Independence Pass Reviews

The road up the pass is spectacular and I would highly recommend all of the scenic stops along the way. Well maintained and very safe.
Wildlife and views are amazing...

So beautiful drive up to the top with scenic pullouts for photo opportunity’s. Top was crowded but very cool. Jackets in June

Such a pretty summer drive! Lots of history if you take a guided tour as we did the first time we went up. Get a hold of apenvalleyadventures@gmail.com and Taylor Purcell will hook you up with a jeep ride up the mountain. He was a great guide and pointed out many fun facts along the way which I will not spoil for you here. At the top, in addition to the amazingly beautiful views, you will be at the Continental Divide which is not accessible in the winter due to the slightly harrowing roadway.

On our way out of Aspen, we did the drive again on our own and stopped at The Grottos Ice Caves, the Devil’s Punch Bowl, and Independence Ghost Town. Driving past the Continental Divide, on the other side, we saw Twin Lakes and stopped for ice cream at the historic town of Leadville.

Beautiful trip!!

During our brief 30 minute stop during scenic drive, we had sunshine, hail, and rain which is great distillation of Colorado mountain summer weather. This is the high point of a fun trip between Aspen and Leadville, both interesting destinations.

A must see in Colorado.. Make sure the road is open before you go.. Hearth of Colorado.. road to the top is a great as the top itself. There are rest rooms on the top for your convenience. No gift shops or restaurants.. pure nature at its best..

Independence Pass is a beautiful place to visit. Nice, well maintained trails to walk, if you can handle the altitude.
We usually go though this pass at least once when visiting Aspen

Beautiful scenic drive with several places to stop for pictures. Twin Lakes stop is gorgeous. Amazing views!

After a nice stay in Glenwood Springs, my husband and I headed for SE Colorado via Hwy 24 - he'd never seen Aspen, I hadn't been there since '67 when I came over the pass from Denver, before it had been pavedand I recalled it as being quite scary. Now was warned by our kids, "it may be too much for you!" What a pleasant surprise - driving it was a piece of cake, and as beautiful as I remembered it. Might the difference be that we were in a 2015 Camry rather than a '61 VW Beetle? Very worthwhile drive - I wouldn't bother with Aspen again - not much left of what made it such a lovely place years ago. If you've been to Manhattan, Rodeo Drive, et. al., you've been there.

Going east from aspen puts you on outer lane along cliff. No guardrails on much of route. One small wrong move by you or another motorist, and you and your family are TOAST.

Amazing views, but could be frightening for some people. You’ll reach an altitude of 3.687m ... So enjoy the view!

We drove over Independence Pass in late July. The wildflowers were just past peak. We hiked the Independence Ridgeline Trail all the way to the end and back (~4.5 mi. RT), which was exhausting even for us seasoned hikers due to the high elevation. The views got better and better the further we went. Even if you can't do the longer hike, the views from the main overlook are worth the trek.

I went here just after the snow melted enough to allow us to hike up the mountain. It was worth the effort, once you get above the treeline it's beautiful.

The drive from Twin Lakes, Colorado to Aspen was unbelievable and beautiful as well. The drive up on Hwy 82 towards Aspen takes you right through these beautiful mountains and over the Independence Pass. It's not a fast pace but there is beauty around every turn. Take your time as it's worth the time it takes to make this drive. Make sure you are dress warm as it's can get real windy and chilly at the top! This is a must-take drive to enjoy the awesome scenery you will not forget the trip!

The drive from Vail to Aspen via the Independence Pass is simply something everyone should try! Great views and scenery!

For people living in and outside of Colorado, it is always breathtaking to be at 12,000 Ft above see level . The views of the surrounding mountains as well as wildlife is just nowhere to be seen. If you have planned to be here ( versus just ending up here going to Aspen ), please pack a really good Binocular to see the vistas around this location. In June, even though the pass is open, expect to see mounds of snow around the parking lot and couple of time , we were blocked few feet of snow and could not get to the viewing area.
A must see site if you are near Leadville or Aspen, as its a short ride on a VERY narrow road.

This year was my second time I've driven independence pass, and it did not disappoint. There's several trails along the road that offer great views. Also the old mining town of Independence is neat to check out. Go slow and take it all in. The first time i drove away from aspen and this time towards aspen. I liked driving towards aspen better, It's easier to see some of the views, especially right before you get to the pass, around twin lakes, you see the mountains in the background with the base, and it just looks beautiful. When you get closer to Aspen, literally right before you get into town, on the right there is a grotto, that is so beautiful, you need to check it out. I also saw two moose on the way into Aspen.

Independence Pass is worth the long drive. We crossed from Leadville in a two car caravan. There are nice places to stop along the creek on the east side. Then you begin climbing switchbacks and see snow. There were three feet on the ground at the top, but there was no snow or ice on the road even though it had snowed last night. There are pit toilets at the top and the continental divide sign is a must photo op. Heading down you drop quickly into trees. The braille stop was a nice place for picnic lunch and and the 22 sign interpretive trail is interesting for all, in addition to offering all captions in braille and normal print. The grotto stop is a must and you should allow an hour to explore everything there. There is an attractive cascade and in early June the ice caves were interesting and unusual shapes. Some ice was as blue as Alaskan icebergs. There are two pit toilets here. The parking lot was barely adequate for this low traffic day. We felt safe the entire drive. The paved road is well maintained with only one small single lane section. Wait time at the single lane section was less than five minutes, but I imagine it would be an issue in summer. From the bottom it is a short drive to Snow Mass and the famous Maroon Bells hike. Parking for Maroon Bells is $40 and $20 per person for the bus to the hike.

Must see, all the way to the top! Drive is great as you ascend, make sure you stop and read all those point of interest signs. At the top you have restrooms but no water

I have driven from Denver to Aspen three times over the last five years. Each time, I have taken Independence Pass. It is one of the most beautiful roads I have ever driven, but I am not going to lie, my hands were very sweaty the entire drive on the mountain. It is hard to see other cars coming and there are often no guardrails. Worth the drive, but be cautious!

An absolute hands down must see place. Independence Pass, originally known as Hunter Pass, is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado in the United States. It is at elevation 12,095 ft on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range. The toilets are awful but at least there are some!!

We traveled in our 25ft Rv over the pass... there were about three places on the west side that go down to one lane. Passing a full size truck was a little nerve racking! We made it though. The views were unbelievable! It is a must do if your in the area. Lots of snow still left on the continental divide at the top. Can’t wait to do it again!

Visited Independence Pass with friends at the end July with snow still on the mountains. The scenery was beautiful and would recommend hiking if you can breathe in the natural beauty. Drive carefully or you'll be rolling down the mountain!

Don't plan on doing this in the winter as it will be closed but in the Fall its spectacular. We took a side road above the lakes that gave us a fabulous view!!

If you come here for fall experience, definitely worth the drive through & stop at the Continental Divide point. Certain points of the drive does get little winding with a very narrow paths but definitely worth it if open.

Took this way home from Aspen and it was beautiful! The scenery was breathtaking! Highly recommend!!

We drove both ways on the pass to and from Aspen. Make sure you take your time and stop at the top to take some photos and enjoy the view. If it's summer make sure you have a jacket because it's chilly at the top!

This is the most beautiful drive I have ever taken. The colors were breathtaking. Don't drive to fast, take your time. We saw Bighorn Sheep right off the road. God knocked it out of the park when he created this place.

It is always a treat to drive over this pass, the views are spectacular. The road is steep and very curvy, many parts without guardrails, so not for the faint of heart driver. Remember it is cold on top if you plan to get out and take pictures.

Roads are a little narrow in places but well worth the drive. Bikes were passing us on the way back down the mountain. Loved it!

So absolutely beautiful here!! A bit of a drive but so worth it!! The ghost town of independence is really historic n quaint.

Independence Pass (between Leadville and Aspen) is a magnificent Colorado mountain pass and an amazing engineering feat!
The scenery is spectacular (especially in the autumn with the incredible fall foliage at its peak)!
Please note: the road is full of switch-back curves, and the speed limit is sometimes as low as 5 m.p.h. because of these curves.

It's all a matter of opinion but if the weather is fair I would absolutely not describe this as "white knuckle" or anything like that. The road up from Leadville is perfectly wide enough and opens to fantastic views. The pass itself is what it is, there are toilets there and a couple of trails to explore.

Independence Pass is awesome in the fall...narrow road in places, so don't get in a hurry. The colors were excellent

We drove through Independence Pass on Sat. 9/15/18, leaving Aspen for Denver. Gotta say...so many negative reviews about the dangerous drop offs and curves had me concerned to the point that my hubby told me to get off this site! He was doing the driving, we’ve been on mountain roads very similar, and we lived to tell the tale. This was no different. The only spots I can recall that were narrow passes weren’t at the pass at all, but within the first 15 miles out from Aspen, and if you take it slow and keep your wits about you, you’ll do just fine. Part of going this route out instead of in to Aspen was we wanted to do both (Glenwood Canyon is pretty spectacular too, even if about an hour longer)and this way we could ensure an early start. We checked out and hit the road by 9:30am and traffic was not bad at all, and everyone was well behaved. There are spots with about 15-20mph speed limits FOR A REASON. It would’ve been a shame to be scared out of taking this route as it is truly a jewel of the Rockies. The fall colors this past weekend were spectacular, and we enjoyed the vistas from the various short trails at the top. The winding roads to/from the top weren’t narrow and did have rails. So...if you’re just a nervous driver and don’t think you could handle a mountain pass or this is your first, maybe skip it or do the reverse of our route. Otherwise...don’t miss this!

My brother and I used to drive (yes drive) to Aspen and ski during winter break while at U.Tennessee. We always stayed at the Limelight Lodge (see review) but because Independence was ALWAYS closed in winter we had to come in from Glenwood Spgs. So, this summer he came out to visit, from Knoxville and we drove to Aspen through Twin Lakes and over Independence Pass. He was stunned. We were in my Porsche (the car isn't important as you virtually idle down into Aspen) with the sunroof open and the views were spectacular!! He was Absolutely beside himself. Dear travelers, do this trip on Colo 82 in the late summer or fall. You won't be disappointed. I promise!!!

The views really are breathtaking. However, it is hard to enjoy while bracing to your seat while being afraid of plunging off the mountain. There were very few railings. The road is older, so it was weathered on the edge. Sometimes the white lines literally faded into the side of the cliff. I felt like there was 0 chance of survival if you veered off the road even for one second. It was frightening. But again, there were some spectacular views.

