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Independence Pass

Hwy 82, 20 miles E of Aspen, Aspen, CO 81611
970 925 3445 (Forest Service)
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Ranked #2 of 58 attractions in Aspen
Type: Scenic Drives, Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Lookouts
Activities: Driving
57 visitor photos
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216 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    183
    31
    2
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Date Rating
Aspen
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 12, 2013

great hiking,biking,climbing this is paradise beauty beyond belief ,this is wilderness,pitch a tent and bring the marshmallows .watch out for the bears and elk and fox and coyote. beleif.true wilderness.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by Victoria F for Aspen
London
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 10, 2013

12'095 ft high, breathtaking views all around. Devils punch bowl a must, for extreme daredevils! Very cold water but worth it for the adrenalin.

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See 8 more reviews by Luke J for Aspen
Rifle, Colorado
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 6, 2013

I have lived in colorado my whole life and this drive never lets me down. If you are anywhere near here (aspen, twin lakes) do it!!! you won't be sorry.

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Chicago,IL
1 review
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 31, 2013

In June of 2012, my cousin and I drove from Denver to Aspen because I had seen pictures of how beautiful the punch bowl was, and thought it would be one of those awesome daredevil things to start of my list of fun and crazy things to try! after the 4 hour drive of not really knowing exactly where we... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 4
Aspen, Colorado
2 reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 15, 2013

It is a windy road that can take you all the way to denver, but only open in the summer. Has some of the best views, great places to take pictures, hike, or even float the river. Love it!

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Malibu, California
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 30, 2012

You drive on Highway 82 out of Aspen up a really windy road for about half an hour and reach the Continental Divide at the top of Independence Pass. You are about 12,000ft up and feel on top of the world with viewing platforms and trails to walk. Its stunning scenery.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 2 more reviews by 59Cathy for Aspen
Georgia
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 1, 2012

If visiting Aspen from Denver, you MUST take Independence Pass in. It is AMAZING and awe inspiring. God gave a little extra love to Colorado and you will agree after taking Independence Pass. It's closed much of the Fall thru Winter so consider that with your plans

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
See 4 more reviews by 3sojourners for Aspen
Waterloo, Canada
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 34 cities Reviews in 34 cities
30 helpful votes 30 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 29, 2012

OK, this is a review but also my favourite "brush with death" story. I can't say that I saw too much of Independence Pass but the story is good.....on a business trip a colleague suggested the shortest route from the southern side of the range to the north side of the range was Ind. Pass. This was before I realized... More

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Buena Vista, Colorado
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 22, 2012

Very nice drive. Plan to go slow so you don't have to take out a bicyclist. Also, be courteous and don't drive a large motorhome or trailer over the pass, please.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 21, 2012

Perfect timing in early October the Aspens were in full color, the views beyond description. A bit scary where two lanes barely allowed for 2 cars going in opposite directions, with no guard rail.

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See 3 more reviews by Barbara K for Aspen

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