Independence Pass
CO 82Aspen to Twin Lakes · Colorado
Distance37.3mi · 60 km
Drive time1 h 22 minon the road
DifficultyDemanding
MountainValley
A narrow, high crossing of the Continental Divide above Aspen.
CO 82 climbs over Independence Pass on the Continental Divide above Aspen, topping out above 12,000 ft on a narrow road that pinches to barely a lane in places among the alpine tundra. Open only in the warmer months; mind the altitude, the single-track squeezes with oncoming traffic, and the fast-changing weather.
Where it runs
AspenStart · Colorado
Twin LakesEnd · United States
Character
Corners34bends
Tightness7of 10
Max gradient8%≈ 1-in-13
Hairpins3tight bends
Climb1264 mtotal ascent
Summit3686 mhighest point · 12093 ft
SummerAutumn
Elevation
1273 m rangeKnow before you go
- Single-lane squeezes with oncoming traffic
- High altitude and thin air
- Snow closes it most of the year
Along the road
- viewpoint Devil's Punchbowl
- viewpoint Independence Ghost Town Lookout
- viewpoint Independence Pass Continental Divide
Sources
In these collections
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Independence Pass.