We had been warned that this was not for the faint at heart and they were right! The most amazing views and thank goodness plenty of spots to pull over and check out the views! Would recommend to those in the area, just have an experienced driver and pull over to take look down! I didn’t like the one lane around corners but besides that, so happy we visited!

walk passed the scenic overlooks - you get to feel like you are part of nature - very windy - bring little jacket - but well worth it. hydrate - because altitude very high.

A scenic drive, and a wonderful short walk to an outlook platform at the summit. Convenient toilet facilities there as well. You feel like you are on top of the world. Stunning! You are at the Continental Divide!

Due to traffics we were detoured to drive independence pass. It was cloudy and rainy but the flowers and drive was amazing. Counted 12 different wildflowers. Beautiful drive!

We drove this way JUST to drive over the Continental Divide. The drive up is beautiful but also harrowing as you get closer to the pass. On the way up from the Leadville side, there are no guard rails. The pass opened late this year, on June 5 due to heavy snow and avalanches. We drove it on June 17. It was a snowy wonderland. Sections of the road were covered in icy water from snow melt. We were thankful that almost everyone traveling this route took heed of the speed limit and even the recommended curve speeds. There were only a couple of idiots who were barreling through the less than ideal conditions. Use your gears (yes, cars too) on the way down so that you don't wear out the brakes. Mountain driving knowledge is a must.

gorgeous drive, so many reasons to stop and enjoy the scenery. Turn off of I-70 early on your way to Aspen (in the summer, road closes in winter) totally worth the slightly longer drive.

It’s lovely to visit when it’s hot in Aspen. I like to make snowballs in The summer. There is a wonderful short walk to the point and a magnificent view.

Don't attempt if you are scared of heights. It's also pretty nerve-racking to attempt in a small car. But it's a breath-taking drive for the reasons mentioned above.

From Twin Lakes to Aspen, the view is beautiful along the way. We were a few days early for complete fall color change. We did not leave enough time to fully enjoy the scenery, next time!

This was a breathtakingly beautiful drive. It’s not to be missed. The air was thin and the allergens were in full force, but it was all worth it!!

This is a "MUST DO" as the scenery is spectacular. You can take a hundred photos but you will not be able to recreate the vistas that one experiences through this pass.

Traveling east from Aspen in the morning, the road (surprisingly narrow at some points) gets more scenic every mile, until suddenly you're above the Alpine Line, and can see for miles. What a beautiful drive! Don't be put off by the stories of a scary narrow road, it's not that bad -I find it exciting!
The drive from Aspen up to the pass, and back can be done in a little over an hour -but don't rush, take it all in!

The views from Indpendence Pass are just beautiful. You can even see the Maroon Bells (barely) from up here. The paths and viewpoints are well done, and from spring to fall the colors vary. On our most recent drive east and west of the pass, there were several avalanche paths from the winter before, where wide areas of trees had been taken down.

Be sure to stop at the ghost town of Independence, just a few miles below the pass on the west side. There are several cabins still standing, some in worse shape than others, but some that have been restored. There are also interpretive signs along the paths through the settlement.

If you’re a confident driver this is a fun, exhilarating drive with lots of switchback turns with high inclines then declines.
If you’re not a confident driver, please don’t be the car in-front of me.
Plenty of scenic views.

Driving this road to Independence Pass east from Aspen is much scarier because you are on the outside lane right next to the cliff at all times. The road is twisty turny and very narrow in places which makes you wonder what happens if you encounter someone coming from the opposite direction. The views are outstanding and worthwhile. The pass summit is 20 miles east of Aspen at 12,095' elevation. There's plenty of parking at the top to get out and walk the short trail to the edge. Even in early October it was cold and extremely windy there.

What a beautiful place, after driving up to 12000ft we got to see one of the best places in the USA.

We took the road from Glenwood Springs coming into Aspen which is a pretty drive. However, going over Independence Pass leaving Aspen is absolutly amazing! Some people do not like the drive as there is not much of a shoulder between the road and the drop off in some areas. However, there is no difficulty if the driver just takes it easy and stays within the speed limit. You are rewarded with incredible views and inaddition, the travel time back to Denver is shaved by almosrt 45 minutes!. Outstanding ending to our time in Aspen!

very scenic place to get an amazing view of the snow capped continental divide and mountain peaks . A little hard uphill drive but is fully worth. It s very chilly up there be well prepared with clothing.

We took a scenic drive to Independence Pass while staying in Aspen. My husband is afraid of heights so I do mountain driving. As we began driving up the mountain, his concerns began to increase until he finally insisted that I pull over. Thankfully, another driver pulled over behind us and I decided to go talk to them. They offered to follow us up the mountain and block traffic if we found it necessary to turn around. We made it to the peak and BOY, was it worth it! Even my husband was thankful he persevered. The view was extraordinary! While taking it all in, I was moved to tears by the beauty of God's creation.

This is one of our favorite passes although we tend to enjoy them all for the beauty of the mountains. This time we drove it both directions for different views also in hopes traffic would lighten on our return trip. Not to be. The mountains has attracted so, so many more travelers the past few years. Still a worthy adventure evening if there is no parking space left at the summit. A beautiful sight so tough it out with all the others wishing to see God’s miraculous beauty! An amazing country we live in!

You are at the top of the world with outstanding views in every direction - whats not to love. It's a great drive, just take your time and enjoy the surroundings.

Holy s**t. Do not drive this road if you’re afraid of heights...as I am. I heard there were amazing views but all I could see was the yellow line...when they were thoughtful enough to put it there. I give it a 5 because I was forced to conquer my fear even if I pulled over at the bottom to take a shot of whiskey...Makers if you’re curious.
You can’t turn around if you’re scared and it doesn’t get better...kiss your kids and have a will in place before you take this road...we’ve been to the moon..put a freakin guardrail on the east side of Independence Pass!

Drove from Aspen to Independence, Colorado for lunch and the views were amazing! Very crowded around the Continental Divide sign so we weren't able to get many pictures. Lots of people stop because of the sign and the restrooms.

This is worth the trip but with no guardrails and driving very high you have to be careful. But getting a photo at the Continental Divide is worth the trip.

I don’t do heights very well and after some of the reviews I was a little scared to drive this pass but I had no problem - just a short stretch of the road where it’s close to a sharp drop off but if you’re driving west you’re along the mountain and it’s no problem. There are mainly a LOT of curves that cause you to stay on your side of the road but I had no problem and the scenery was so awesome! Definitely a drive I’d do again!

Worth the extra time when traveling to Aspen. Great views. Does get interesting when you get to one lane on the side of the mountain. You should stop at Twin Lakes Inn for lunch.

Not easy to drive on from Aspen via independent pass to Vail, be very careful if you go. It's super worthy. We saw endless hiking trails along beautiful creeks in the valley, a ghost town which kids were so amazed, Independent pass, the highest point, was breathtaking, a blue hanging bridge crossing two mountains, etc.

Decided to drive between Aspen and Vail, taking the very scenic route. It takes up up and over the mountains with some pretty spectacular views throughout the pass. Up at top is the tundra with parking so you can take a little hike and get a 360 degree view. Be warned though, it's quite cool up there and it was August while I was there.
Be warned though that the road is twisty and skinny in some places so go slow and enjoy.

We enjoyed the drive up Independence Pass from Aspen. We stopped at the grottos and ice cave trail as well as the ghost town. We enjoyed both of them a lot. We did not hike at the top (at the Continental Divide) because it was too windy and cold, but we still enjoyed seeing the view from up there. We did not feel the road was dangerous at all. They have stoplights at the parts where the road is only wide enough for one car, so you do not have to worry about that anymore. It was a beautiful drive and we were very glad we did it.

We drove independence pass from buena vista heading toward aspen. It was a very scenic drive. The view around the to of the pass is very cool. It has a nice overlook that you walk over to from the parking area. It was worth the trip imo. However, the road heading up seemed a bit dicey. There were no guardrails what so ever, seemed strange to me because it is a fully paved state Highway. Theres one spot where you have a straight two lane highway and its a straight drop down and the other side is straight up. Im glad there was no traffic coming back down from the pass so I could drive in the middle. Just be careful and alert and you’ll be fine.

Going up Independence Pass is an experience all by itself. There are shirts that say "I survived Independence Pass" for a reason, but the view from the top is spectacular. You'll feel like you are on top of the world.

From Aspen, CO to Denver you have two routes, choose to go through this narrow mountain road in a cloudy late afternoon was one of the best decision for my summer road trip around Denver, CO!

We stopped so many times along this route as the views were magnificent. When we got to the Independence Pass sign, we walked to the scenic overlook and that was beautiful. Everything about it is awesome!

As mountain passes go, this drive is one of the easier ones. The hair pin turns are few. Long ascents/descents are the rule. On top, take the walk that has “big country” views in abundance. Not to be missed.

Amazingly beautiful drive! There were sharp hairpin turns and roads cut into the sides of the mountains. The Continental Divide is a beautiful area for photos and views of the area around. This was one of the highlights of our trip to Aspen (and even better than Aspen). Travel along this is probably best in the daylight. There are a few spots that are narrow and "one lane" so you need to wait for oncoming traffic. Drive carefully around the sharp bends. We saw wildlife along the road which was an extra bonus!

This was the best experience I ever had. I wish someone else was with me to share the ride. I was driving south on the side with no guardrails. What a thrill. The scenery was amazing. I have driven a few other mountain roads but this was the most beautiful road I have ever been on.

Highway 82 between Aspen and Breckenridge lands you on the highest point of the Continental Divide at 12, 096 feet. The air is clean, but I will say we had slight headaches coming from Aspen at 9800 feet.

Gorgeous views! Take the time to walk out to view the miles of breathtaking mountains.

The drive up and over Independence Pass is extraordinary. There are some sections where the road is so narrow that you wonder how in the world you'll be able to pass an oncoming car. There are many places to stop (safely) and pull over and enjoy the incredible views. Be sure to stop at the town of Independence. They call it a "ghost town" but it's just an old, abandoned town. There was so much snow when we arrived and we played for an hour among the old buildings.

This should be prohibited for bicyclists!! These individuals rode 3 abreast, instead of single file on the most dangerous parts of the highway, impeding traffic!!!

If you are in the area you must take the time for this drive, the views are breathtaking!!!! Lots of spots to get out for a walk/hike/photos.
Stunningly beautiful!!!!
Your vehicle must not exceed 35feet!!!! Take water and a snack and enjoy

We were going to Carbondale and a friend suggested that rather than taking the 70 to instead take Independence Pass Highway 82 this was an excellent decision as the trip was amazing we just happen to go on the right week and captured all the trees changing colors it is a curvy and narrow road no big deal but just need to be aware there are several points were only one car can pass and there’s a quarter mile stretch with no guard rail against a sheer drop so just be aware

We loved it so much that we’re going to go and hour and a half out of our way to take that path again when we head back to Denver that’s how much we enjoyed it and the scenery.

