John Cletheroe's
USA and Canada Holiday Hints

Colorado State Highway 82 (from US24 to Aspen over Independence Pass)

Location

Colorado State Highway 82 runs from a point on US24 about thirteen miles south of Leadville, west over Independence Pass to Aspen. It then continues northwest to join I-70/US6 at Glenwood Springs.

Description

We have only used the section of this road between US24 and Aspen. It passes through some spectacular scenery, but over Independence Pass the road, although paved and of perfectly adequate width and general high quality, has some enormous drops over the edge. When we used this road (some years ago now) many of these edges were completely unguarded for long stretches. If such is still the case then I would suggest that this is one of the very few roads in the USA and Canada which isn't suitable for those nervous about mountain driving and I would also advise avoiding this road or taking very special care when the weather is anything other than perfect.

Update: In August 1998 Jim van Gorden kindly sent me this message:

Independence Pass still has no guards.....we went up there as the sun was setting......and yes it was very scary in the dark......

In July 2002 Gary and Kathy Dreyer of Safety Harbor, Florida sent me this description and comment:

Just went over this last week in the dark, late at night. As a flatlander from Florida, this was very scary. Almost hit several deer on the way down west side. This road is not for faint of heart. My wife was very terrified. The narrow single lane part was very scary with cars coming the other way. There are no road signs on 82. We turned around after a while then had to drive it again. It is not marked that you are on the right road. You may suggest to DOT that they need lines and/or reflectors. This could help immensely.

In September 2004 Shawn Donahue of Medford, Massachusetts sent me these comments:

Travelling US24 West from Colorado Springs, last Saturday with overcast skies, 70+ degrees, I headed up 82 Independence Pass toward Aspen. As I reached the higher altitudes, the temperature dropped to 33 degrees [Fahrenheit], at the summit there was a snow squall, and the road became wet. Worrying that the road would glaze over with ice I headed down very slowly, breaking all the way, in low gear. Just have to say that is one white knuckle, scary road. I will go back Mid July next year!

The road passes through the San Isabel and/or White River National Forests. The maps I have available don't make it clear where the boundary between these two National Forest lies.

Aspen is a typical skiing resort - a crowded, expensive and touristy place where people like to show off how rich they are (or pretend to be). You may have gathered that we didn't like it much but it obviously appeals to some people.

Winter Access

This road is closed in winter.

External Links

Colorado Department Of Transportation

For winter road closure information, including Independence Pass, select "Alerts and Restrictions". Verified May-04.

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