Independence Pass
Independence Pass
5
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- TriCityDudeSaginaw, Michigan841 contributionsBreathtaking scenery and stunning views along windy mountain roadBreathtaking drive up from Aspen and breathtaking views and road along the way. Well worth the extra hour+ to go this way back to I-70…you will want to stop and enjoy the views at Independence mining area. The pass itself, as well as other spots that intrigue you. Breathtaking and grandiose, and exciting with no rails and one lane roads clinging to the mountainsides. Well worth your time to drive this.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 June 2024
- Jeremy ZRoseville, Minnesota3,160 contributionsStunning and Sweeping ViewsWe drove over Independence Pass in late July. The wildflowers were just past peak. We hiked the Independence Ridgeline Trail all the way to the end and back (~4.5 mi. RT), which was exhausting even for us seasoned hikers due to the high elevation. The views got better and better the further we went. Even if you can't do the longer hike, the views from the main overlook are worth the trek.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 17 September 2024
- Rebecca B233 contributionsEasy morning westbound drive in good weatherPiece of cake in good weather, if you have already have had the experience of driving Trail Ridge Road in RMNP or Mt Blue Sky (even if only up to Summit Lake). Driving east to west (Denver/Twin Lakes to Aspen) in the morning means the sun will be behind you, and the westbound (Aspen-bound) direction has you on the inner mountain-side of the road, not the outer cliff-side, for most of the drive. So if you are a timid driver, do this route east to west in the morning to get to Aspen. We enjoyed stopping at -Grottos Trail (on Aspen side) -Twin Lakes Rec Area or any day use fishing site for photos (Twin Lakes side, east of Twin Lakes). Westbound view of Twin Lakes and the mountains is gorgeous. And of course the continental divide viewpoint at the topVisited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 September 2024
- Sherpa2286Alpharetta, Georgia585 contributionsEnjoyable ExperienceWe drove this in October and found the drive to be full of spectacular scenery. If you stick to the speed limit you will be fine. We drove East to West which puts you on the mountain side for MOST, but not all of the drive. Expect cold and windy at the summit.Visited October 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 October 2024
- iVoRy THalf Moon Bay, California281 contributionsEpic drive to Independence PassIndependence Pass is originally known as Hunter Pass. It is the high mountain pass in central Colorado, United States,which is at elevation 12,095 feet above the sea level 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. It's not an easy climb during the icy snowy days but with luck, there will be a window of a perfect timing to adventure to the top during the winter like I did! When the pass is open in warmer weather, it is a popular destination. A scenic overlook near the pass allows visitors to take in the alpine tundra environment above treeline, and offers excellent views to the east of Mount Elbert, Colorado's highest peak and the second-highest mountain in the contiguous United States. This scenic road is one of the highest in North America, meandering along the Continental Divide. It's such a thrill driving along it like a daredevil. The sharp tight turns along towering cliffs and through thick forests are wild. The is a paved hiking trail (the Independence Pass Scenic Trail) which leads to a sightseeing platform where far-reaching the stunning views of the Continental Divide! Spectacular sight! Enjoy!Visited October 2024Travelled soloWritten 2 December 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Jack E
5 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Independence Pass is worth the long drive. We crossed from Leadville in a two car caravan. There are nice places to stop along the creek on the east side. Then you begin climbing switchbacks and see snow. There were three feet on the ground at the top, but there was no snow or ice on the road even though it had snowed last night. There are pit toilets at the top and the continental divide sign is a must photo op. Heading down you drop quickly into trees. The braille stop was a nice place for picnic lunch and and the 22 sign interpretive trail is interesting for all, in addition to offering all captions in braille and normal print. The grotto stop is a must and you should allow an hour to explore everything there. There is an attractive cascade and in early June the ice caves were interesting and unusual shapes. Some ice was as blue as Alaskan icebergs. There are two pit toilets here. The parking lot was barely adequate for this low traffic day. We felt safe the entire drive. The paved road is well maintained with only one small single lane section. Wait time at the single lane section was less than five minutes, but I imagine it would be an issue in summer. From the bottom it is a short drive to Snow Mass and the famous Maroon Bells hike. Parking for Maroon Bells is $40 and $20 per person for the bus to the hike.
Written 6 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashlee H
42 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Great scenic drive! Tons of great vantage points. Would not advise taking this route though in bad weather. With all the switchbacks, both sides of the car will be on the “edge” at some point. There are points of the drive that are alarming with no guardrails but breathtaking views! Leadville is such a neat town you come thru on the way too, wish we would’ve stopped. There are bathrooms in the parking lot at the top of the pass, outhouses but relatively clean.
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne M
Kansas City, MO43 contributions
Jul 2020
My wife and I had a debate on which way to go from Breck to Aspen. After talking with a local we decided to try the Independence pass. It started off going through the city of Leadville which had a lot of beautiful lakes and mountains as we traveled. But once we got onto highway 82 the road got narrower and a steeper drop. There is a few areas where there is no guard rail but as long as you take it slow you will see some amazing views from up top of the pass.
If you are afraid of heights and don’t trust your driver this may not be the road for you. If you enjoy a scenic drive along with the more direct route would highly recommend the Independence Pass.
If you are afraid of heights and don’t trust your driver this may not be the road for you. If you enjoy a scenic drive along with the more direct route would highly recommend the Independence Pass.