Road is deadly, poorly designed, missing guardrails, and without proper safety signage. Two narrow areas on the Aspen side say "Do not Pass" on signs but should say "Yield to oncoming driver" since the road isn't wide enough for both drivers. After driving this road for 30 years, I was finally sideswiped by one of the crazy speeding drivers in this section when I had right of way. Hit and run on the pass with coronavirus added on. None of the witnesses stopped to help. On same day, at the bottom of the Aspen side a trailer had been run off the road and was sitting in the trees. Drivers do not care about wildlife or humans and speed dangerously at dawn and dusk. You will be passed on blind turns. Most drivers going 20 over the speed limit. Most locals are too afraid to bike ride up anymore. Front Range drivers are in a hurry to race through here on weekends.

Independence Pass is a lovely drive through the mountains. Be prepared for twisting windy roads. There are some areas of the road that must be traversed with great care. One section of the road is one lane only and people do not seem to realize this. Just drive with caution. The drive itself is quite breathtaking. You will notice some trees that are down in several areas, this is from major avalanches that have occurred in recent years. (One of the larges occurred in 2019 due to the large snowpack received in Colorado this year.) Enjoy the drive, it is not meant to be a race.

I visited for the first time recently from the UK. My sister and I decided to make a stop here on the way back from Aspen. There is plenty of parking at the side of the road. The views are lovely although it was very windy when we visited! It can be quite a walk.

We take Independence Pass every time it's open..which is only late spring until early fall. The views are stunning, but the drive isn't for the faint of heart. You're better off in a smaller vehicle! Drive safe and enjoy!

The vistas were worth it alone! We were lucky to see some elk. The road was great. One narrow spot that was navigated well. Highly recommend it!

I took my nephew for a bicycle ride up Independence Pass. We rented the bikes in Aspen and took off about 10Am. The ride is difficult as one travels from about 7,800 feet to 12,300 over 20 miles one way so that is a 4,500 foot climb = not bad!!!. Coming down I hit 40 miles per hour so be careful

Went over it 2x this week. What great views. Need to drive carefully. And also
Look at twin lakes it’s also beautiful

We visited during the beginning of September. This is one of the more awesome drives that you can take. At the top you can stop and look at the views in all directions. They have parking, restrooms and a little trail that takes you to a scenic overlook at the 12,000 feet summit. The road on the way up leads you along some areas with no guardrail and straight drops below. If you are squeamish of heights I would think twice.The best part of the whole thing is it is 100 % free!

This year Colorado had more snow than ever, so the alpine meadow flowers started blooming just recently. The variety of colors on the green background accentuated by the still white snow peaks is astonishingly beautiful. The road is not too difficult for those who are somewhat familiar with windy mountain driving. This is a must see if you love the beauty of nature and are in the area.

Loved the drive to Independence pass! The drive is stunning and the colors changing were truly an work of art and nature at its finest! It’s a definite must drive!!!

The drive from CO Springs to Aspen is excellent. Expect Independance Pass to be chilly and WINDY! The road narrows to one lane, bicycles abound, moose show up unexpectedly, its all part of a vacation in Colorado. We found that the area offers pull-over spots for free camping with advice to dig a hole for potty experiences. We found a spot on the river halfway up the mountain and had a face-to-face experience with a moose. It was dark and cold but we enjoyed it immensely. John Denver Park, the Market, public parking garage, all good. Stay away from the coffee shop and the consignment shop on Cooper. Too expensive and too nasty. Maroon Bells/Crater Lake hike is rough but worth it. Great food at the bus stop there.

A great drive to 12k feet and it was snowing even in the middle of June there. Lots of trees felled on the drive by avalanches and a good road to drive. Very scenic but not as dramatic as the million dollar highway we did earlier in the week

The drive up to the pass is a little nerve racking as the road is very narrow and is very steep but is well worth it as the 360 degree views are amazing. Shows this part of the Rocky Mountains in all its glory

You know what made this drive all the more nerve wracking? Dozens & dozens of bicycles for a bike rally on a TUESDAY! They didn't bother to close the road both ways, so cars are still on it & the bikers are in the middle of the lane without a care in the world!!!

So, we've been on the Million Dollar Highway & I consider that much more scary than this road. There's some blind curves & the road gets tight in spots. It's so beautiful! I wouldn't try it in bad weather though. The road condition is good. It looks like they redid it fairly recently.

There's numerous pull offs & we stopped at the Grotto Ice Caves & Independence Ghost Town. At the top of the pass there's room to park & take a short trail up to see a grand view. There's also pit toilets if you need a bathroom break.

We didn't take to road down to Twin Lakes, but went back to Aspen. Dodging bikes the whole way!

The long, winding drive gives way to breathtaking scenery. The road, the Top of the Rockies Byway, starts just north of Twin Lakes and ends near Aspen. So worth it!

The pass had just reopened after avalanche. The destruction from that was right up against the road. Quite a site close up. But definitely recommend this trip if you have time.many pull off points to get a look.

We felt lucky to be able to drive through Independence Pass during the summer since it is closed a large part of the winter season. The vistas throughout the drive were amazing. It was easy to stop along the way to view scenic portions of the majestic mountains

Went to Buena Vista for some xc skiing. Snow storm came in, so didn't want to go all the way to Tennessee pass. Looked up some place and decided to go here. Absolutely gorgeous. Highway was closed, so parked and skiied the highway itself. So cool! Great workout, beautiful views!! Peaceful.

Breathtaking drive up from Aspen and breathtaking views and road along the way.
Well worth the extra hour+ to go this way back to I-70…you will want to stop and enjoy the views at Independence mining area. The pass itself, as well as other spots that intrigue you.
Breathtaking and grandiose, and exciting with no rails and one lane roads clinging to the mountainsides.
Well worth your time to drive this.

way too many idiots. cycled the pass from both sides more times than i can count.drove it in a car also. dangerous now days way too long and wide of vehicles. trucks campers trailers and suv's are too large to drive it and cycle on the pass. only safe time was 1995 when it was closed because of snow on east side just below the top. did it 5 times that week no traffic other than a bear cub above the brail trail. scared me....! where was mom....not seen.

This is a great place for a beautiful little hike, beautiful view and cool weather! Put on a sweatshirt even if its hot. As we walked the path it began to sleet! Has restrooms at the top with good parking. Roads are good.

Amazing to see the snow pack level. The drive is pretty but I am sure that the vistas would be a bit better with a little less snow. I admire the snow removal team that cleared this pass....crazy!!

Beautiful day at the pass. Windy and sunny but the 360 degree views were spectacular. Very enjoyable

A fun and easy mountain drive that is worth all the stops for photos and hiking. You could plan a whole day around it!

On way from Snowmass in Aspen to Buena Vista - it's the right route to take. Breath-taking views.Requires confident driver. Came upon skiiers walking from roadside parking up to gather for open mountain skiing - in late June!

When the pass is open in the summer into early fall it is a quicker way to get to Aspen from Denver. It is not for the faint of heart since as you get close to Aspen you are really high up and sometimes the card need to go one by one. It is worth it. Just a beautiful drive

First time here and so I had to climb around and up a few hills lol.

Wow! Aside from the great views and history here, I thought that my chest was going to explode at over 12,000 feet! I never expected such a feeling, however I was aware that it takes time to acclimate. All good.

We went from Aspen towards Colorado Spring , after watching the Sunrise at Maroon Bells.
With twisting and turning road and canopy of yellow, golden Aspen trees lining both sides. It was heaven !
From mountains to winding , twisting roads the landscape changes before reaching Colorado Springs, it become desert sort of with small plants turning brown, with flat land.

I was in Aspen and heard about the independence pass so I drove it down from Aspen towards western Colorado. I can so recommend that drive, it's very very beautiful and you get to go up to 12,000ft to the continental divide. I was there June 27, 2020 and there was still snow. Awesome place, awesome drive!

Independence Pass was a great drive to see the changing Aspens. Around Twin Lakes it was spectacular! Once at the top of the Continental Divide, the views were incredible. It was a little scary at times, but it was worth it! Would like to do this drive in the Spring.

I was rather concerned about the drive. Just be careful. I also had the benefit of good weather which I'm sure made it a lot more pleasant.

Great to see the surrounding mountains and continental divide, right off the highway, and to catch a break from the drive.

Loved taking this road up to Aspen. There are some scary areas where you’re next to the edge and sharp curves. Also a few areas pretty much just wide enough for one car. If you’re not comfortable driving in these conditions let someone else drive!

On our road trip from Denver to Aspen in October 2018, we took the route via Independence Pass and it was the best decision. The route is beautiful with such peaceful landscape and mountains and forests. The route was fairly simple to learn for a person like me who is not that great with direction. Our mobile signal kept dropping so having the route written in my travel notepad was helpful. I am fairly new to driving but the mountain roads were not that difficult to drive on. Pretty smooth. In Buena Vista, there is a very cute dining place - Brown Dog Coffee Company.. Stopped there for coffee and stretched our legs... While on our way to Aspen, we got to the see beautiful view of Independence Pass with some sun and wind.. On our way back to Denver, it was snowing and we saw the snow clad mountains. Just breathtaking.

An exciting ride up from Twin Falls! Lots of snow....
Traffic was light, but lots of people at the very top of the mountain! Several tight places on the way down into Aspen!

This road can be very treacherous. Going east is a shear drop down and going west one has the mountainside to avoid. Occasionally an inpatient driver will get behind and want to pass. Let them. The view is stunning, but one shouldn't take one's eyes off the road for long. This is the shortest way from Aspen to points south, such as Buena Vista. It's closed in winter and following rock slides.

Beautiful pass. You cross the continental divide at 12,095 ft. The road does narrow to a single lane multiple times, but there are many guardrails unlike alot of other passes, and there is a length limit to the vehicles allowed on. Coming out at twin lakes was the best surprise. Worth the drive!

We were so glad we took this road to independence pass. They had had a snowfall a few days before we got there and the small lake was frozen and there was snow everywhere. Beautiful drive although in a rented RV sprinter van there were some tight curves but it was fun.

