independence pass

Very nice, easy accessible spot above 12,000 feet. Please remember that road is closed during the winter. Also it could be challenging if you are just city driver or you are afraid of the exposed slops. So drive carefully, remember that you are on high altitude: weather could change any time without further notice.

A little bit scary, good thing I was just the passenger. It was SO pretty-there were some good spots to stop and take photos.

We took this route traveling from Vail to Aspen, and spent most of the day driving, stopping, gawking, taking pictures, and walking around. It was a little nervewracking at a couple of spots, and I am glad my husband was driving. We stopped for lunch at the inn at Twin Lakes and it was great food. If you have the time, definitely take this scenic drive up and over the mountains!

The drive was a little hair raising, but well worth it when you get to the top. There are different trails you can hike when you get up there. The drive up and down had spectacular views and the colors where breath taking.

Beautiful views, great drive. Has some stops to enjoy the altitude and weather. Old village is nice to walk thru. Spending some time at the summit is refreshing.

This was an absolutely beautiful drive over a very curvy road. It gets tight in some places, but it is well worth the drive. You can see for miles at the top and you can see the beautiful snow covered peaks of the Colorado Mountains. Definitely Colorado Rocky Mountain High!

This review is for the Twin Lakes (East) side. I've been over Independence Pass a number of times (both in a car and on a motorcycle) in both directions. The east side seems more abrupt than the Aspen side as it has more serious switchbacks. Only one-lane each way, but it's beautiful and interesting being able to look down this side of the Sawatches, but the anticipation of seeing huge peaks builds as you climb higher and higher to the top. The road from the top is slightly shorter going into Twin Lakes (17 mi) than going into Aspen (20 mi). The paved parking area at the top can accommodate several vehicles, and there are vault toilets. Several short, family-friendly trails to explore up there, a fair amount of crystal-clear ponds, and the mountain views are endless.Just be aware that several summer events seem oriented around this area (ie, Leadville 100 Ultramarathon, the Leadville 100 MTB, etc), so you may encounter delays and/or closures. However, I've found that Independence Pass has always been worth the shortcut to Aspen.

Beautiful trip from Twin Lakes to Aspen via the Independence Pass! Be sure you're not scared of heights. Be sure to stop at the Continental Divide at the top.

I cannot believe I grew up in Colorado and never went over this pass! We drove from Aspen to Twin Lakes, and over the next several days, went over Independence Pass a total of 3 times. This was in July 2014, so no snow at all, and truly majestic views. There is a large parking area with basic restrooms at the top of the pass, and a viewing area. There were a couple of hairpin turns, and a few places without guard rails, but nothing scary. Just take your time, observe the posted speed limits, and don't ride your brakes. From Aspen to Twin Lakes took about an hour, that's with a stop at the top to take pictures. My husband and I took turns driving so that we could each get a good long look at the views. I'm thinking that autumn would have the MOST spectacular views, if the pass is still open. There is good signage along the way. Stop at Twin Lakes Inn and have dinner or dessert! You'll be glad you made this trip!

From Buena Vista to Aspen, we drove on the Independence Pass over Memorial Day Weekend. It was just opened for this season. CO recently had some snow. It was such a scenic drive and the view was spectacular!!! Highly highly recommend it.

We went from beaver creek so headed to Leadville the on to twin lakes, we stopped and spoke to people in information who were really nice, we the went on to independence pass, when you get to the top is was incredible was thick snow all around but was very warm, we were in tea shirts, some scary drops, driving along. Pass is not open all the time, depends on weather but if open give it a go and have an incredible journey

Wonderful drive from Denver to Leadville which is an old mining town full of history of Doc Holiday, Mr. Tabor and Baby Doe Tabor, Molly Brown and more. From Leadville drive through the village of Twin Lakes up and over the very scenic Independence Pass, be sure to bring a jacket so you can stop at the top and enjoy the alpine floral. Continue your drive to Aspen, stopping to shop and then a short drive to Glenwood Springs where you can relax in the hot springs pool. Very worth the drive!!!!!

When family or friends visit me in Colorado and ask about a short weekend trip, I ALWAYS recommend a trip that includes a drive over Independence Pass. The scenery from the pass is simply stunning, and easy to enjoy for people of all physical abilities.

This was a pleasant drive from Twin Lakes and provided us with an outstanding view of the surroundings.

If you travel over the pass during fall the Aspen trees make this an amazing journey. There are plenty of trailheads and parks to stop at. Don't miss the old ghost town near the top.