Independence Pass
At 12,095 feet, Independence Pass is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the United States. Independece Pass is the summit of the Top of the Rockies National Scenic & Historic Byway and is located between Twin Lakes Village and Aspen.
Independence Pass serves as the eastern gateway to the Roaring Fork Valley, as well as a historic link between the Western Slope and communities on the Front Range. Thousands of people—from Colorado "locals" to international visitors—travel over the pass from its opening in May to its closing in the fall.
Facilities at the summit include vault toilets and a paved trail that provides pedestrian access to a scenic viewing platform, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the glacier-sculpted peaks and ridges of the Continental Divide. Don't forget your camera in the car!
Nearby spots of interest are the Independence Pass Trail, The Interlaken Historic Resort, Twin Lakes Historical District and Interlaken Trail.
General Information
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 39.10855215
Longitude: -106.56397968
Elevation
12,135 feet at the viewing platform
Directions
From Leadville, travel 13 miles south on Highway 24; Turn right (west) onto State Highway 82. The summit is approximately 19 miles past Twin Lakes Village.
From Aspen, travel approximately 20 miles east on State Highway 82 to the summit.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
