At 7 p.m. Friday, Independence Pass on Colorado Highway 82 will close for the season. Starts at Limelight Hotel and enter CO 82 at the end of Aspen. The Pass travels through 32 miles of mountainous terrain. Elbert, and beside the beautiful Twin Lakes. In addition to being a scenic byway, Independence Pass, just east of Aspen, is a favorite recreation location during the summer months. Do not rely on your GPS for directions if the pass is closed. Independence Pass Rock Climbing offers short approaches and a large variety of climbs, both trad/mixed and sports climbing is available. Hwy 82 over Independence Pass is slated for seasonal closure starting this Fri, Nov 13, at 7:00pm. Highway 82, connecting Aspen with Twin Lakes and Leadville, is one of the highest and most scenic paved roads in the country. Be alert to all car traffic, which is especially heavy on summer weekends. Review of Independence Pass. We stopped at a 1800's mining "ghost town" along the pass. The road — which normally opens the Thursday before Memorial Day — should be open by 5:30 p.m. Friday, said Tracy Trulove, Colorado Department of Transportation spokeswoman. It winds through the San Isabel National Forest on the east and White River National Forest on the west side of the Divide. Today you can view the remains of miner's cabins, the Farewell Stamp Mill, Stables, and the General Store. There’s also point of interests along the Roaring River, like the “Grottos” – cavern like creek bed. Cross Country skiers will enjoy the groomed trail for both classic and skate skiing jaunts. It’s the earliest closing since at least 2011, which was the … Independence Pass, part of Colorado State Highway 82, passes over the Continental Divide between Leadville and Aspen, Colorado. 590 N. Mill Street From Glenwood Springs (on Interstate 70) to Aspen, is a 4 lane highway that won't scare anyone. Independence Pass is a scenic way to travel between two mountain towns with beautiful views and a little piece of history. Twin Lakes Flights; Twin Lakes Restaurants; Twin Lakes Attractions; Twin Lakes Travel Forum; Twin Lakes Photos; Twin Lakes Map; Twin Lakes Guide; All Twin Lakes Hotels; Twin Lakes Hotel Deals; By Hotel Type. In 1927 it rebuilt the old stage road over Independence Pass to Twin Lakes and designated it part of Highway 82, closing it in winters to avoid the maintenance costs. The decision to close the Pass on the Aspen and Twin Lakes sides was made about 7:45 a.m. Monday. Independence Pass was full of beautiful views. Primitive campsite overlooking Twin Lakes. State transportation crews are shooting to open Independence Pass by Friday evening, an official said Wednesday. On the Lake County side, CDOT will block the road at the winter closure gate west of Twin Lakes. There are restrooms and a sign at the top. - 86.9 mi, +7915 ft. Bike ride in Aspen, CO There is ample parking and a scenic overlook where you can take in the 360-degree views. Seasons . Runoff on the west side of the pass drains to the Roaring Fork River, while the east side empties into the North Fork of Lake Creek. Independence Pass - Aspen CO Real Estate. Free camping can be found along Lincoln Creek Road. You go past Mt Elbert (tallest peak in Co.), and spend awhile above the Alpine Line. The first 13 miles of the ride climb gently through a gorgeous valley marked by meadows and high forests. The area offers world-renown ski resorts, the beautiful mountain passes of Independence, McClure, Vail, Loveland, and crystal clear mountain rivers. Not a lot of traffic, or guardrails, on winding high altitude road. It provides a more direct … Living in Buena Vista, on the east side of Independence Pass, I can tell you of the stories I have heard of novices attempting to reach Aspen from Twin Lakes via Independence Pass, only to get stuck in the snow way up in the high country and incurring massive towing and rescue bills to get them out. Read more. Approximately 65 vehicles were lined up at the Pitkin County gate on Monday, June 1, when Colorado Department of Transportation crews opened the gates on the seasonally closed highway. ASPEN, Colo. — Colorado transportation officials will close Highway 82 over Independence Pass for the winter on Friday.The road is typically … Before developing the route west of Aspen, the state turned its attention the other way. There are also shorter hikes at the lakes and at the base of Mt Elbert. Twin Lakes Motels; Twin Lakes Campgrounds; Romantic Hotels Twin Lakes; Near Landmarks. Independence Pass, originally known as Hunter Pass, is a high mountain pass in central Colorado, United States. 352 E Reds Rd, Aspen, CO 81611. At 12,095 feet, this pass is the highest in Colorado. Short hike leads to the "Grotto", a cavern like stream bed. Cliff jumping in the Roaring Fork near Aspen. Independence Pass is part of the great Top of the Rockies Byway. Snowmobilers are also able to utilize the road, providing access to ski mountaineering adventures further from the parking lot. “We’re going to give them the whole day (Friday) to get it done,” Trulove said. The pass, which connects Aspen and Twin Lakes via State Highway 82, is normally scheduled to open the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend, … Fee-based camping on the Aspen side of Independence Pass is available at Difficult Campground, Weller Campground, Lincoln Gulch and Lost Man Campground. I hope to travel it again someday. Sort by: Newest. Visit cotrip.org for up-to-date information. It’s the 4th highest paved road in the state and it travels through spectacular scenery. The pass is midway between Aspen and Twin Lakes, on … Go slow, as every instinct will tell you, and you'll be … Aspen, CO 81611, Local Phone: 970.925.1940Toll-Free Phone: 877.702.7736Email: [email protected], Independence Ghost Town - 360 Virtual Tour, North Star Nature Preserve - 360 Virtual Tour, Independence Pass is closed for the winter season. The crags at Independence Pass are arrayed along CO-82 west of Aspen en route to the Pass itself at 12,000 feet. The