Great views from this overlook. google_ad_client = "pub-5476340418163980"; Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Easy little hike that is worth spending the time checking out! Amazing views and location overall. 17. Three high points are visible on a ridgetop to the south of the pass. google_ad_width = 200; Up a short steep hill (and yes after driving up thousands of feet, more hills) you will find the most gorgeous view of the continental divide! It is not hard to get to. One of the coolest things I have ever done! The trail is primarily used for walking and is best used from June until September. tundra pool to the north of the parking area, and the adjacent photo is part of his year-long adventure of skiing in every month of the Year 2007. The high elevation. You had to be a tough son-of-a-gun to live back then! Stay on CO-82 through Aspen towards Independence Pass. There is also a comparatively large google_color_text = "000000"; You just have to see it for yourself. google_color_border = "FFFFFF"; A nice stop at the summit of with amazing views, completely paved and good for the whole family. Absolutely amazing!! google_color_url = "000000"; snow in those images. google_color_link = "0000FF"; This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. | Buena Vista Motorcycle Tour Through Rocky Mountains of Colorado, by Sig's Rides, Ask 2014firstclasstravel about Independence Pass, Ask FormerExpat2014 about Independence Pass. | About This Site, Copyright © www.ColoradoGuy.com - All rights reserved, Remember folks, today's date was June 6! hitchhike or somehow get a ride back up to the pass. The man captured a picture of me next to the snow. Colorado is home to many high-altitude mountain passes where a simple mistake could be deadly, including Independence Pass near Aspen. Help keep our trails and parks open during COVID-19 by committing to social distancing. google_ad_height = 90; In the Twin Lakes, Colorado area about 16 miles east of the pass. Beware! advantage to Indpendence Pass: If you're from a hot weather state like google_color_url = "000000"; The crags at Independence Pass are arrayed along CO-82 west of Aspen en route to the Pass itself at 12,000 feet. This reminds me of last year, when I went Beautiful little hike off the side of the road. !No room on road for error! Worth to stop if passing through the pass. Climbing Independence Pass by bike is one of the more scenic bike climbs in CO and US. Accessibility: The trail surface is paved and typically at least five feet wide. google_color_text = "000000"; It is absolutely fascinating and impressive to think that folks lived up at that elevation, even in the winter. The closure is necessary for the motorists’ safety as crews repair mitigation systems designed to prevent rockfall from impacting the highway. Distance: 37.6 miles (60.5 kilometers) Start/End: Aspen/Twin Lakes Elevation Gain: 4,187 feet (1,276 meters) Time: 3.5 hours Independence Pass rises to its summit at 12,095 feet. | 14ers Independence Pass Sunset. There are a few parts where I completely white knuckled and focused on the road like a laser beam but IT WAS WORTH IT! To give you more perspective, the adjacent photo includes that tundra pool from the same general area. google_ad_width = 300; There is a short paved walkway to two overlooks that provide great views of the alpine tundra. Picturesque mountain and valley views. To access Independence Pass from the Aspen side: From I-70 take exit 116 (Glenwood Springs) onto Highway 82. google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; Good bathroom stop as well. The novelty of being on the Continental Divide. An Mountain Paradise On The Continental Divide Independence Pass is one of those places where tourists really ought to visit. :). Independence Pass, Colorado - Elevation 12,095 Feet. I would estimate the snow to be about six to eight feet high from the ground, and The final ascent on the east side of the pass. According to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, a … In that bottom photo, click the thumbnail to see all the people slowly hiking up the hill. That's another google_ad_type = "text_image"; Independence Pass - one of the highest and more challenging cycling climbs in CO and US. Independence Pass Overlook is a 0.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Twin Lakes, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. there were many skiers enjoying the conditions. google_ad_type = "text_image"; Turn off your ad blocker to see a map of this trail, Independence and Lost Man Lakes via Lost Man Loop, County Road 399 to Forest Service Road 394. | Lake County The mountain scenery. not much of a hike, but scenery is still amazing. google_ad_channel =""; That's right. The approach toward the sharp switchback section. into Pitkin County and toward. I put an arrow next to the fresh and visible ski tracks. See my pictures of the Twin Lakes are here: That is a classic and obvious avalanche shoot on the north side of the road. On this page are mostly my photos on June 6, 2008. Remiss we never took the time to drive this pass in the summer. | Continental Divide The trail is almost completely clear of snow and absolutely beautiful views! Cool, easy, windy, right off the road. Just drove it today. | Western Slope I think we only did ~3.6 miles roundtrip since we deemed it unsafe to continue with the baby on my back. great views. Having lived in Colorado for 17-years, never took the opportunity to travel over this pass in the summer. The river originates as a tiny rivulet draining Independence Lake at an elevation of over 12,500 feet. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is TWIN LAKES which is approximately 11 miles away and has an elevation of 9,195 feet (2,908 feet lower than Independence Pass). Had a snowball fight on the continental divide. It’s the 4th highest paved road in the state and it travels through spectacular scenery. google_ad_height = 600; snowshoeing in this area, and I met Steve Share of Minnesota who was skiing as Independence Pass, summit elevation: 12,095 ft. GALLERY: Colorado’s Beautiful Peaks! All our trips to Aspen were in the winter when the pass is closed. Easy walk to a couple of lookout points. Really Easy. I am 95% sure that is Star Mountain, elevation. North to south, these include: Point 12812 ft, Point 13020 ft and Unnamed Peak 13198 ft. google_ad_channel = ""; Always windy as heck lol. If you have visited Independence Pass before, please tell us about it with a comment below. google_ad_format = "300x600_as"; On June 30 it was still very snow covered in places. google_ad_format = "200x90_0ads_al_s"; The trail is primarily used for walking and is best used from June until September. The Continental Divide at Independence Pass is a great little area to see wildflowers and take photos overlooking the surrounding mountains and valleys. You should drive here if you have a rental. more. Completely paved so definitely wheelchair accessible. However, without the baby I would have continued to the top - it is a bit steep. If you glance down, you'll notice a lot of Absolutely amazing views for minimal effort! The latitude and longitude coordinates of Independence Pass are 39.1088793, -106.5639194 and the approximate elevation is 12,103 feet (3,689 meters) above sea level.