Independence Pass
At 12,095 feet, Independence Pass is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the United States. Independence Pass is the summit of the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Historic Byway and is located between Twin Lakes Village and Aspen. This unique mountain corridor is located almost entirely on publicly accessible federal lands within the White River and San Isabel and National Forests.
Thousands of people - from Colorado "locals " to international visitors - travel over the Pass from its opening in May to its closing in the fall.
General Information
Facilities at the summit include vault toilets and a paved trail that provides pedestrian access to a scenic viewing platform, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the glacier-sculpted peaks and ridges of the Continental Divide. Don't forget your camera in the car! Nearby spots of interest are the Independence Pass Trail #1494, The Interlaken Historic Resort, Twin Lakes Historical District, and Interlaken Trail.
Independence Pass usually opens Memorial Day Weekend and closes in late fall depending on weather.
Call the Leadville Ranger District for the current status.
Independence Pass usually opens Memorial Day Weekend and closes in late fall depending on weather.
Getting There
Directions
From Leadville, Colo., travel south on Highway 24 to State Highway 82. Turn right (east) on State Highway 82 past Twin Lakes, up a winding steep road to the summit.
From Aspen, Colo., travel west on State Highway 82, up a winding, steep and (at one point) very narrow road to the summit.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restroom information is not available for this site.