mountain views alone are breathtaking in Twin Lakes, but then with the added feature of shimmering yellow aspen leaves make it $25,000,000. It is at elevation 12,095 ft (3,687 m) on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. The road is open to traffic and is extremely narrow in some sections. pic.twitter.com/aJxP7SnAcN — Lake County OEM (@LakeCountyOEM) November 12, 2020 ALL | Independence Pass on Colorado Highway 82 is open for the season. Independence Pass refers to the 32 mile stretch of Highway 82 that connects Aspen, CO, to Twin Lakes, CO. The pass is a popular historic and scenic route between … At 12,095ft at the summit, Independence Pass is the highest paved pass in the state. Keep going past Aspen, to Twin Lakes and US 24, and your in for a ride. Homes for You Price (High to Low) Price (Low to High) Newest Bedrooms Bathrooms Square Feet Lot Size. Independence Pass is taken all the way to US 24. However, visitors are still able to enjoy recreational opportunities on the closed, snow packed road. Depending on snow accumulation, the Colorado Department of Transportation closes the highway at the Winter Gate, 5 miles east of Aspen. The road is steep, narrow and twisty with only a few guardrails but is completely safe. The scenic drive along CO 82 from Twin Lakes to Aspen via Independence Pass is well worth the time. Snowshoers and hikers can also enjoy the same access to the road. Independence Pass is a high mountain pass in central Colorado, midway between Aspen and Twin Lakes and bordering both Lake and Pitkin Counties. It is a 19 mile paved road from Aspen to the top of the pass. Highway 82 is closed at the Winter Gate, 5 miles east of Aspen, around the beginning of November each year. The midway point between Aspen and Twin Lakes, Colorado, Independence Pass is on the border between Pitkin and Lake Counties and is the dividing point between watersheds that drain into the Pacific Ocean vs. those that drain into the Atlantic Ocean. It is 17 miles from the top of Independence Pass down to Twin Lakes. Independence Pass has got to be one of the best climbs in Colorado. The semi ghost town town of Twin Lakes is a nice place to walk around. Independence Pass Road is typically closed to vehicular traffic between November 1 and the start of … Aspen, CO – Mountain Pass Independence Pass (12,095 ft), originally called Hunter Pass, is a mountain pass along the Continental Divide accessed by Highway 82 that connects Aspen to Twin Lakes. From Aspen to the peak of the pass is about 20 miles, but riders can turn around at any point and return to town. Independence Pass between Aspen and Twin Lakes is now open for the season. Dispersed car camping can be found along many of the dirt roads near Mt Elbert, close to the lake. You are … Probably one of the most beautiful places to enjoy the fall colors is via Highway 82 from Twin Lakes to Independence Pass. Once a thriving mining town with over 40 businesses and an estimated population of 1,500. This seasonal road usually closes in October, depending on snowfall and doesn’t reopen again until late spring. One of the best places to stretch your feet is around the ghost town of Independence on the Aspen side. It winds its way up and over the Continental Divide at Independence Pass, 12,045 feet above sea level. At 12,095 feet, Independence Pass is the fourth highest paved road in the state. A few miles west of the pass… Our Aspen High Country bike tour features 14,000 foot peaks, massive wildflower fields, White River National Forest, fine dining & much more. Visit cotrip.org for up-to-date road closure information. Situated along the “Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway,” Twin Lakes is the eastern gateway to Independence Pass, one of the highest paved passes in the state. The midway point between Aspen and Twin Lakes, Colorado, Independence Pass is on the border between Pitkin and Lake Counties and is the dividing point between watersheds that drain into the Pacific Ocean vs. those that drain into the Atlantic Ocean. The road climbs to the continental divide at the top of the Pass (12,095 ft.). Due to harsh weather conditions that can make the road unsafe for drivers, Colorado Department of Transportation closes Independence Pass for the winter, often in late October, and reopens around Memorial Day. We left Aspen heading to Twin Lakes. House for sale. 12 results. *Visit other Aspen area hiking trails here. Road biking on Independence; Pass/Highway 82 is a popular route in the summer. Uncover Colorado - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer, Camping near Aspen, Snowmass Village and Basalt, around Pitkin County, Plan Your Drive | Seasonal Mountain Passes Closures in Colorado. Aspen Chamber Resort Association Here, you are presented with two routes to get to Aspen: via I-70 to Glenwood Springs then Highway 82 to Aspen; or south to Leadville, Twin Lakes and Highway 82 over Independence Pass into Aspen. Drivers must follow the speed limit and proceed with caution. Independence Pass crosses the Continental Divide at 12,095 feet above sea level and connects Aspen and Twin Lakes. Alternate route to Aspen via I-70. Featuring many stops along the way to enjoy scenic views, it twists around stunning groves of aspen trees and hugs the Roaring Fork River. Most of it followed the original route; however in some places it … To reach, take CO 82 west from Twin Lakes or east out of Aspen. The lowest area is the Difficult Cliff while the highest area is Instant Karma Cliff, located near the summit of the divide. Independence Pass, Twin Lakes: See 142 reviews, articles, and 60 photos of Independence Pass, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 5 attractions in Twin Lakes. Located 21 miles southwest of Leadville and 36 miles east of Aspen, this historic village sits at the base of Colorado’s highest peak, Mt. The ride from Twin Lakes to the summit is 35-miles round-trip with a 3,100-foot elevation gain. 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