For one of the most scenic driving destinations in Colorado, take a day trip to Independence Pass, the eastern gateway to the Roaring Fork Valley. At an elevation of 12,095 feet, the pass is the highest paved mountain pass in Colorado, traversing the Great Divide in the majestic Rocky Mountains.
Independence Pass is a 20-mile trip from Aspen on State Highway 82. Due to the 6.5% grade and lack of guard rails, the narrow, twisting road is not for the faint of heart and requires careful driving. But the serene beauty of the scenery throughout the trip, especially at Independence Pass, makes it well worth the extra caution. The trip is perhaps best made in the fall, when vibrantly colored foliage enhances the views.
Roughly 9.5 miles from Aspen, and nearly a mile past Weller Campground, you will see a “Trailhead” sign on the right. Visitors may park here to embark on a complex of short hiking trails that lead them to the Grottos. Among the natural wonders to be seen at this stop are thundering waterfalls, water-carved gorges, and a collection of cold, natural rock indentations known as the Ice Caves.
Further up the mountain, you will pass the ghost town of Independence. The town was once home to over 1,000 people during a gold rush in the late 1800s, but is now reduced to a few dilapidated, yet intriguing, log cabin-style buildings. Also in view are many beautiful lakes, rivers, steep valleys, and dense forests – a stark contrast to the barren tundra zone above the tree line, where Independence Pass resides.
When you reach the summit of Independence Pass in your Colorado Range Rover rental, you may be amazed to see even higher mountains all around. The land surrounding the pass is dotted with intermittent shallow pools and flat, grassy areas, with some snow likely remaining for much of the year. Parking is available for those who want to take a short walk to overlooks of surrounding peaks. There is also a 2 mile walking trail that follows the continental divide to another lookout 700 feet higher up.
Due to snow accumulation at its high elevation (12,095 feet), the pass closes after the first heavy snowfall in the fall (usually in November) and re-opens Memorial Day weekend. Always check local reports before venturing to Independence Pass, as sunny and dry road conditions near Aspen may change to snow and ice further up the mountain.
If you’re in the Aspen area during the summer or fall, the wondrous trip to Independence Pass in a luxury car rental is an absolute must.