I’m glad I was in the passenger seat because I don’t know if I could have focused on the road surrounded by such incredible views. The road does have some tense moments as there are often no guardrails but as long as you pay attention to the road (if you can) you should be fine. I would not recommend this road if you are towing heavy things like large campers and there is a limit on truck sizes. There are also a few sections that are squeezed down to 1.5 lanes so you have to take turns sometimes (see my photos) It is a beautiful experience especially with the trees changing colors

Whether you love the mountains or are an occasional visitor, you'll be impressed by this historic paved road across the mountains to Aspen. Prospectors from Leadville struggled to cross and were often stopped by huge snow drifts. The ones who made it found silver and started the new mining camp of Aspen. There are plenty of pull=outs with landmarks and mountains are well-identified. Take the short walk down to the old camp of Independence where gold was found on July 4, 1879. In the spring after the road is open you can see the carpet of tiny Alpine flowers,and in fall the glorious colors of the aspen tress are vivid. The road is closed during the winter and sometimes its a struggle to get it open by Memorial Day. This is a wonderful ride for visitors and Colorado natives alike.

This is the highest state highway pass in Colorado at 12,095 ft. We traversed it in both directions, both times in the snow. The average closing date for the pass is Nov 6, and it appeared to be getting close. They have added some additional guardrail since my first trip 40 years ago, but it is still a road that deserves your respect and attention. The scenery on both sides of the pass is pure Colorado. An excellent, scenic trip

Just a short drive from Denver, and on the East side of Aspen. A must do if you are in the area. Great on a motorcycle especially!

Be aware it’s a very white knuckled drive but the scenery is soooooo worth it. Stop on the switchback pull outs and take a breath and a picture. So beautiful.

Independence Pass refers to the 32 mile stretch of Highway 82 that connects Aspen, CO, to Twin Lakes, CO. The road climbs to the continental divide at the top of the Pass (12,095 ft.). This is definitely worth the drive and is a must see when passing through this part of Colorado.

We drove Indy Pass both ways to Aspen from Crested Butte and then from Aspen to Denver. My husband was driving and I was the passenger. It was high foliage season and the views were amazing. My only regret was that we were driving a crappy rental
car and not a fun convertible or SUV. Going over the pass from CB we ended up in the middle of some classic Mercedes that were part of a road rally. It was so much fun to watch them! A recent added bonus are the restrooms at the top of the pass.

If you want to be able to brag that you've driven on the second highest paved road in the US, have at this drive. It is unique. But if your primary goal is to get to Aspen, take a closer look at the map. There is an alternative to this route that will cost you a few minutes, but if you do not enjoy driving steep roads with switchbacks, or more important if you have a passenger who doesn't enjoy that kind of activity, consider the alternative route. You won't have a choice anyway during the part of the year when it is closed. And if you have a big vehicle, don't even think about it!

My girlfriends and I took the Independence pass on our way to Aspen. What a beautiful, scenic drive. Would recommend to anyone that has the time and appreciation of Gods beauty.

Great scenic drive! Tons of great vantage points. Would not advise taking this route though in bad weather. With all the switchbacks, both sides of the car will be on the “edge” at some point. There are points of the drive that are alarming with no guardrails but breathtaking views! Leadville is such a neat town you come thru on the way too, wish we would’ve stopped. There are bathrooms in the parking lot at the top of the pass, outhouses but relatively clean.

Love the mountains and love seeing the scenery. There are many pullouts on this highway and many of the other highways in Colorado. A new vista around every bend.

If you are looking for a very demanding and beautiful road bike ride in the Aspen area, the Independence Pass ride fits the bill! Be forewarned, this is a very advanced ride, about 19 miles, with 4,095 feet of elevation gain from Aspen to Independence Pass. Also, it is at altitude, obviously. Novice road riders may be able to go part of the way of course and turn around. Even for advanced riders, the climb will take between two and 3.5 hours, just to the pass, not including descent time. In late spring and summer, be sure to carry warmer clothing - leggings, arm warmers, long-sleeve jersey, rain jacket, skull cap, gloves, etc. - as weather conditions can change over the course of the four hours one should allot to climb AND descend from the pass. I recommend beginning early in the day to be finished before Colorado's afternoon summer thunderstorms become a factor. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water - think Camelbak, as opposed to one or two bottles - and snacks. The auto traffic is a nuisance as there is not a whole lot of shoulder for most of the ride and there are a few extremely narrow stretches where even the cars have to slow down to <10 mph to safely pass. However, the views along the way and the feeling of accomplishment upon reaching the pass are enough to overcome the presence of cars and campers. On the descent, use caution and leave adequate distance when behind cars, as they can brake a lot faster than you can! Enjoy!

Literally you are above everything. The drive is amazing! You might get a little headache or feel extra pressure like I did but it’s not unusual since your above 12,000ft. There is a restroom and short 10min trail at the top with a good spot to snap a pano shot. Bring a jacket it’s always cold and windy! Also check the weather before you go, if it’s cloudy or rainy you won’t see anything.

We had plenty of time and decided to go this route vs route 70 to Glenwood Springs and down. Worthwhile.

Amazing views! I'm glad we chose this route over the faster 70 West alternative. I get a little anxious when there is no guard rail but I was able to focus on the mountains while my husband drove. Twin Lakes were beautiful and the town of Leadville looked interesting and we wished we had more time...famous last words.

Most of the aspen have turned already but the drive is pretty anyway. Great spot if you want to be at continental divide !!

Gotta get the "I was there" picture!! But no matter when you go, take a coat, and be prepared to get winded if you live at sea level. The air is thin!

We drove this in October and found the drive to be full of spectacular scenery. If you stick to the speed limit you will be fine. We drove East to West which puts you on the mountain side for MOST, but not all of the drive. Expect cold and windy at the summit.

We were about a week or so behind the peak colors but this is a must do. There was a 10 minute delay to some rock slide prevention going on but it was faster than I-70 to and from Denver and then scenery was spectacular

This is a must do! The views and stop offs are fabulous. Take advantage of the short months it's available to drive. Can get a little chilly at the top!

It's a good thing there are pullout along this road as the scenery is so beautiful that you have to stop and look - and take pictures. And say you'll drive a while longer before stopping. But instead pull over again at the next pull out for more photos and views!

We were lucky enough to be able to cross because the road opened the day before. It's a beautiful ride to the top. The scenery and vistas are amazing. We were lucky to be able to hike up and look from the overlook. If you get the chance ride on the Rockies Highway. We went through Leadville over Independence Pass and on through Aspen.

If you don't mind driving 25 mph instead of on the highway, Independence Pass is the way to go from Aspen to Denver. You can make the trip in 3 hrs without stops - and a bonus is you cross the Continental Divide which has spectacular 360 views of the Rockies.

We weren’t expecting this on our drive to Aspen, but we were happy to stop and see the views!! WOW! What views you have. And it had snowed before we got there and snow capped mountains were spectacular. And so many 14’ers!!!

Forty six years ago I took this drive and still remember it. The road had been improved. It is not as narrow as had been. The vistas are breathtaking. Drive slowly and don’t be pushed by someone behind you who wants to go faster than you are comfortable.

This is a must do drive. We drove from Breckenridge to Aspen on Memorial Day 2025. It was a total whiteout blizzard at the top of the Pass....pretty funny...couldn't see anything 🤪. Fortunately we had been through before under better weather conditions.

Amazing! The views are breathtaking and beautiful. Take your time as you make the drive so you can take in the sites. Every direction you look is like a picture. Nature made this spot a must see.

My husband and I decided to take a drive through Independence Pass while waiting to check into The Limelight Hotel in Aspen. It was the first week of October so the colors were Amazing and in Full Fall mode! We ended up stopping taking so many pictures we were late checking into our Hotel! Lol , The hotel not having our room ready, ended up being the best blessing of our trip! We came home with some Fantastic pictures! Independence Pass in Fall is a must see😁Stunning views but, FYI- Be very careful narrow roads and rough passes!! Drive cautious and slow.

This is a great scenic drive, and not at all scary. There are several stops on the road, including the pass, Independence ghost town, hiking trails and the Grottos. A must if you are headed to Aspen.

My husband drove the pass each way. So white knuckle for me especially when a car approaches on one of those narrow turns. Big enough space for 1 car yet 2 need to pass going in opposite directions. . From Denver it shortened our drive by 1 hour (vs going through Glenwood Canyon). Unfortunately the leaves were not turning at the end of August when we were on the pass.

A must for anyone who loves the mountains, streams, aspens & pine that Colorado is famous for. Take your time & be sure to stop for photos & to take a hike. There are plenty of opportunities.

Make plenty of stopps to enjoy the fantastic view!
We had a amazing colorful scenery on the way to Aspen.

We have taken this route several times and have always enjoyed the great vistas and the lump-in-the throat feeling when traversing from Aspen to Twin Lakes.

Can't wait to do it again!

we had to take the independence pass due to the fire on I70 ,which was closed, and they were signs''trucks are not allowed''and some part its very narrow we had to wait a long time, because of one truck who was stuck there, otherwise its very nice ride, you can see the nature, but it was busy

We drove twice on this road from Vail once to Silverthorne and once to Breckenridge. Both times the road had been cleared as it had snowed heavily. It is a good double lane road and occasionally it does shut down due to heavy snow . Luckily we were ok and it was a great drive.

One of the most scenic drives in colorado. we just got the last glimpse of snow. Drive itself was breathtaking with lots of twist and turns.

Always a great summer drive. It is slow and crowded but lots of places to stop and gaze. Amazing to see the numerous avalanche spots on this road. Wow....2019 was a big winter.
We had a nice picnic at the scenic overlook....a great little bench and garden area!

We rode our bike from Aspen to Independence pass. 15 miles uphill. The scenery is beautiful and switches from forest to alpine meadows in the last 6 or so miles.

The road has 2 narrow sections so careful driving is needed. We stopped at the ghost town to read the information panels about the place and interesting facts and stories.

At the top, we also walked the scenic paved trail. Bring layers as the air is cooler with altitude.

The descent was fun but a little bumpy. Watch for altitude sickness. It starts with headaches and can get worse. Drink plenty of fluids as well, as it is hot and windy in summer.

We had read that this was a scenic trip so made a point to travel this route. We had no idea it was another wonderful (yet scary) drive along the edge of mountains. We were so glad we took this route, the scenery and stops were wonderful. Highly recommended!

then trip up and down is worth every minute from Twin Lakes on the east to the backside of Aspen on the west. We ran out of "wows"

First of all, I thought I was going to die! No guard rails, straight drop of death on the ride up there. I did not know that I would be driving up that. Once we got up, it was beautiful.

We did not realize we were taking this scenic road. Google maps took us this way and I can say I was never so Frightened in all of my life from the elevation to the narrow one lane passage and then there were places that the road had slipped causing uneven roadway. Now add that it was evening and it was dark when we drove the last several miles into Aspen only added to the white knuckle, knee knocking drive. Not sure I would take this route again but for sure would never drive it in the dark voluntarily. I am sure that the scenery was amazing and you should make sure to drive it during the day.

