chillin

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Picnic Area

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

ADA Accessible

Drive Independence Pass Reviews

Kyle C

Drive Independence Pass

10/09/20

With Aspen on one side and Twin Lakes on the other and endless things to do in between you can't go wrong with Independence Pass. Amazing views the whole way along a well maintained road.

5.0

Explorer

Jared Beeler

Explorer

Drive Independence Pass

09/22/20

This is one of the best easily accessible passes along the Continental Divide. Driving it in the summer offers great views and amazing photography.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Photograph Fall Colors Along Independence Pass and Twin Lakes, CO

While this is a more of a photography adventure and a fall drive to take through Colorado, there are also many areas to hike along the way. The drive can start from really anywhere in the general area. From the front range area of Colorado, head up I70 and get off toward Twin Lakes around Copper. The drive to Twin Lakes and on up over the pass is incredibly gorgeous from mid-September through t...

Watch the Sunset from Independence Pass

Start in the town of either Aspen or Twin Lakes and continue on Interstate 82 to the top of Independence Pass. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the Ghost Town of Independence, fields of wildflowers and the occasional moose, elk or deer. Continue on to the top of the pass where you will find a large lot for parking. There are bathrooms and a paved trail to a vista point. In the summer, p...

Hike Mountain Boy Ridge from the Top of Independence Pass

The trailhead is to the Independence Pass viewing deck is located at the Summit parking area, which is about 20 miles from Aspen and 24 miles west of Highway 24 on the Leadville side. At the parking area you will notice a paved walkway that takes you to the viewdeck, which is a easy five minute walk and worth checking out. The tundra around the area is easy to navigate about and fun to explore ...

Photograph the Milky Way on Independence Pass

From Aspen CO, drive up highway 82 towards Twin Lakes and stop at the top of the pass.Once you reach the continental divide there will be a sign that says Independence Pass with an elevation of 12,095 feet. Here you can park the car for free and use the bathroom area.To photograph the milky way you will want to check any lunar calendar and make sure it is as close to a new moon as possible, tha...

Hike Lost Man Pass via Independence Lake

Park at the pull out just west of independence pass. From there, begin on the Linkin's Lake Trail. The trail is generally easy to follow (although it can be muddy as it is a wet area) and climbs 900 feet in the 1.8 miles to independence lake. From Independence lake it is about 0.5 miles and 400 feet of incline to the pass. The trail stays to the west of the lake although there is a use trail th...

Sunset Hike to Twining Peak

Twining Peak is a ranked 13er located 2 miles north of Independence Pass. The hike involves around 1700 feet of elevation and is mostly off-trail with some class 2 scrambling (class 3 can be had if you look hard enough). Independence Pass is a prominent and popular pass on Highway 82 between Twin lakes and Aspen.You can also access this peak from the Linkins Lake trailhead (just west of the pas...

Drive Independence Pass

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Download the Outbound mobile app

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Drive Independence Pass Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Photograph Fall Colors Along Independence Pass and Twin Lakes, CO

Watch the Sunset from Independence Pass

Hike Mountain Boy Ridge from the Top of Independence Pass

Photograph the Milky Way on Independence Pass

Hike Lost Man Pass via Independence Lake

Sunset Hike to Twining Peak

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