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Independence Pass

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Highway 82, Aspen, CO 81611
loved it
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 01/25/10
 
 
 
 
 
Average User Rating (30)
 
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Description:
At 12,095 feet, this pass ranks as one of the highest paved roads in North America. The views from up top are stunning and border on the kind normally only reserved for National Geographic photographers. The drive... More »
At 12,095 feet, this pass ranks as one of the highest paved roads in North America. The views from up top are stunning and border on the kind normally only reserved for National Geographic photographers. The drive from Aspen is equally stunning as the highway zigzags past thick stands of pine, towering cliffs, streams and Independence Ghost Town . Hairpin turns with precarious drop-offs add to the driving drama. Take Highway 82 east out of Aspen and follow it for approximately 20 miles. Parking, a handicapped paved hiking trail with viewing stand and a Continental Divide sign mark the summit. The road is closed during winter.
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Open Hours: 24 hours daily
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Contact: +1 970 963 4959
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Yahoo! User Reviews

 
 
 
 
 
15 reviews for Independence Pass
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loved it
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 01/25/10
I loved every minute of the trip over the pass. My wife has altitude sickness and she hated it. Wish we could go back but next time i'll leave her in Redstone looking for the local bears near Avalanche Ranch.
 
 
 
 
 
Colorado at its best
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 05/12/08
Independance Pass is Colorado high country made accessable to the masses. The scenery is breathtaking and the drive itself is enough to get the adrenaline pumping. As for the lack of guard rails... Coloradoans don't need no stinkin' guardrails, those are for sissy flatlanders! Be sure to make a stop at the ghost town of Independance right on the western side of the pass. It is amazing that people lived at this altitude year round 100 years ago. Sturdy stock to be sure.
 
 
 
 
 
3 of 3 Yahoo! Users found this review helpful
Fabulous experience!
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 03/31/08
Stunning scenery, excellent adventure, not for the nervous driver. The well-paved road tops out at Independence Pass (12,095 ft.). But if you take it slow and carefully, you'll be fine. Terrific road for motorcycles to explore (take your time!) Plan extra time for photos and travel. Expect and average speed of about 30 mph. Be prepared for changing weather conditions - this is Colorado! This is a fabulous experience that will surely be a memorable part of any trip. NOTE: Large vechiles and trailers of any sort not recommended. Length limits enforced.
 
 
 
 
 
1 of 1 Yahoo! Users found this review helpful
want to live there.
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 03/26/08
i like it. it was beautiful & high up! best time to go is after thanksgiving. we went for our honeymoon in october and it was to early for ski season but it did snow. if you go during ski season theres sure alot more to do.
 
 
 
 
 
1 of 1 Yahoo! Users found this review helpful
Best night sky
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 02/21/08
I have never seen the night sky as clear and brilant before. My drive through at 2.00 am to Aspen Will say in my mind forever. I could not leave till sunrise,then saw the cliffs I had driven through after along drive from Ct, a must do thing on the list of life. The Rambler PS Value Free
 
 
 
 
 
Scary!
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 07/10/07
No guardrails and precipitous drops! You're already about 14,000 feet, lacking oxygen, and there is nowhere to go but down. I'll never drive it again, and I don't recommend you do it either.
 
 
 
 
 
2 of 4 Yahoo! Users found this review helpful
Scary Cool
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 06/22/07
It was a crazy drive, beautiful but very risk taking. The mountains and view were amazing. Saw Elk and Goats. It was a narrow road that is almost like a secret passage... If you are up for a life thrilling drive go for it. It is very adventurous.
 
 
 
 
 
2 of 2 Yahoo! Users found this review helpful
Fat Boy Harley on Independence Pass
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 04/05/07
Absolutely great ride. Take time to stop along the road and enjoy. Best ride after Pikes Peak. Joey Hill
 
 
 
 
 
2 of 2 Yahoo! Users found this review helpful
It's very different
By Tony l, 10/23/06
I rode along with someone who had driven Independence Pass many times. We began the journey from Aspen and stopped along the way. If you stop and look over the edge of the cliff, u will see cars at the bottom that never made it. It's about 3000 or 4000 feet straight down.
 
 
 
 
 
1 of 1 Yahoo! Users found this review helpful
God's backard
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 07/18/06
This is a most beautiful drive. Put the window down and hear the mountain streams. It is high and had hair pin turns, but the roads are good (when it's open) and the views are fabulous. It's hard to imagine people settling up there...and interesting to get out at the top of the continental divide and read about the tundra and history. It's a grand entrance to Aspen.
 
 
 
 
 
3 of 3 Yahoo! Users found this review helpful
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