Independence Pass
A 3,687 m pass on the Continental Divide, with alpine views along Highway 82, tundra wildflowers in summer and golden aspens in autumn.
Independence Pass sits about 32 km east of Aspen at an elevation of 3,687 m. It is one of the highest paved roads crossing the Continental Divide in Colorado. State Highway 82 climbs from Aspen through the Roaring Fork River valley. Along the way you can stop at Independence Ghost Town, a 19th-century gold rush site, at the Grottos ice caves and at several viewpoints. At the summit, a wooden boardwalk trail overlooks alpine tundra and jagged peaks, and snow may still linger into summer. The road is closed from roughly early November to late May. It is narrow with sharp bends, and vehicles longer than 35 feet are prohibited, so drive carefully. The air is thin at high altitude, so dress warmly and watch for altitude sickness.
Opening hours
Open all day during the open season (closed in winter)
Nearby sights
- Grottos Trail
- Ashcroft Ghost Town
- Smuggler Mountain Trail
- Aspen Mountain (Ajax) & Silver Queen Gondola
- John Denver Sanctuary
- Aspen Art Museum
- Wheeler Opera House
- Downtown Aspen