Where is Independence Pass located?

Where is Independence Pass located?

Where is the Pass located? The summit of Independence Pass is located 18 miles west of Twin Lakes and 19 miles east of Aspen and crosses the Continental Divide over the Sawatch Range. It winds through the San Isabel National Forest on the east and White River National Forest on the west side of the Divide.

Do you have to go through Independence Pass to get to Aspen?

The highway is open to local traffic. Independence Pass is open to those visiting Aspen and for recreating and sightseeing.

Has anyone died on Independence Pass?

Most of the death cases in Independence Pass have nothing to do with drivers, and more to do with the recreational activities you can do there. In 2014, 2 skiers were killed in an avalanche that occurred in a back country ski location not far from Independence Pass. Since then, no fatal accidents have been reported.

How do I get to Aspen from Independence Pass?

Take Hwy 82 through Glenwood Springs and stay on the same road all the way to Aspen approximately 42 miles). A slightly shorter and more scenic summer route from Denver to Aspen (approximately 3.5 hours) goes over Independence Pass. Follow I-70 west to Hwy 24 at Copper Mountain.

What is the highest pass in the USA?

Independence Pass, originally known as Hunter Pass, is a high mountain pass in central Colorado, United States….Independence Pass (Colorado)

Independence Pass
Elevation 12,095 feet (3,687 m) NAVD 88
Traversed by SH 82
Location Lake / Pitkin counties, Colorado, U.S.
Range Sawatch

How long does it take to drive from Leadville to Aspen over Independence Pass?

There are 28.40 miles from Leadville to Aspen in west direction and 58 miles (93.34 kilometers) by car, following the CO 82 route. Leadville and Aspen are 1 hour 37 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop .

Is McClure pass scary?

McClure Pass Accessibility At less than 9,000 feet, McClure Pass may be considered somewhat accessible in comparison to some of Colorado’s other high elevation mountain passes. However, the roadway does become very steep (8% grade) on both sides of the pass, with one major switchback on the north end.

What is the steepest grade highway in America?

Canton Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.; 37 percent gradient This is the steepest officially recorded public street in the U.S., and probably the world. Although its 37 percent grade only extends about 21 feet, it still stops walkers and bikers dead in their tracks.

What is the steepest mountain pass in the United States?

Slumgullion Pass
Slumgullion Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.514m (11,530ft) above the sea level, located in Hinsdale County, in southwestern Colorado, USA. It claims the steepest grades of any fully paved and maintained road in Colorado.

Where is Independence Pass in Aspen, CO?

Independence Pass, part of Colorado State Highway 82, passes over the Continental Divide between Leadville and Aspen, Colorado. In addition to being a scenic byway, Independence Pass, just east of Aspen, is a favorite recreation location during the summer months. At 12,095ft at the summit, Independence Pass is the highest paved pass in the state.

When does Independence Pass open to the public?

Everything You Need to Know About Independence Pass Independence Pass is now open to vehicle traffic as of Thursday May 27, 2021. Independence Pass, part of Colorado State Highway 82, passes over the Continental Divide between Leadville and Aspen, Colorado. The summit at the Continental Divide is 12,095 feet above sea level.

When is independence ghost town open in Aspen?

Open with a docent on-site June 13-September 7., 10 am – 6 pm. Self-guided admission outside of open hours. The first mining site in the Roaring Fork Valley, today, Independence is an archaeological preserve, featuring interpretive stations that tell of the characters, enterprises, and structures that make it an integral part of area history.

How tall is the Independence Pass in Colorado?

The midway point between Aspen and Twin Lakes, Colorado, Independence Pass is on the border between Pitkin and Lake Counties and is the dividing point between watersheds that drain into the Pacific Ocean vs. those that drain into the Atlantic Ocean. You are at 12,095ft, so the weather can be unpredictable.