Independence Pass draws numerous adventurers each year along the breathtaking mountain route connecting Aspen and Twin Lakes in Colorado. Known also as Colorado State Highway 82, it boasts vistas, waterfalls, sharp curves, and crowds comparable to those in Rocky Mountain National Park.
The pass covers around 32 miles from Aspen to Twin Lakes and generally takes between one to two hours to traverse, depending on traffic and your speed.
This route is among the most scenic drives in the region, offering remarkable panoramas and a touch of motion sickness. Local residents are aware that the traffic can include a mix of travelers, holiday-makers, cyclists, and locals maneuvering through Glenwood Canyon detours. So make sure to adhere to the speed limits, avoid driving too slowly (find a spot to stop and explore instead!) or too rapidly (each time you hit a marmot, an angel loses a wing), and you’ll reach your destination safely.
For the latest traffic updates and incidents in Colorado, visit cotrip.org. For more essential information for your RV trip over Indy, continue reading.
Operating Period
Independence Pass is closed during winter:
- Open: Late May (typically the Thursday before Memorial Day)
- Close: Early November (subject to weather conditions)
Always refer to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) website or local sources for the most recent updates on road conditions prior to your journey.
There are illuminated signs in both directions signaling any closures or accidents.
Length and Load Regulations
- Independence Pass does not impose unique cargo restrictions, but standard state regulations apply. Ensure all cargo is well-secured, with no loose chains, as this poses a significant fire risk.
- Horses and livestock are permitted to cross the pass.
Overtaking
New: Beginning in 2022, traffic lights were installed at the start and end of two stretches of narrow one-lane roads (on the Aspen side) to facilitate alternating traffic flow.
- Exercise caution when passing through narrow sections, even when there are two lanes.
- Ensure a safe distance of at least 3 feet when overtaking cyclists.
- If there are five or more vehicles trailing behind you, pull over and allow them to pass.
Recommended Stops
- Independence Ghost Town: An ancient mining settlement with remnants of its history. It’s an intriguing historical site for a brief halt and stroll.
- Continental Divide: The pass intersects the Continental Divide at an altitude of 12,095 feet. There’s a small parking space where you can pause, walk around a quarter mile to a viewpoint, and capture photographs. Restrooms are available here, and leashed dogs are welcome on the paved pathway.
- Grottos Trail: Situated a few miles east of Aspen, this area showcases ice caverns and cascades, offering a short yet picturesque hike and, for the adventurous, an invigorating plunge into fresh snowmelt water.
- Twin Lakes: At the pass’s eastern terminus, Twin Lakes presents captivating lake scenery and opportunities for fishing and picnicking.
Ideal Travel Times
Recently, I traversed the pass at 9:30 am on a Thursday in mid-July. While there was standard early morning traffic, for most of the journey, I had no vehicles ahead or behind me, and I easily found parking at the summit. By 10:15 am on the opposite side, vehicles began to accumulate at the traffic lights.
Avoid weekends and national summer holidays like Memorial Day weekend and the 4th of July – the crowds could dampen your experience and the scenery.
My suggestion? Autumn. Select a random weekday in late September that isn’t a holiday, and you’ll witness Colorado’s most dazzling fall hues with fewer tourists and some fellow foliage enthusiasts.
Additional pointers for RVing on Independence Pass
- Refuel: Ensure your RV is adequately fueled before embarking on the journey, given the absence of refueling points on the pass and the high gas prices in Aspen.
- Drive cautiously: Stay alert for the narrow road, tight turns, and steep cliffs. Maintain a slow speed and stick to your lane.
- Acclimate to altitude: Be prepared for the impact of high elevation on both your vehicle’s performance and your own well-being. Stay hydrated and monitor yourself for symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Monitor brakes: Use lower gears to preserve your brakes, and smoothly adjust your speed to minimize frequent accelerations and decelerations.
- Stay in touch: Given the erratic cell service, inform someone about your travel itinerary and expected time of arrival.
- Weather conditions: Be ready for sudden weather changes typical of mountainous environments at high altitudes, including rain, snow, and heat regardless of the season.
Wildlife Encounters Galore!
During my recent drive, I marveled at various wildlife sightings, including herds of antelope, bighorn sheep, playful marmots, deer roaming freely, hummingbirds, majestic hawks, eagles soaring high, and even a bear crossing the road. Admire these creatures from a safe distance, refraining from feeding, touching, or trying to capture them up close for a snapshot. Cherish these encounters with nature’s beauty and jot them down in your wildlife journal! 🦌🐦🦅🐻
Ready to embark on an RV journey over Independence Pass? Bon voyage, and feel free to share any additional tips we might have overlooked.
