Drivers must follow the speed limit and proceed with caution. Thanks. The forests looked lush and healthy. Must have valid Drivers License and know how to operate a manual transmission. (One of our guests has had heart trouble recently - heart attack and bypass surgery last year - and has the OK to come to Colorado mountains but we don't want to overdo it....). Independence Pass Quick Facts. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-57739925', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Aspen and going east. In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado? Highway 82, known as Independence Pass, climbs up into the Rocky Mountains and takes you to a breathtaking elevation of 12,095ft. Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals is excited to rent these quality machines out for a daily rate of $299 from either our Buena Vista or Vail location. The ride from Twin Lakes to the summit is 35-miles round-trip with a 3,100-foot elevation gain. In addition to the world class outdoor scene, Aspen also has plentiful dining choices and is home to the most unique music venue in Colorado, Belly Up. Keystone has worked hard of the years to maintain the family but offer more to the advance skier and they have been fairly successful. If you are a beginner skiier, Buttermilk was just fine. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. You’ll stay on this road for about 18 miles. Do get out and see the exhibit at Glenwood Canyon on how it was built. I was just on the Aspen web site and the name is the same. The summit of the Continental Divide is 12,095 feet above sea level, and Independence Pass is a 32-mile drive that takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Elevation: Starting elevation: 7,951 … But that was the beginner areas. How long does it take to drive Independence Pass? The forests looked lush and healthy. Advertising - Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyy5YoNJgQw. We recommend visiting during non-peak weekdays and getting an early start (especially during leaf changing season). How long would it take to drive this road, allowing a few quick pit stops to take pictures? In the winter months, Kebler Pass is a popular snowmobiling route. The summer route over Independence Pass has spectacular scenery but considered a scary road because of the steep drop-offs and narrow parts of the road. The approach through Glenwood canyon is much lower. I agree with your assessment. It is not as steep as others in the area. Here's a link to some info. Google for more. More Independence Pass. Passengers under 18 must have guardian signature. OUr next decision is whether to drive or fly. The drive from Aspen to Buena Vista is about 1 hour and 45 minutes long, depending on stops along the way. Breckenridge in November? Travel North on HWY 24 while passing through Buena Vista. It's 45 miles or so from Aspen to hwy 24. This mountain town is simply amazing. You'd take I … At 12,095 feet, Independence Pass is the fourth highest paved road in the state. Covid & Any Outdoor Activities in Dec. for 3 year old. Scenic drives and gentle hikes/walks are just what we are looking for. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full, How long does it take to drive from Denver to Aspen? We recommend visiting during non-peak weekdays and getting an early start (especially during leaf changing season). Not sure what you are saying but Buttermilk can't exactly realign its "mountain". Another spot is very narrow, only room for one vehicle. Thank you for the quick and very helpful responses! Best place to ski in Late January/ February? Archive - It's all so beautiful and the best parts of that part of the country. Kebler Pass is an incredible drive during fall when the leaves change to brilliant oranges and reds. Contact Us - • There are a few spots on the west side of the pass that are narrow and only accommodate one car. Certain points of the drive does get little winding with a very narrow paths but definitely worth it if open. Mosquito Pass OHV Road is a 16.8 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Alma, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. My guess is that Buttermilk has some perfectly fine slopes that I would enjoy but I prefer Snowmass and the Highlands. How long does it take to drive Independence Pass? Privacy Statement - Thanks for the additional input regarding elevation. My Mom was telling me that many years ago they went to the Maroon Bells and were able to take a couple of different ski lifts (summer) to the top. What about the altitude/Altitude sickness? This will take you directly up to Independence Pass. Because of its unreal, jaw-dropping scenery, Independence Pass remains a classic Colorado drive. Ditto the rec. • Explore the paved scenic trails at the summit. I think you'd have a great day trip - it's only 100 miles, less than two hours, to drive directly between Vail and Aspen, and you can even do a circle trip, returning over Independence Pass through Leadville. Archive - Must be 25 years or older to rent. Go See The Maroon Bells: Take a bus tour up into the wilderness to view the magnificence of these