The drive on the historic byway Independence Pass is as scenic as it is scary. It is a thrilled, adventurous, and memorable experience when you drive on the Independence Pass. The Independence pass is a 32 mile stretch on highway 82 over the Continental Divide in Colorado and winds between Twin Lakes on the east side and the world famous Ski Resort village Aspen on the west side. The Independence Pass summit is midway between Twin Lakes and Aspen and it crosses the Continental Divide over the Sawatch Range. The road twists and turns around stunning groves of aspen trees, scenic mountain views and hugs the roaring Fork River. This highest paved lane in Colorado is full of steep drop-offs, hard switchbacks, tight curves, hairpin turns, narrow winding, with no shoulder and no guard railings. Some sections of the road are so narrow that they can fit only one car at a time. Driving on the inside lane may give some secure feelings, but driving on the outside lane is nail biting. Not only drivers, but passengers will not be able to enjoy the breathtaking views as some portions of the drive are really intense.
These pictures are from our drive on Independence Pass on 29th September, 2019. It would have been better if we could visit in the summer as the summit offers breathtaking views of snow capped peaks and colorful valleys of wildflowers.
Driving along Highway 82 past Twin Lakes at the base of Independence Pass. 
Driving along Highway 82 past Twin Lakes 
Driving along Highway 82 past Twin Lakes at the base of Independence Pass. 
Driving through vibrant golden aspen canopies along Highway 82 on Independence Pass 
Highway 82 heading directly towards Independence Pass. 
Independence Pass, A Scenic and Historic Byway 
Navigating through the curved mountain switchback along Independence Pass. 
Winding around high-altitude curves as Highway 82 approaches the continental divide. 
Highway 82 climbs toward the Independence pass summit. 
Highway 82 
Independence Pass Summit 
Independence Pass Summit 
A quiet alpine tundra pool reflecting the dramatic sky above the continental divide. 
Walking the paved summit path across the high alpine plateau 
Independence Pass Summit 
The vast expanse of alpine tundra leading toward the high summit peak. 
View from Independence Pass Summit 
View from Independence Pass Summit 
Highway 82 
Independence Pass, A Scenic and Historic Byway 
Driving up Highway 82 toward the high-altitude continental divide. 
Independence Pass, A Scenic and Historic Byway, Colorado 
Rugged alpine peaks rising above pine forests along Independence Pass
Quick Facts and Tips
- The summit of Independence Pass (Hunter Pass) is 12,095 feet above sea level and is located 18 miles west of Twin Lakes and 19 miles east of Aspen
- Independence Pass is closed for the winter and is generally open from Memorial Day until late October or early November depending on weather conditions.
- The Independence Pass overlook at the summit offers excellent views of Mount Elbert (the second-highest mountain in the U.S. and the highest peak in both Colorado and the Rocky Mountains) and La Plata Peak to the east; Maroon Bells and Capitol peaks are to the west towards Aspen. The trail to the overlook is a paved short 0.4 mile round trip hike from the parking lot
- The Parking lot at the summit stays busy with people entering and leaving the scenic byway to enjoy the breathtaking views
- It will be cold even in the summer at the summit so dress accordingly
- Vehicles over 35 feet long, oversized and overweight vehicles are prohibited on Independence Pass
- Take extra caution, drive slowly, always keep eyes on the road, watch for the cyclists especially around the curves, and pull over only at the designated areas.
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