Annual drive over the pass into Aspen to see the changing colors, as always it is breathtakingly beautiful.

This is absolutely nuts! Why would anybody put their family or themselves through this? It is absolute hell. Only do this if you are ready to die. TODAY! We turned around as soon as we could. Insanity....

Stunning drive from Denver to Aspen over Independence Pass September 22. Colorado colors are different than the hardwoods of the East last but the East doesn’t have the amazing Rocky Mountains as a canvas.

Made this drive in late July - highly recommended. However, beware that length restrictions on vehicles is not strictly enforced so you might encounter a fifth wheel or two on the one lane stretches.

I have never seen snow so deep! It must have been at least nine feet deep and not from a snow plow shoving it up. I am a southern girl so I was stunned to see that much snow. Turn in a circle and everything is white, except the road. I have now been on the continental divide.

I had heard of Independence Pass and naively thought it must be a valley between the Rocky mountains. Driving home from Aspen it would be a pretty ride. Boy was I wrong. I have never been so scared in my life.

As my husband white knuckled it up to over 12,000 feet on narrow two way switchback roads not wide enough for 2 cars, I begged him to not go over 12 mph. It felt like more than enough speed. When the road wasn't wide enough for two lanes they just had no middle line- if you meet another car you can figure it out. Makes sense. I also pleaded for our children to be silent so daddy could concentrate on driving while mommy prayed for our lives. I kept my head between my legs 75% of it and cried a handful of times, trying to hide it from our kids behind my sunglasses.

At the top is the continental divide. I kissed the ground when we stopped there and would have stayed forever if it meant I wouldn’t have had to get on that road to go back down. They have pit toilets...I was good.

Once down this horrid road I had my husband pull over so I could access the trunk. I had to change my clothes that I had sweat through and have a shot of rum which we had packed from our vacation. I will never go on this road again. I’d rather walk around.

If I could rate this -5 I would. I think it took 5 years off my life.

Just don’t do it.

I recommend taking the scenic route of I-82. Along the way stop at Independence Pass and take in the Continental Divide.

Absolutely take a drive up to Independence Pass if you’re in the area and the road is open (closes seasonally approx. Nov to May). We drove from our vacation hotel in Aspen to 12,095-foot pass in early September. The views along the way were stunning. TIP: consider adding in one or more of the great hikes between Aspen and the pass to make a full afternoon of natural beauty (The Grottos Trail is short, fantastic, and on the way, but get there early to avoid crowds). The parking lot at the pass was large; you’ll find the picture-ready sign, bathrooms, and a short trail to spectacular views. TIP: check the official restrictions if you drive an oversized vehicle or pull a trailer (max 35 feet). TIP: bring water, sunscreen, a jacket, a snack, and enough gas in your vehicle for the drive. Recommended.

It’s a narrow road to the top so take your time and enjoy the views. Several places to pull out and look around. Heading east from the pass is easy running.

I frequently drive over or bike to the top of the pass. Numerous hiking opportunities, beautiful views, and because of the winding road slowing car traffic, wonderful and challenging road ride.

We recently drove through Independence Pass from Aspen to Leadville. It has gated entrances to mark the closing point when seasons dictate opening and closing. We did see signs that stated in size of the vehicles that are prohibited please pay attention to these as any large trucks with trailers will not be able to make the trip safely . There are some signs that says the road narrows but we had no idea that at one point it was only passable for one vehicle! Luckily there was nobody coming else in the other direction where someone would have to stop or back up. Please be aware of the narrow road conditions as you make your way to the top. The road narrows to a point where only one vehicle can pass. This was shocking to us considering the amount of vehicles the travel this road regularly it was very unnerving at times. There were times where I had to pull my mirrors in so they wouldn’t hit the mirrors of an oncoming pick up truck. Although it is one of the most beautiful passage that age. I will definitely reconsider that road next time we travel throughit! Please pay attention and drive safe!

This is Rocky Mountain beauty at its best. The pass provides a complex view of some awe-inspiring scenery. This is DEFINITELY worth a 20 mile drive. Just soak it in for a while before you start with the truly inevitable photos.

It's only open half the year. The drive is gorgeous. Stop at the top for pictures. The road is very curvy.

When you take this ride it makes you feel like you want to sing and bless our beautiful country! It’s a drive that is out of the ordinary. Stop at the small towns to eat and buy candy! If you have the time it beats highways and the views are spectacular.

It was not as good as we expected. We visited the Pass in early October and most likely we did not go there at the right time.

Piece of cake in good weather, if you have already have had the experience of driving Trail Ridge Road in RMNP or Mt Blue Sky (even if only up to Summit Lake). Driving east to west (Denver/Twin Lakes to Aspen) in the morning means the sun will be behind you, and the westbound (Aspen-bound) direction has you on the inner mountain-side of the road, not the outer cliff-side, for most of the drive. So if you are a timid driver, do this route east to west in the morning to get to Aspen.

We enjoyed stopping at
-Grottos Trail (on Aspen side)
-Twin Lakes Rec Area or any day use fishing site for photos (Twin Lakes side, east of Twin Lakes). Westbound view of Twin Lakes and the mountains is gorgeous.
And of course the continental divide viewpoint at the top

Thanks Google Maps for making this drive look so much easier than it was! LOL
As a Colorado native who had never been to Aspen, I decided to visit there on my way back to Denver from Gunnison and Montrose, and when I left Aspen, I had no clue what I was about to encounter. I've driven Trail Ridge Road with frightened passengers unnerved by the heights, I've been up and down Berthoud Road in summer and winter weather, I'm not a newbie to mountain driving, but oh my goodness, this drive had me white knuckled at times! The narrowest portion with no guard rail and sign-warned road damage where the road dips on the cliff-edge side as I climbed up on the western side were certainly a couple of spots that had me questioning my sanity in taking this route. But once I made it through there to the short length of level road before turning into the final ascent, seeing all the alpine wildflowers and realizing I was again about to go above timber line for the first time in well over a decade opened the way to appreciating the beauty of this wilderness. I hadn't read ahead on what to expect so all my encounters with the lake at the top, the little roadside waterfall, the switchback stop-over spot of towering sheer rock face, the stunning vistas were wonderful surprises. I found descending on the east side not so bad as the ascent on the west side. Even though I have no interest in ever seeing Aspen again, I'd like to go back and do this drive going from east to west to not only compare experiences, but also appreciate it better now that I know what to expect.
I would not recommend this to anyone driving through the mountains for the first time or who is greatly scared by heights (my beloved late mother who was freaked out enough by lesser mountain roads would have been beside herself on this!). I would recommend as others have starting out with a full tank of gas; I began the drive with a third of tank and was down to the need gas warning by the end as the miles to go on Google Maps that seemed to be well within my car's estimated miles-to-go did not account for the fact I would ruin my gas mileage average by burning more gas on the climb up. I think this drive would be even more challenging in wet weather than it was around sunset on a dry summer evening, so check the forecast before you go. But if you are up to the challenge, drive slow and careful but take time to appreciate the view because it is not something you will see any old day, nor will you forget it.

The drive over Independence Pass can appear intimidating to city folk from the East Coast. But I have to say, it is totally worth it. The views are simply breathtaking. And it's actually the most direct route from Denver to Aspen. But it's not open all year round, so check the status before you go. At the top, where you cross the Continental Divide you'll be over 12,000 feet above sea level. It gets cold up there. We were there in early August and there was still some snow on the ground and the temperature was a good 20-30 degrees colder than down in the valley. So bring an extra layer of clothing in the car for your photo ops at the summit. The road is narrow and winding (with a couple of stretches where only 1 car can pass at a time). But it's not impossible. Just take your time. Driving from Denver to Aspen you'll be on the inside lane, which is not nearly as frightening as driving in the opposite direction. Enjoy!

A must see while in Colorado! Amazing view at the top and there are so many hiking and scenic spots around!

I really should have read more online about this drive, because you spend several miles going up a very steep, cliff-hugging, guardrail-less poor quality road. Plus it started to snow once I was on the road! Proud that I made it up to the top safely and without a serious panic attack. All of the road was amazing (obviously no pics of the scary part as I was busy gripping the wheel). Be sure you are good with heights and you will love it!

Drive the pass to enjoy this thrilling ride. We drove through this treasure on our way home to Texas!

Stunning but terrifying drive as you go very high up a very narrow route with steep drops (by car). The views are beautiful but I was too terrified to stop at the Continental Drive as I just wanted to keep going to get down!

We drove along Independence Pass from Aspen over to Breckenridge - tons of awesome views and places to pull over and check things out.

I drove from Leadville to Aspen and back. If you are doing the same, drive and enjoy the ride. On your way back you can stop and take pictures. The pass itself is wide with lots of parking space. Carefully turn onto the shoulder. There are some big holes and you don't want to loose the tire. There are washrooms!!! (But no running water). The road on Aspen side is a bit narrow especially in certain parts - keep your eyes on the road.

I can't remember the last time I took such a scenic drive. It will literally take your breath away. Be prepared to feel the symptoms one would encounter if they were to become car sick. I wasn't used to driving on roads between 8,000-12,000 feet.

Just opened. Gorgeous drive with spectacular views. Still snow packed around the pass at continental divide. Some areas difficult to access at top. Two areas one lane but drivers were courteous. It says no one longer than 35 feet and they mean that. We witnessed a 350 truck pulling a trailer ramming into the guard rails and causing tense moments all because he drove when it was advised against. I am sure that summer this view is more lively.

A great scenic drive across the Rockies and the views are amazing the trees had turned and the leaves made them look like they were on fire. simply said...a must see

Hate heights, but not as Scarry as going to the sun road. Drive slow. Going in am had less people on pass.
Fun lookouts on top. I didn't drive.

A beautiful drive over one of the many beautiful passes in Colorado. A trip during the fall to capture the color of the changing leaves is the best. Just be cautious of the narrow roads and lots of other leaf peepers. I'm grateful to live in such a beautiful place.

It’s a beautiful view but if you are scared of heights then DONT DO IT. I am personally very scared of heights and I thought it wouldn’t be too bad but I was so wrong. There are some points where there isn’t even a guard rail and we were SO high up and I really thought we would go over but we didn’t. It’s just very scary, but it’s kinda worth it for the top cause there is snow there even in June. But I would highly recommend only doing it if you’re a confident driver and aren’t too scared of heights. And I’m not gonna lie to you like some people on here saying it’s a carefree drive but it’s not though. Trust me! I was there and I’m speaking full on fax.

We usually take Indy pass when we head to Aspen in the summer. The pass closes in winter. This trip we got to view the fall colors which were beautiful. The Aspen were a bright gold. The pic doesn't do it justice.