famous peaks. But now Aspen owns them. With stops maybe 1.5 hours, much longer depending on which hikjng trail you take. At one time the Aspen Highlands was an independent ski area not associated the Aspen complex (a very long story) and they did operate the chairs for the view but don't know if they still do today. This road soon becomes HWY 82 and you’ll be headed directly towards Independence Pass. Related: What are the most popular tours in Colorado? On your drive, you will pass by the tallest mountain in Colorado, Mt. Colorful wildflowers dotted the landscape. At an elevation of 12,100ft (3.700m) above the sea level, it is the highest paved mountain pass in Colorado. Just wanted to send my seal of approval as well that this loop will be very enjoyable and satisfying to you. How long does it take to drive Independence Pass? The trail is primarily used for ohv/off road driving and is best used from May until September. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The boys were just 7 and 9 years old at the time. This archeological preserve features interpretive stations and a self guided journey through history. The return over Independence Pass is about 30 miles shorter but about the same time. Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. And it was cheaper than Snowmass and Aspen. After exiting the bulk of main st. you’ll take a left on E. Cooper Rd. You've received great recommendations. You are EXactly right of course, and as I wrote that, I was trying to come up with Buttermilk. If you are, then don't forget to use second gear, not your brakes to slow down and never use (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Independence Pass is part of the great Top of the Rockies Byway. more. Cookie Policy - Distance: Aspen to Independence Pass: 18 miles (28.9km), Aspen to Twin Lakes: 35 miles (56.3km). It doesn't take long and it is an amazing feat of construction. Highway 82 over Independence Pass has been completely closed Wednesday after numerous backups and incidents as trucks try to detour around the Interstate 70 closure through Glenwood Canyon. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Here is a site with info. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Do take it easy on exertion at high altitude with your guest w/the bypass surgery. for a jacket at the top of Indep. Last Minute Change of Plans. This open air cockpit machine allows you and a passenger to enjoy all the views over the Great Divide. If you are not a good mountain driver you might want to rethink this drive. Anyone of us will get short of breath and exhausted from exertion in the mountains, let alone a person with this condition. It's 45 miles or so from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thanks. To reach, take CO 82 west from Twin Lakes or east out of Aspen. • Use extreme caution around cliffs and steep drop offs along the drive. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Gretchen, I think you mean Buttermilk which may have a new name. The return over Tennessee pass will take you pass the old training ground for the 10th Mt Division and worth a stop. With stops maybe 1.5 hours, much longer depending on which hikjng trail you take. There are two routes from Denver, but Independence Pass is only open from around Memorial Day through October, weather-permitting. It was a hang out for some really hard core skiers. The road up to the Maroon Bells is only open in the summer and is prone to overcrowding. The Maroon Bells is not a ski area. Last night of Itenerary Dilemma-Suggestions, http://www.stayaspensnowmass.com/p-m...wilderness.php, http://www.aspensnowmass.com/summer_rec/aspen.cfm. Coming from I-70 outside of Vail, the drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, taking the route south through Leadville. The Highlands was a bit more of a challenge. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. It is an easily one day trip. It also boosts 173 horsepower and a completely waterproof interior. This road soon becomes HWY 82 and you’ll be headed directly towards Independence Pass. Here lives the Great Divide, which splits the water that drains to the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. In Leadville, you have the Mineral Trail Loop == hike or biking -- a hidden gem. Must be 25 years or older to rent. At the top you can experience a variety of activities from ziplining, to giant chess, and even an alpine roller coaster. Re: How long does it take to drive Independence Pass? Great place to learn but ski someplace else once you learn. You can take lifts to the top of Ajax. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. You will have up close views of the historic avalanche paths that now exist due to Colorado’s epic 2018-2019 winter. We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason. The best time to drive Independence Pass is in September when summer crowds have died down and leaves are at their peak. • The Grottos: This easy 0.5 mile loop explores ice caves, waterfalls, and amazing rock formations. The last four miles are made of steep switchbacks that take riders above tree line with rewarding views of multiple …