Is Independence Pass Co closed?
Independence Pass is closed for the season as of October 28th, 2021. The road typically re-opens for the summer season at the end of May. Independence Pass, part of Colorado State Highway 82, passes over the Continental Divide between Leadville and Aspen, Colorado.
Why does Independence Pass Close?
Each year, this two-lane, 12,095-foot pass closes for the winter for the safety of the travelling public and CDOT maintenance crews. It typically closes on or near Nov. 7 and almost always re-opens on the Thursday before Memorial Day each May.
Is Independence Pass opened?
Independence Pass is generally open from Memorial Day until late October or early November. The target reopening date each spring is the Thursday before the Memorial Day holiday weekend, but always visit www.cotrip.org before you travel to check the status of the pass.
Where does Independence Pass closed?
At 12,095ft at the summit, Independence Pass is the highest paved pass in the state. Depending on snow accumulation, the Colorado Department of Transportation closes the highway at the Winter Gate, 5 miles east of Aspen.
What passes are closed in Colorado?
Seasonal Road Closures in Colorado
- Kebler Pass – Crested Butte to Paonia. Kebler Pass in the fall.
- Independence Pass – Twin Lakes to Aspen. Independence Pass in July.
- Mount Evans – Idaho Springs to 14,000’+ Mount Evans Road.
- Cottonwood Pass – Buena Vista to Almont. Cottonwood Pass in the summer.
How do I get Aspen when Independence Pass is closed?
The alternate route from the Denver area to Aspen is via westbound Interstate 70 to Glenwood Springs, then Highway 82 to Aspen. Independence Pass is the highest-paved state highway in Colorado, summiting at 12,095 feet. The 32-mile stretch of highway crosses the Continental Divide over the Sawatch Range.
IS 82 in Colorado closed?
CO 82 over Independence Pass typically closes in November each year and reopens prior to Memorial Day holiday weekend in late May. Please visit www.cotrip.org for the latest information.
Can you drive Independence Pass at night?
Independence Pass is one of the few places in the United States where it’s possible to drive at night to a place that’s pitch dark with clear, dry, high altitude air.
Which Colorado passes are open?
Here are the target opening dates for 2020, according to CDOT: State Highway 5 – Mount Evans Highway – early July. State Highway 82 – Independence Pass between Twin Lakes and Aspen – June 1. Trail Ridge Road between Estes Park and Grand Lake (Rocky Mountain National Park) – Date to be determined.
Is Black Bear Pass closed?
District 1. Black Bear, Imogene, Last Dollar and Ophir Passes are closed.
Is the drive to Aspen scary?
Risk Factor: The road from Aspen is not for those who fear heights. Not only is it the highest paved lane in Colorado—12,100 feet above sea level at Independence Pass in the Rocky Mountains—it’s also full of steep drop-offs, tight curves, and narrow stretches that can fit only one car at a time.
How long does it take to drive from Denver to Aspen via Independence Pass?
approximately 3.5 hours
Driving Directions Take Hwy 82 through Glenwood Springs and stay on the same road all the way to Aspen approximately 42 miles). A slightly shorter and more scenic summer route from Denver to Aspen (approximately 3.5 hours) goes over Independence Pass. Follow I-70 west to Hwy 24 at Copper Mountain.