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Independence Pass
Independence Pass. from the top.

Independence Pass – Twin Lakes-Aspen

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Independence Pass is a wonderful way to reach Aspen in the summer. It begins its climb over the continental divide just west of Twin Lakes, which is by Leadville. The summit is 12,095 feet, making it Colorado’s second-highest paved pass to Cottonwood

It crosses the continental divide over its 36-mile drive. This seasonal road usually closes in October, depending on snowfall, and doesn’t reopen again until late spring. To reach, take CO 82 west from Twin Lakes or east out of Aspen. Independence Pass is part of the great Top of the Rockies Byway.

Activities near Independence Pass

Independence Pass Aspen CO Fall Colors
Fall colors along Independence Pass, Aspen. Photo: mark byzewski

There is a lot of recreation on both sides of the pass, including two national forests and a couple of ghost towns The drive takes about an hour.

Biking – Serious cyclists trek up and down the pass.

Boating – Twin Lakes is open to boating. boat tours, kayak, and canoe rentals are available.

Camping – There are several national forest campgrounds on each side of the pass.

  • Dispersed car camping can be found along many of the dirt roads near Mt Elbert, close to the lake.

Fishing – Twin Lakes is a massive lake on the east side of the pass.

Ghost Towns – Starting out in the Highway 82-side village of Twin Lakes, you can visit theย Twin Lakes ghost town, which features a few former buildings like a schoolhouse. The big gem is on the Aspen side, the ghost town of Independence, CO. Quite a bit of this ghost town is maintained and makes for a lovely stop along the drive on Independence Pass.

Overlooking Independence Ghost Town Pitkin County CO
Independence Ghost Town along the pass. Photo by: Cyndi and Dave

Hiking – The highest in Colorado, Mt Elbert, is located at the start in Twin Lakes, CO. It’s 6-7 hours to get up and back. The hike is mostly straight up the spine of the mountain, with a few switchbacks.

  • There are also shorter hikes at the lakes and at the base of Mt Elbert. The semi-ghost town of Twin Lakes is a nice place to walk around.
  • One of the best places to stretch your feet is around the ghost town of Independence on the Aspen side. There are also points of interest along the Roaring River, like the “Grottos” – a cavern-like creek bed.

Picnicking – Twin Lakes has picnic areas near the lake, while the Aspen side has a few wooded picnic areas on the route.

Swimming – On the Aspen side of the pass, 8 miles from town, is the Devil’s Punchbowl Swimming Hole. It’s popular during the summer months for brave souls cliff jumping, as well as spectators soaking in the scene. There is some nice riverside hiking along the way.

Independence Pass Dispersed Camping
Primitive campsite overlooking Twin Lakes.
Twin Lakes Fishing
Fishing in the bigger lake.
Independence Pass CO 82
Heading west on CO 82 to the pass.
Independence Pass Lake Creek
Lake Creek flows into Twin Lakes.
Independence Pass East Side
Looking down the east side of the pass.
Independence Pass CO 82
CO 82 back toward Twin Lakes.
Independence Pass Switchbacks
Final switchbacks near the top.
Independence Pass Continental Divide
Independence Pass – Continental Divide.
Independence Pass Summit Overlook Trail
Parking area and overlook trail.
Independence Pass Summit Pond
Pond at the top.
Independence Pass West Side
Heading down the west side.
Independence Pass Aspen
Looking west toward Aspen.
Independence Pass Summit
Looking back at the top of the pass.
Independence Ghost Town
Independence ghost town on the way.
Independence Pass Autumn
Autumn driving.
Independence Pass Roaring Fork Canyon
Canyon walls.
Roaring Fork Aspen Cliff Jumping
Cliff jumping in the Roaring Fork near Aspen.
Independence Pass Aspens
Aspen lined road.
Independence Pass Grotto
Short hike leads to the “Grotto”, a cavern like stream bed.
Independence Pass Cascades
Grotto hike also leads to the Cascades.
Independence Pass
Independence Pass. from the top.

Details

Address: CO-82, Aspen to Twin Lakes, CO

Season: May to October

Length: 36 miles

Roads: 2WD, Free

Campground Reservations:

  • White Star CG (Twin Lakes)
  • Lakeview CG (Twin Lakes)
  • Difficult CG (Aspen)

Website: codot.gov/…

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