Is Independence Pass in Colorado still open?

Asked by: Chris Walter

HIGHWAY 82 OVER INDEPENDENCE PASS IS CURRENTLY OPEN TO VEHICLES UNDER 35-FEET IN LENGTH (INCLUDING TRAILERS). View of the Top Cut (1/2 mile before the summit on the west side of the Pass) on May 15, 2022.

Is Independence Pass Open 2022?

Independence Pass, Colorado’s highest continuous paved state highway, has reopened for the season to travelers.

Why is Independence Pass in Colorado closed?

Each year, this two-lane, 12,095-foot pass closes for the winter for the safety of the travelling public and CDOT maintenance crews. It typically closes on or near Nov. 7 and almost always re-opens on the Thursday before Memorial Day each May.

What passes are closed in Colorado?

Seasonal Road Closures in Colorado

• Kebler Pass – Crested Butte to Paonia. Kebler Pass in the fall. …
• Independence Pass – Twin Lakes to Aspen. Independence Pass in July. …
• Mount Evans – Idaho Springs to 14,000’+ Mount Evans Road. …
• Cottonwood Pass – Buena Vista to Almont. Cottonwood Pass in the summer.

When did Independence Pass Close?

Independence Pass typically closes for the winter around Nov. 7, according to CDOT’s website. The road opens for the summer on the Thursday before Memorial Day Weekend, weather permitting. In 2020, the pass did not close until Nov.

How do you drive Independence Pass?

Drive east on Hwy 82 for 11 miles to the Lincoln Creek Road turnoff. Follow the dirt road 6 miles to Grizzly Reservoir. At this point the road becomes a four-wheel drive road. You can begin your hike here.

Where does Independence Pass start?

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.

Where is I 70 currently closed in Colorado?

Conversation. 🚫#I70 Glenwood Canyon CLOSED due to a Flash Flood Warning for the Grizzly Creek burn scar area. Updates will continue to be posted to cotrip.org and available by dialing 511. ** Closure points are Exit 133, Exit 116, Exit 109 and Exit 87 (West Rifle).

Where does Independence Pass close in winter?

At 12,095ft at the summit, Independence Pass is the highest paved pass in the state. Depending on snow accumulation, the Colorado Department of Transportation closes the highway at the Winter Gate, 5 miles east of Aspen.

Is Highway 82 Aspen Open?

HIGHWAY 82 OVER INDEPENDENCE PASS IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO VEHICLES. View of the Top Cut (1/2 mile before the summit on the west side of the Pass) on May 15, 2022.

Is Maroon Bells Colorado Open?

Q: When is the road to Maroon Bells open? A: Maroon Creek Road is open to vehicular traffic late spring until late fall, but reservations are required for parking and to access to Scenic Area.

What mountain is Independence Pass on?

Independence Pass, originally known as Hunter Pass, is a high mountain pass in central Colorado, United States. It is at elevation 12,095 ft (3,687 m) on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains.
Independence Pass (Colorado)

Is Independence Pass worth the drive?

“Gorgeous!” Absolutely beautiful drive with lots of places to get off the road and have a picnic or just spend some time enjoying… The road narrows to one lane, bicycles abound, moose show up unexpectedly, its all part of a vacation in Colorado.

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

Leadville to Aspen via Independence Pass – 1 hour
Independence Pass (Highway 82) is one of the highest roads in the Colorado and only open between Memorial Day and Labor day (check here for road closures). The top of Independence Pass hits 12,095 feet, and the vistas are incredible.