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen
1 contribution
Jun 2020
Road is deadly, poorly designed, missing guardrails, and without proper safety signage. Two narrow areas on the Aspen side say "Do not Pass" on signs but should say "Yield to oncoming driver" since the road isn't wide enough for both drivers. After driving this road for 30 years, I was finally sideswiped by one of the crazy speeding drivers in this section when I had right of way. Hit and run on the pass with coronavirus added on. None of the witnesses stopped to help. On same day, at the bottom of the Aspen side a trailer had been run off the road and was sitting in the trees. Drivers do not care about wildlife or humans and speed dangerously at dawn and dusk. You will be passed on blind turns. Most drivers going 20 over the speed limit. Most locals are too afraid to bike ride up anymore. Front Range drivers are in a hurry to race through here on weekends.
Written 13 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NonnieR29
Arkansas182 contributions
Sept 2020
We were so glad we took this road to independence pass. They had had a snowfall a few days before we got there and the small lake was frozen and there was snow everywhere. Beautiful drive although in a rented RV sprinter van there were some tight curves but it was fun.
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norah P
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Family
It’s a beautiful view but if you are scared of heights then DONT DO IT. I am personally very scared of heights and I thought it wouldn’t be too bad but I was so wrong. There are some points where there isn’t even a guard rail and we were SO high up and I really thought we would go over but we didn’t. It’s just very scary, but it’s kinda worth it for the top cause there is snow there even in June. But I would highly recommend only doing it if you’re a confident driver and aren’t too scared of heights. And I’m not gonna lie to you like some people on here saying it’s a carefree drive but it’s not though. Trust me! I was there and I’m speaking full on fax.
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TMFConcord
Concord, MA374 contributions
Sept 2021
We drove Indy Pass both ways to Aspen from Crested Butte and then from Aspen to Denver. My husband was driving and I was the passenger. It was high foliage season and the views were amazing. My only regret was that we were driving a crappy rental
car and not a fun convertible or SUV. Going over the pass from CB we ended up in the middle of some classic Mercedes that were part of a road rally. It was so much fun to watch them! A recent added bonus are the restrooms at the top of the pass.
car and not a fun convertible or SUV. Going over the pass from CB we ended up in the middle of some classic Mercedes that were part of a road rally. It was so much fun to watch them! A recent added bonus are the restrooms at the top of the pass.
Written 3 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ROCtraveler30
Fort Collins, CO1,518 contributions
Oct 2020
This is an impressive drive that leads well above the tree line - at least the 6 months of the year when it is open. Be ready for some real mountain driving to see vistas along the Continental Divide at over 12,000 ft. Much of the land on both sides of the pass is National Forest, with trailheads and campgrounds available. There is a parking area - and rest rooms - at the top with the opportunity to wander around stretching your legs to look at the alpine tundra ecosystem that many visitors have never seen.
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flosventure
Arizona219 contributions
Jun 2020
I was in Aspen and heard about the independence pass so I drove it down from Aspen towards western Colorado. 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. Awesome place, awesome drive!
Written 1 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AviatorMat
Greenville, WI481 contributions
Jul 2020
Visited Independence Pass with friends at the end July with snow still on the mountains. The scenery was beautiful and would recommend hiking if you can breathe in the natural beauty. Drive carefully or you'll be rolling down the mountain!
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If I’m not looking to pass through using independence pass, is it worth it to drive all the way to Twin Lakes and back in one go, or would it make more sense to turn around at the top of the pass and head back to Aspen?
Written 28 May 2021
I am scared of heights as is my friend and we want to travel to Aspen end of June from Colorado Springs. Since we’ll be traveling west, I understand the car would be next to the mountain and not along the drop-off cliff. I’ll be driving and just wanted some advise as to whether you think I could make it without dying of fright. I would like to see the view but should we take a less frightening route? thank you!
Written 30 March 2021
6 plus month old question, but going from Colorado Springs to Aspen you are not on the inside lane all the time.
One of the best ways to get a feel is to use Google Street View or watch YouTube videos of the drive.
I don't consider it a big deal but some people get nervous because of the height although it's not like you're on a mountaintop, but there are drop-offs of hundreds of feet, also some sections have no guardrails.
Written 24 October 2023
Does anyone know if independence pass will be open sept 25-29th? Making the trip out there and google maps says it is closed currently but everywhere else I look says its open.
Written 9 September 2020
Well they just received snow in Colorado, I would call Aspen and see if it is open.
It is very cool to drive if open!
Written 11 September 2020
Which highway is safe to go on Standard RV to Aspen From Colarado Springs
Written 30 August 2020
Highway 70 all the way............ no restrictions. Otherwise there are length limits like 35 feet and other limits that will turn you back if you take 24 or other more local roads.
Written 6 September 2020
Is there a fee to drive through the Independence Pass?
Written 23 October 2019
How long is the drive from Hwy 24 to Aspen? When does the pass typically open?
Written 19 May 2019
The drive takes about 40 minutes in good weather. In normal years the pass usually opens by May 15. As 2019 has not been a normal year, the pass is still not open, ( May 22 ), as they are still clearing snow and avalanche debris. Refer to the Cotrip org for updates.
Written 22 May 2019
seyeis
Ottawa, Canada
Am going to a wedding in Aspen. Labor day weekend. Flying from Ottawa Canada to Calgary overnight. Then to Denver. Am 87, excellent eyesight, reflexes and good driver. How much time to Aspen? Unfortunately we will not be able to do side trips or hiking. Then the return to the airport. Knowing the time frames and directions will give me idea re flight home
Written 19 May 2018
It takes about 4 hours from Denver and is worth the extra time. It is beautiful!
Written 22 May 2018
Is the road open for drive on the first week of May?
Written 21 April 2018
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