Where is Independence Pass?

Independence Pass, sitting pretty at 12,112 feet, straddles Pitkin and Lake counties in Colorado. This beauty is one of Colorado's highest roads!

You'll find it smack-dab in central Colorado, chilling in the Sawatch Range of the Rockies, nestled between Aspen and Leadville, inside the White River National Forest.

Clocking in at 32 miles, this paved road is known as State Highway 82 (CO-82) or the "Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway." It links the Roaring Fork River valley near Aspen to the Arkansas River headwaters near Leadville. Fun fact: it wasn't paved until '67!

Now, let's be real: Independence Pass isn't for the faint of heart. Think narrow, winding roads, and seriously steep inclines.

We're talking serious drop-offs, hairpin turns, and stretches barely wide enough for one car. If you meet an RV on a single-lane section, buckle up! The road has a 6.5% gradient, so oversized vehicles are a no-go (nothing over 35 feet, folks!).

Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel! Slow and steady wins the race here, especially with those tight curves and one-lane spots.

Heads up: this pass, originally called Hunter Pass, is a no-go in winter. It usually closes after the first heavy snow and reopens in late May or early June. Rockfall is a thing, so watch out for rocks and the occasional closure.

They say it's the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide in North America and the highest paved through road in Colorado's state network.

Expect the drive from Aspen to US 24 to take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on how many times you pull over for those views!

If you're cruising from Vail to Aspen, Independence Pass is a must-do alternative to I-70. It's a scenic detour that’ll take you through some seriously stunning mountain scenery.

The direct route is about 102 miles and takes around 2.5 hours if you don't stop... but you'll want to! Just check if it's open, since winter closures are a thing.