If there's one reason to rent a car in Aspen, it's to take the 20-mile drive through Independence Pass. So, when we had a few hours to kill while traveling between Leadville and Aspen, a hike near Independence Pass seemed perfect. Trailhead Co-ordinates: 46.3045, -122.0819 Open map in new window. It is at elevation 12,095 ft on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range. They had had a snowfall a few days before we got there and the small lake was frozen and there was snow everywhere. There are also shorter hikes at the lakes and at the base of Mt Elbert. In addition to being a scenic byway, Independence Pass, just east of Aspen, is a favorite recreation location during the summer months. Be ready for some real mountain driving to see vistas along the Continental Divide at over 12,000 ft. Much of the land on both sides of the pass is National. Independence Pass, originally known as Hunter Pass, is a high mountain pass in central Colorado, United States. At 12,095ft at the summit, Independence Pass is the highest paved pass in the state. Personally I prefer this ride from the east side (the Lake County / Twin Lakes side), as I live in Buena Vista and it's easier for me to access. As we began driving up the mountain, his concerns began to increase until he finally insisted that I pull over. Continue your visit to www.tripadvisor.com, Are the prices for this place or activity, Hwy 82, 20 miles E of Aspen, Aspen, CO 81611, We took a scenic drive to Independence Pass while staying in Aspen. Linkins Lake, CO Independence Pass in Colorado is a beautiful area. Independence Pass is displayed on the Independence Pass USGS quad topo map. There are 10 campsites available. : It was the first full day of summer, and what do you know? Primitive campsite overlooking Twin Lakes. Per Executive Order 2020-147, a face covering must be worn over your nose and mouth*: When in any indoor public space; When outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household; and The view was extraordinary! We were about a week or so behind the peak colors but this is a must do. From the Linkins Lake / Upper Lost Man trailhead, follow the trail for 0.2 miles to a signed junction and turn left (northwest) toward Linkins Lake. Last year at this time, Independence Pass had already closed for the season due to a heavy autumn snowfall that prompted the gates in Pitkin and Lake counties to shutter on Oct. 28. Drivers must follow the speed limit and proceed with caution. The safety closure is to keep maintenance equipment operators and the traveling public safe during the winter season. There is a parking area - and rest rooms - at the top with the opportunity to wander around stretching your legs to look at the alpine tundra ecosystem that many visitors have never seen. INDEPENDENCE LAKE. Independence Pass (#227) Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument ... Green Trails No. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument The Aspen were a bright gold. Dispersed car camping can be found along many of the dirt roads near Mt Elbert, close to the lake. My husband is afraid of heights so I do mountain driving. On the Eastern Slope, it follows Lake Creek past some of Colorado's highest mountains to Twin Lakes Reservoir, where it ends at US 24 south of Leadville. This is an impressive drive that leads well above the tree line - at least the 6 months of the year when it is open. 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