Beautiful drive anytime of the year but especially beautiful during the Fall. If you have time, nice hike at the summit and plenty of hikes and pullouts to and from Aspen.

Spectacular foliage even in cloudy weather. Take it all in. Narrow roads require your full attention.

Definitely worth a drive from Aspen. Multiple nice hikes along the way. Beautiful campgrounds with basic service. You must stop at the very top to take pictures and admire the views. Length restrictions must be followed.

This is something everyone should do, it is so beautiful the views go for miles!!

It is amazing that this pass has been used since the 1870's. The road is fine in the summer but it is good to take your time and stop at the sites to enjoy the scenery and take pictures!

Well worth it!

Getting to Independence Pass puts you at the mercy of mother nature and she always wins. The road is typically closed from late October/early November to May. We lucked out and snuck in before a significant snowfall in October but since the snow melted we can use the same route back. If you are uneasy about driving next to a BIG drop-off, don't take this road. Don't be in a hurry because with the slower speed limit and the extreme, blind corners it will take longer than you think. With all those disclaimers out of the way...it is a gorgeous drive that exemplifies Colorado back country. You should do it at least once. The route from Colorado Springs to Aspen via Independence Pass is not only shorter than going via I-25 & I-70, you also get to avoid interacting with all your 'friends' on those roads. Enjoy.

Special place of all the places we visited in Colorado more scenic than others as the valley sees more rain and thus is more beautifully forested than many other spots in CO. And this route makes the drive into Aspen far more scenic than coming down off I 70.

We drove from Rocky Mountain National Park to Aspen during our recent trip to Colorado and we took the Independence Pass route to reach Aspen. It is an extremely scenic and beautiful drive.

The drive gets progressively difficult and you need to very careful negotiating the steep curves, twists and turns - please be very focused and careful. Please watch for the occasional wild-life that might jump onto to the road. That said, there are multiple spots to stop and enjoy the nature along the way as you get closer towards Aspen - particularly the Continental Divide location at Summit is a sight to watch and enjoy.

Expect the road to be busy in summer and summit to be a lot more crowded - take your time, be patient, respect nature and enjoy!

Must do if you are visiting Aspen in summer!!

Take advantage of crossing independence pass when it is open several months of the year! Breathtaking and gorgeous! So cool to be on the continental divide. It’s really not too scary of a drive. Highly recommend!!!! Stop at the grottos and devils punch bowl just outside of aspen on 82.

This is just an incredibly beautiful way to go over the continental divide, the pass can be scary at times but the ride is totally worth it. Amazing views of the mountains and the forest and then to the top of the pass where the tundra is. Just beautiful!

This pass which is open only during summer season is one of the most exciting drives. You get adrenaline rush driving here and also insane views. Don't pass on the Independence Pass!

Gorgeous views. Worth the drive up and down. Great vistas from all sides. Lovely. Twin Lakes is killer!

We made a circular trip by car from Leadville to Aspen via Independence Pass, returning via Glenwood Springs and Interstate 70. In winter Independence Pass is closed and travellers have to reach Aspen by Glenwood Springs, going 'up the valley'. Independence Pass is a really tight alpine road, squeezing through precipitate mountainsides until at the top at 12000 feet you are also on the Continental Divide.

We had excellent conditions, and found the drive immensely enjoyable, but in poor conditions it would be scary. Even at over 10,000 feet, wildlife still crosses the road. A coyote and some Big Horn sheep surprised us, the latter on a blind sharp U-bend. A few miles further on, we reached Aspen, which is quite a small and charming township.

In summer, Aspen belies its real purpose, since without snow the town seems sleepy and hidden. One needs to be a skier in winter to see it really alive. However, there was enough to suggest its real purpose even without snow, with plenty of upmarket stores and nice cafes and restaurants: certainly worth a visit. And our return trip was also very pleasant, again without the traffic that winter recreation brings to the area.

Rode my bike up to Independence Pass from Aspen today. It's about 20 miles and 4,000 feet of elevation gain. It's a serious ride on a bike, but well worth it. You ride along the Roaring Fork river for much of the way with many places to stop, take pictures, hike and even swim. There are, of course, cars going up and down, but they're generally very careful around bicyclists giving them a wide berth. The ride takes 2+ hours without stopping (unless you're an elite cyclist) to reach the top and half that to come down. Be very careful on the way down as you can build up a lot of speed and there are some tight corners and ocassionally traffic will stop. Bring extra layers as it's 20 degrees colder at the top of the Pass than in Aspen. There are rest rooms at the top, but no water. The vistas at the top are wonderful -- you're above the tree line. It's also kind of fun to be at the Continental Divide.

Driving over Independence Pass is spectacular - I have been driving it since 1967 - however, when you are the driver, look straight ahead at narrow spots and not to the side. It is a safe and well traveled paved road. People only get scared when they drive too fast or try to get in the middle at the couple of narrow spots (which have walls or railing). It's like skiing - look ahead, not down or to the side and you will stay in your lane and love the trip. Be sure and leave time for talking a walk at one of the trailheads, to stop at the Grottos and the Braille Trail. All more fun when not crowded. If you stop at the top, don't just go to the view point, take time to walk out the trail from the parking lot and see all the incredible alpine flowers!

Has a bit of a touristy element. But easy to escape the crowds by doing a hike such as linkin lake just a few miles down toward aspen.

His was one of many trips over the pass and we caught it as the sun was going down. What a sight. This is a must see for those going to Aspen. For the faint of heart go from Twin Lakes to Aspen because you’ll be on the inside lane. Try the Aspen to Twin Lakes early, say 6-7 o’clock am, so you don’t meet much oncoming traffic your first time you go that direction.

beautiful stop along the highway...I've never been at this elevation before-take your time to get used to it

Okay lived in Colorado 30+years and always wanted to ski here in July. Busy over the 4th weekend but still had to go. Vistas were amazing! Avalanche debris from slides this winter were jaw dropping. Suncups made skiing challenging. But we did it and had fun!

One the best alpine drive to views in the state. Don’t miss the .2 mile walk to the view point it’s grand.

We dove through the pass one day in the sunshine and ot was a beautiful drive. We left the next day when it was snowing and the drive was treacherous because of the narrow road, hairpin turns and lack of guardrails. No cell service. Stopped at the Continental Divide overlook and abandon town of Independence as we drive the Pass.

We took this route from Denver to Snowmass and the ride was spectacular! Lots of winding curves and beautiful views

Great drive (long trailers not advised) beautiful views. Explore the ghost town of Independence. Expect the weather to change without notice up at that elevation.

Independence Pass may be the reason I never go back to a ski town in the winter. The pass is mostly closed in the winter due to treacherous conditions. The hikes, the views, the drive. It was all incredibly amazing!

Hairpin turns and no guard rails on part of th road, but this place is amazing. It is very beautiful, so just go!

Oh what an experience to pick up snow in the mountain at the rest stop where the Independence sign is, and it's August! My kids ages 10 and 13 had so much fun, so many videos of the scary drive with winding roads and narrow lanes at times only one car can pass but only short. Definitely not for a new driver! I wouldn't even dare driving at night there if I'm not from there.

First time back in decades and still breath taking at 12,000. The scenery and the drive to the pass is extraordinarily beautiful. We enjoyed the remaining snow, the critters and the history of the pass and the town.

Everyone should check out the Continental Divide and Independence Pass - also a fantastic bicycle ride up from the Aspen side - best early in the day or in the off-seasons, due to narrow sections and sometimes heavy traffic.
There are a lot of places to pull off and admire the scenery, take pics, or go for a little hike - especially alongside the creek, at the Grottos - where there's a plunge pool (not safe in times of heavy water runoff). Also several camping sites exist closer to the Aspen side where the scenery is all amazing...

So glad we chose to take 82 on the way back from Aspen to Denver- totally worth it. Great views of all the Aspens. A few tight turns among a bunch of folks not used to driving switchbacks but overall nothing to sweat.

Great view so but not for the faint of heart and drive v cautiously follow the traffic and double check to avoid winter conditions the road closes off and also totally avoid night driving

Always worth a drive, especially in the fall. Bighorn sheep were on the side of the road. Lovely views and trails at the top. The mine site is cool to visit too. Pics and more details at etbtravelphotography.com

Absolutely spectacular drive up the mountains and pass. Plan to take stops at continental divide and other scenic points to enjoy this place and nature. Driving does tire you as you have to pay very close attention to road signs n Spears n bicyclists. There is no railing on the side for several miles so be sure you are comfortable with heights and driving in narrow lanes.

Its not for drivers with weak stomachs..... we live in Leadville and will walk the highway when the State closes it for the season.... but after driving it many times, I just don't want to tempt fate any more--- its not so much the road, its the other drivers that make it a hairy experience-- especially in the sections where it narrows to less than 2 lanes, the drop offs are 600 feet, and there are no railings. So many drivers haven't a clue about our mountain passes and they can do the most dangerous things......

Remember that you are two miles up. The temperature will be cold in August. Bring water to high altitude hikes.

It’s definitely a scary drive at times, but beautiful the whole time. Just wait for a pull off to enjoy the views if you are driving or you won’t make it home! LOL As others have said, take your time and just take it all in. Stop as much as possible on the pull offs and let your eyes experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. I would definitely drive it again!

Independence Pass is originally known as Hunter Pass. It is the high mountain pass in central Colorado, United States,which is at elevation 12,095 feet above the sea level on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains.

The pass is midway between Aspen and Twin Lakes, on the border between Pitkin and Lake counties. It's not an easy climb during the icy snowy days but with luck, there will be a window of a perfect timing to adventure to the top during the winter like I did! When the pass is open in warmer weather, it is a popular destination. A scenic overlook near the pass allows visitors to take in the alpine tundra environment above treeline, and offers excellent views to the east of Mount Elbert, Colorado's highest peak and the second-highest mountain in the contiguous United States.

This scenic road is one of the highest in North America, meandering along the Continental Divide. It's such a thrill driving along it like a daredevil. The sharp tight turns along towering cliffs and through thick forests are wild. The is a paved hiking trail (the Independence Pass Scenic Trail) which leads to a sightseeing platform where far-reaching the stunning views of the Continental Divide!

Spectacular sight! Enjoy!

The road is closed during the winter. Once opened (usually end of May or early June), the road is NARROW, with many curves including switchbacks. This is not a road to be in a hurry on. Relax and enjoy the drive and stay safe. The view at the top is breathtaking. Mostly because you are over 12,000 feet and there is less oxygen. There is a good size parking area and others park alongside the road. There are restrooms as well. A small paved trail leads to better views. We were fortunate to drive an EV up to the pass. EVs are excellent mountain cars. No issues going up and re-gen on the way down means you rarely actually touch the brakes. ICE cars will need to be in low gear on the way down to prevent the brakes from overheating. Between the top and Aspen, there are a few sections where the road is VERY NARROW. Be extra careful in those sections.

