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Independence Pass: Highway 82, Sawatch Range, Colorado
Photo: Tony Webster · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives Colorado Summit County, Vail, Aspen and the High Country

Independence Pass: Highway 82

CO 82 · US-24 → Aspen

Sweeping41 mi1 hr 15 min3,400 ft climbHigh point ≈ 12,100 ftOne way
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The drive

Independence Pass is Highway 82 over the Continental Divide between Twin Lakes and Aspen. This drive begins at the US 24 turnoff near Leadville, runs past Twin Lakes and climbs through San Isabel National Forest to the pass at about 12,100 feet. On the west side the road drops through White River National Forest and down the Roaring Fork valley to the east edge of Aspen.

Near the top, the old mining camp of Independence sits beside the road. It was a gold-mining center that had about 2,000 residents during a brief boom in the late 1800s; it's a ghost town now.

The road is paved but narrow and winding, and some stretches are one car wide, so meeting oncoming traffic takes patience. The tightest part is on the Aspen side.

Along the way

  1. US-24 (Twin Lakes turnoff)
  2. Twin Lakes
  3. Independence Pass
  4. Independence ghost town
  5. Aspen (east edge)
Elevation
3,400 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 12,100 ft
US-24Aspen
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
US-24Aspen
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Vehicles over 35 feet, including a vehicle and trailer together, are banned at all times between the Twin Lakes and Aspen ends. CDOT also bars oversized and overweight vehicles.
  • The pass closes for winter, usually on or near November 7, and nearly always reopens the Thursday before Memorial Day.
  • Rockfall is common, weather changes quickly, and cyclists share the curves. Drive slowly and be ready to yield.

Closed from early or mid-November to late May. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check CDOT Independence Pass travel information.

Questions about this drive

When does Independence Pass close for the winter?

CDOT usually closes Independence Pass on or near November 7 and almost always reopens it the Thursday before Memorial Day.

Can RVs and trailers drive Independence Pass?

Not long ones. Vehicles over 35 feet, including a vehicle and trailer together, are prohibited on Highway 82 over Independence Pass.

How long does Independence Pass take to drive?

The US 24 turnoff to the east edge of Aspen on Highway 82 is 41 miles and takes about 1 hr 15 min.

How high is Independence Pass?

Independence Pass is about 12,100 feet, on the Continental Divide. The drive climbs roughly 3,400 feet in all.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Independence Pass: Highway 82, from US-24 to Aspen