This is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We have driven this pass in both directions. You get stunning views of the Rockies. One of our favorite scenic drives.

Even at the end of June the top was snow covered this year. Wonderful spot to stop on a scenic drive out of Aspen. Felt like being on top of the world! Ok, top of Rockies at least. A must see/visit

I actually loved it, but I didn't know what I was in for when I asked the GPS to just get me from Aspen to Colorado Springs. It picked this road called "The Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway", and I thought "great!" without realizing it was basically an opportunity to straddle the top of the Rockies for about 25 miles. Oh, there were clues... and I downplayed every single one, from the "no vehicles over 30 feet long" sign to the "closed in winter" sign. If I had known that eventually I would be driving my 10-year-old compact car past a sign reading "Continental Divide, 12,095 feet", I don't know that I would have committed to it, but I'm glad it worked out the way it did. I found the road very navigable and well-maintained, and I really wasn't nervous. It was a beautiful day (it wouldn't be worth the effort on a low-visibility day), and with only one exception the drivers were very patient and courteous with one another. Yes, it's narrow, Yes, there are no guardrails in places. Yes, the center-road striping disappears in a couple spots and there are many blind curves and hairpins. But it turned out to be one of the top three highlights of my cross-country drive: the perfect combination of excitement, challenge, and scenic beauty, all totally unexpected. I'd do it again, but next time I'd make more stops to enjoy the view on the way.

This road is very beautiful. It is vert narrow and goes between the mountains, so drive slowly and enjoy the view. Don't miss the Ice Caves in the middle of the road, it is awsome and my kids loved it.
There is no Gas Station on that road so come fueled up.
It is beautiful!

It really is one of the truly great drives in the USA when its open. Breathtaking views and worth the time in every sense.

We were there at the height of seasonal color...aspen were in full yellow, the sky blue and pines green, absolutely perfect. Road was fine, was narrow in spots, but easily handled with care.

Indy Pass drive is a must for visitors to the area in the summer, as it is closed in the winter. The views are spectacular but the drive itself is what is memorable. In places the road is only one lane with a precipitous drop off and it not for those with acrophobia! In July the wildflowers are at their height, in the fall the aspen trees are spectacular.

Aspen is a quick day trip from home, so I wanted to try Independence pass on the way there (east to west). It is beautiful, no doubt, but if anyone in your group has even the faintest trace of height anxiety, or has been in a severe accident, or has lost anyone in an accident, I say this with utmost compassion - do not take this road. It is not worth it.

If you're alone, you have to stay so focused the road that it's actually pretty hard to pay much attention to the view. There are only two or three spots going east to west that are really troublesome, but west to east is basically pointless. No guardrail most of the way, with near straight drop cliffs and some wind.

Common sense advice: If it's raining, go well below speed limit, as there is absolutely zero room for error much of the way. Bear in mind there's no cell phone service - don't even consider it if your brakes aren't in shape or you're low on gas. If you're on the rock side, there are small turn-ins to let cliff side cars pass. I was not bothered by the hairpin turns or the infamous narrows, and would not describe myself as particularly afraid of heights, but as a whole this just isn't worth the hassle.

There are much better ways to experience our gorgeous landscape - taking the 70 is like driving through a postcard, especially between Copper Mountain and Vail. If you want to experience the beauty of the pass without the downsides, get off the 70 at exit 195, go as far as Twin Lakes (which is stunning), walk around or stay the night, then turn around and stop in Leadville for some old-timey fun. Head back to the 70, go out to Aspen via Glenwood Springs, and on through town on 82 as far as the campgrounds on the outskirts. Once the road starts consistently climbing, turn around and leave the way you came.

Don’t miss it! I he continental divide and Independence pass! The nature is unsurpassed. One of the most beautiful summer drives you’ll ever go on.

One of the most beautiful drives I have ever taken. Be very careful and follow posted speeds. I was lucky enough to drive right up to a herd of Bighorn Sheep right off the road.Loved it!

A great drive from Aspen over the hill. A few very narrow spots, understand mountain driving courtesy or don’t bother.

Leaving Aspen CO heading east, you will find Independence Pass. It will take you to the summit and the Great Divide. Absolute stunning views..a real highlight of our driving holiday...especially in Autumn....wow!

The road narrows into one lane twice, so be cautious. Other then that the scenery is amazing. There are lots of trails also.

It was the scariest, most treacherous drive I have EVER taken in my entire life - yet, after it all - I regret nothing!!!
Cons:
Other drivers are ruthless (zoom around you as if you are in a wrong for caring about your life)
No barricades (if you slip off of the cliff, you die! Period.)
Hardly any road lines (at one point there was only a one lane highway!!! HELLO??? We are 12,000ft above sea level- are we supposed to fly around an oncoming vehicle???)
At one point I WAS SO CAREFUL driving up the mountain that gravity was pulling the jeep backwards!!! Talk about a freak out!!!! I will NEVER make such a trip as the only adult!!! Next time I will be able to just ride and enjoy the views while someone else sweats. 😂😂

This route is DEFINITELY not for the faint of heart.

Yet, it is a memory my 2 teens and I will cherish forever. The day we almost died treaking from Leadville to Aspen via Independence Pass in October 2019.

Very awesome route from I-70 to Aspen. Road is well maintained but narrow and void of barrier railings in many locations. While it is a very impressive achievement for bike enthusiasts to ride this route it does cause great concerns to auto drivers who are maneuvering the route.

Restroom facilities are available.

I drove here on my way from Denver to Aspen. It’s definitely worth the extra time to drive this way! The mountains, lakes, and trees are absolutely stunning! Worth the trip.

We left Aspen via this route, leaving just enough time to get to Vail. It's a scenic drive, and we didn't have any trouble along the way, but I sure wish we'd built in time to stop and hike a trail or two. There are a number of places you can stop at a scenic overlook, and other places you can stop and hike a mile or two along a trail to a hidden setting. I wish we'd done that. Although we did stop a couple of times at scenic overlooks, in hindsight I really wish we'd stopped and explored the area more.

Amazing ride on our motorcycles! One lane road in some areas and what a view from the top of the surrounding 14ers! The were at least 5 areas of avalanche damage from this winters record snowfall. It snaps every tree off at ground level, the look like a bunch of tooth picks littering the mountain side.

The drive from Aspen to Leadville was amazing. Great views of the valley and golden aspens in the fall. Careful, as the road gets very narrow at times. Let someone else drive so you can take in all the amazing views

We took Independence Pass on our way from Denver to Aspen. It was beautiful! Definitely a bit scary in some spots, so definitely a careful and slow drive (not like the crazy person who sped past us in the other lane, only to get caught by a ranger). Still a ton of snow towards the top. I wish we had taken more time but I was sick and we kind of rushed to get to our inn. It took about an hour to drive with no stops, would love to go back and spend some more time there.

Amazing experience! Highly recommend for everybody. The roads are not scary at all like others had posted. Great scenery!

This is a beautiful drive with many things to do on each end whether it is a summer concert in Aspen or a kayak paddle at Twin lakes.

Must due drive with excellent hiking access. Once at the top, don't just go to the viewpoint, go right and walk the ridge; cross the road and climb point 13,500 and Twining Peak. Several other trails up and down both sides.

This is an experience of a lifetime!! We loved this and highly recommend taking the hour plus drive. The views are crazy and this summer there was snow everywhere!!!

Independence Pass was simply beautiful and breathtaking. It is absolutely amazing how the continental divide can be in Colorado and understand the water flowing evenly into the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. The drive is very pretty but one must pay attention to the narrow roads and drop-offs. A must if you are in the area.

This is the first time our road trip to Aspen allowed us to take Independence Pass. I was so grateful my husband was driving which gave me the chance to look around a little when I wasn't closing my eyes. The narrow, winding sections of the Pass with no guardrails and steep drop made me more nervous than I would have guessed. I totally understand why it's closed once winter weather sets in. So glad we did it - once.

For a real winter thrill take the T-Lazy-7 Snowmobile trip up through the Independence Pass.
The ride is smooth, the guides will give you all the history and stories about the Pass and it will be something that you will never forget.

Camping in the area, so we stopped at the Continental Divide for a small hike. ( a couple were taking wedding photos.) Drove on to the Independence/Lost Man Lakes trailhead and hiked the 5.5 mile out and back. Beautiful stop with wildflowers and water. We also stopped at the ghost town on the way into Aspen.

This pass was absolutely beautiful. It was my first time driving Independence pass, the aspens were turning gold. There are some bathrooms at the top, thank goodness. For a lot of the pass it is extremely narrow. There are two separate places where it warns that the road narrows, IT TURNS IN TO ONE LANE! I was not expecting that. There are a lot of small pull offs, which I utilized to not have people tailgating me.

We took the pass on our way to Aspen and would recommend that everyone drive this pass at least once. Yes there are a few spots where it does go down to a lane and a half but for the most part it is perfectly fine. The views along the way are simply amazing. Make sure to stop off at the Grotto for a quick hike and to see the ice caves and waterfall.

The drive over Independence Pass is an absolute must during the summer/fall months! Either direction, East to West, or West to East is a heart throbbing, worthwhile experience that offers stunning views and a visit to the Continental Divide at the apex of the drive! This drive is considered one of the wonders of the world by many!!

Went there at 6 am to wait for the sun to rise
It’s a bit cold even in August so be prepared
But the view is great and at 6 it’s real peaceful
We came through at 6 pm it’s very crowded.

This was a pleasant surprise! What an amazing road with phenomenal views. Don’t miss it. Take it slow and be sure to do the pull outs and overlooks.

Gorgeous area with a slightly scary drive to the pass! Worth it! View is amazing. Stop and enjoy a quick walk.

We drove over Independence Pass in late September 2018 during a memorable road trip through the U.S. Southwest. It is a spectacular drive and an adventure, with hairpin turns, sheer drops and narrow roads, climbing up to the 12,000 foot level. The views were breathtaking and the bonus for us was arriving in cozy Aspen and hiking its Maroon Bells!

When we went it was still very snowy and the landscape looked other-worldly. Spectacular views and scenes. Definitely a must-Do.

The most beautiful fall in years. I am a Colorado native and this drive is late for Colorado. I actually saw the Aspens shimmering. Just spectacular.

Amazing views but not worth your life.
People should know what they are getting into before they head for one of America's most dangerous roads. The problem is not just the steep roads and the cliffs with no barriers, the biggest problem is the other drivers who have no regards for oncoming traffic.
Take a safer road, there is plenty to see in Colorado.

I70 was closed due to old fires and our Google maps took us via the small county roads ( dangerous ride , curved roads with climbing mountain)... And we reached Independence Pass prior to entering Aspen. If you are planning to go Aspen from Vail or Beaver Creek or other towns and if you have an option to drive here first and then go to Aspen...surely do it!!

The views are breath taking!!!🔥🔥🔥👍

Beautiful. If you are in the Aspen area, this is a must-see. The drive is absolutely worth it- even for those who are afraid of heights.
After almost a week in Colorado, this was one of the highlights of our trip.

Insane. CDOT rerouted everyone off I-70 due to mudslides. Leaving Glenwood we had one option out- this death wish. 10 to 15 foot single lanes at 13000 feet with no guard rails. What a disastrous situation for anyone. 6 inches is the difference between life and death for 50 miles. DO NOT DO IT!!

The weekend after Labor Day was a great time to find fewer folks on the road, and to try out the steering and stability of my new ride. The aspen were just beginning to turn, so we got an early glimpse of the fall beauty to come, and weren't competing with leaf-peepers for the road. It is one of Colorado's lovely treasures, with a storied past of all the efforts to build and maintain this vital roadway dropping down into Aspen from the east. I remembered stories of its less-forgiving days from my truck-driving dad, so its improved safety may not be as comforting to unfamiliar drivers, but it's an engineering marvel and joy to drive.

Fabulous drive through great mountain scenery. We stopped at the top for a short stroll and to experience the thinner atmosphere, It's amazing they were able to build this road - it's mostly two-lane, though there are a few stretches that are one lane wide with traffic lights alternating which direction of traffic should proceed. Beautiful vistas in the late afternoon for us.

If you are not in a hurry, this is a very scenic and intersting drive. Views near the top are spectacular.

My wife and I were on a Colorado vacation. We took several scenic train trips, road trips, and other adventures. Naturally we took the trip from Leadville up to Independence Pass, and we were not disappointed. If you are anywhere in this area, make it a point to see Independence Pass.

We passed through both on our way and coming home from Aspen. I would say it’s a must-do because of the beautiful scenic spots. If you are afraid of heights as I am, your heart will be racing....

Typical views of mountains and forested areas of Colorado. Worth checking out if you have the time to venture that way.

THE most breathtaking view I've ever seen....EVER! The Aspen trees were changing colors and "quaking" in the wind. The road is safe as long as you "absolutely" observe the signs and speed limits. There are no guard rails along the stretch of about 30 miles and climbing to 12000 feet with cliffs that have no bottom in sight. It is nothing you've ever seen before and the color palette is something touched by God. Again, obey the signs! Very high altitudes with much less oxygen. Many places to stop for breath-taking photos. Drive with much caution.

We rolled out of Aspen on a drought stricken hot summer afternoon and were immediately awe inspired by the green and lush forests of this area. We traveled 5 states on this trip and we went over Beartooth Pass just a few days ago in northwest Wyoming and went through Yellowstone as well. We were just amazed how the mountains here are different and like you remember them with the pine smell and lush green vegetation. There are parts of it that are so narrow it’s difficult for cars to pass each other from the opposite direction. It is not a difficult drive at all and we took a swim in Twin Lakes in the Twin Peak National Forest just east of Independence Pass. It doesn’t take long and is a great diversion from the wicked I-70 which becomes more crowded and dangerous every year.

The drive up to independence pass was fun to drive on the very curvy road! There is a short path to walk around to some overlooks and of course take a photo of the Pass sign.

From reading the past reviews, people were saying it's a scary drive. It is by far not scary but breathtaking with beautiful sites. Be sure to stop at the top and enjoy the history and great picture points. Definitely take this drive we did it a couple of times and had a blast.

This was my first drive over the pass having come previously in the winter when the road ver the pass is closed. It was a stunning drive with new beautiful vistas at every turn. The aspen leaves were turning which made the trip particularly spectacular. There is a scenic walk once you reach the pass.

This is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado in the United States. It is at elevation 12,095 ft (3,687 m) on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range. Great driving experience don’t be in a hurry enjoy it. Many places to stop. Including the continental divide we can get out and experience the high-altitude in great scenery.

I saw this back route from Aspen to Denver and asked the manager of the B&B about the road. He said if you can drive the slow speed limits in parts, it is a must see, and it was!
We saw mountain sheep several times (you need to watch for them as one jumped right in front of our car), and a big marmot. The mountains above tree line are a sharp contrast to the treed areas, and have a strange off barren moon look. We stopped in Leadville, walked around and visited the Mining Museum, which was very interesting and informative.

This is an impressive drive that leads well above the tree line - at least the 6 months of the year when it is open. Be ready for some real mountain driving to see vistas along the Continental Divide at over 12,000 ft. Much of the land on both sides of the pass is National Forest, with trailheads and campgrounds available. There is a parking area - and rest rooms - at the top with the opportunity to wander around stretching your legs to look at the alpine tundra ecosystem that many visitors have never seen.

Views are awesome in September. Road narrows twice so be very cautious. A great drive to and from Aspen.

The only way to get to Aspen from Divide Co. that doesn't take a half day. This road to Aspen is really scenic however close to Aspen it gets a little hairy and very narrow

We have explored much of Colorado. This is the prettiest mountain road we have discovered. High mountain passess, switchbacks rivaling the Alps, winding along the river valley. Be sure to stop at the Grottos trailhead closer to Aspen. Easy pleasant hike to beautiful cascades and an ice cave.

First time ever over Independence Pass. Great scenery, especially on the west side going down into Aspen. Drive not as challenging as I anticipated. Go for it.

OMG, what a beautoful plce it is. I was little scared and almost dropped the program to go there after reading all those reviews about how scary the drive is. People used word like ‘fatal’, ‘dangerous’ etc.

However, The driving bug within me pushed me to try this drive and I couldn’t stop myself taking this adventurous trip. We were staying in snowmass village and from there the summit is 19-20 miles far and it was a drove of 1 hour almost. The drive is not at all fatal, dangerous at all guys. Obviously you should know how to drive. I found inly a couple of blind turns, 2 passes where road was bit narrow but they had railings at all such places. People were driving at the speed of 25-30 miles/hour and there were a lot of places where you can stop the car and click pictures.

Scenery was beautiful, you will see all those snow covered mountains, beautiful valley. Once you reach at the summit there is plenty of parking and restrooms.

On the summit- I can’t forget the view, it was breathtaking. Beautiful rockies. The temperature was pleasent, we didn’t wear any warm clothes there. You look around and you will find yourself surrounded by snow covered mountains. What a beauty. Continental divide is clearly visible from there and you will see unforgettable views from the top.

From parking to the summit its a very small walking trail and anyone can do it. Adding few pictures from the top.

Patience is the key on this route! There are several places on the Aspen side that the road is not wide enough for two vehicles! Remember your “right-of-way” training and just have some patience!
Absolutely beautiful drive with lots of places to get off the road and have a picnic or just spend some time enjoying the beautiful Colorado scenery!

Highway 82 over Independence pass is a must when you are in the area. The road twists around and the views are superb.

We cut off of interstate 70 to go to Aspen the long way.... through Leadville and the mountains. The road was in great condition and did we ever get into some spectacular views... real photo ops and so relaxing. Felt like the Swiss Alps in some places. Highly recommend this drive.

Stopped here on the drive from Denver to Aspen. Beautiful drive and fantastic views. Pack some snacks and enjoy.

The view on the way up from the East is fabulous. Don't miss the Pass Gas gas station at the bottom. The view at the top is also great. The road down to Aspen is windy but also beautiful.

At the end of May we drove on Independence Pass to Independence Pass Lookout point/ Continental Divide. At the Independence Pass Lookout point snow still covered the top of mountain. The views were beautiful.

You feel like you are on top of the world. It can be windy and a bit chilling at 12,000 plus altitude. That said, well worth the twisty uphill drive if you are in Aspen

My wife and I had a debate on which way to go from Breck to Aspen. After talking with a local we decided to try the Independence pass. It started off going through the city of Leadville which had a lot of beautiful lakes and mountains as we traveled. But once we got onto highway 82 the road got narrower and a steeper drop. There is a few areas where there is no guard rail but as long as you take it slow you will see some amazing views from up top of the pass.

If you are afraid of heights and don’t trust your driver this may not be the road for you. If you enjoy a scenic drive along with the more direct route would highly recommend the Independence Pass.

The views are really spectacular! It is a bit scary to look down if you are at all afraid of heights but get an amazing view just looking out

The drive up was wonderful! The road from Independence Pass to Aspen gets REALLY narrow in places, so just be patient. The weather can also change on a dime at that elevation, but it just makes for an interesting visit. Would do this drive again, but I'd make sure I had a full tank of gas, as the price is $1.50 more per gallon there than Keystone/Breck/Dillon area.

Gorgeous mountain pass! Stopped for the views and pics. The air is thin at 12,095 feet, but it is worth the shortness of breath. Safe attentive driving is an absolute must on this pass though! Lots of cool places to stop on drop down to Aspen.

Independence Pass is a nice fully-paved high-altitude Colorado drive. It offers stunning views of the Colorado mountains and a good way to get from Leadville/Buena Vista to Aspen. It's a pretty easy drive that doesn't take too long with a few nice stops along the way. There's a viewpoint at the top, and we stopped a the Ghost Town, the Ice Caves, and a waterfall. All nice, short easy little hikes.

As a Colorado native and resident, Independence Pass doesn't offer anything that other paved Colorado mountain passes offer. They all come with beautiful views and some nice hiking opportunities. If you are in this area, it's worth doing, but if it requires that you go out of your way, enjoy Loveland, Red Mountain, Monarch, or Berthoud: they are all nice.

I'm afraid of heights and have done this drive twice. Nerve-racking is an understatement. The views are amazing! Get out and roam around at the top with the other dazed tourists.

The pass is a must see! The views are impressive and worth braving the thin air! Later in the summer is best for more green and less snow but either way the views are amazing!

Well worth the tricky, at times, navigation along the way. The view is unbelievable along the way. Must see.

I grew up in the Roaring Fork Valley. I've been over Independence countless times. Lovely place to go for a run or walk when its closed to cars before the snow really hits. Yes, its a narrow road but if you drive slow and pay attention you will be fine. The place is amazing and there are spots to absorb the beauty.
Now, if your a person who doesn't care about other humans and you are on your phone hands free your not. Or you just have to text then dont bother because there are no second chances on this road.

If you like a little adventure👍👍👍👍👍