97 miles with 9,000 feet of elevation gain*
Locate ride on interactive map.
[Interactive Course | enlarge]
[Route Profile]
Independence Pass - State Visited:
Colorado
Independence Pass - Cities/Towns Visited:
Snowmass, Aspen, and Twin Lakes
Independence Pass - Climbs:
Mile 15 (HC), 52 (cat. 1), and 92 (cat. 3)
Independence Pass - Stops (Self-Supported):
Mile 32 (Independence Pass), 48 (Twin Lakes), and 67 (Independence Pass)
Independence Pass - Description:
At 12,095 feet, Independence Pass is the fourth highest road in the United States. The summit is above tree line, and there is a chance of snow year-round.
The west side climb starts in Aspen and is about 17 miles long, with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Sometimes the road is narrow, with several sharp blind corners.
The east side climb starts in Twin Lakes and is also about 17 miles long, with close to 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The first 13 miles are gently rolling climbs through a valley, and the last 4 miles consist of steeper switchbacks.
This ride actually starts in Snowmass, about 10 miles from Aspen, which allows a warm-up before the start of the big climb. Pretty much the entire route follows CO 82, from Aspen to Independence Pass Summit to Twin Lakes and back. The final climb up the bike path to Snowmass is the shortest but also steepest ascent.
Independence Pass - Pictures:
[Aspen]
[Aspen Forest]
[Independence Pass West]
[Independence Pass West]
[Independence Pass]
[Twin Lakes]
[Leadville Trail 100]
[Independence Pass East]
[Independence Pass East]
[Independence Pass East]
[Summit Lake]
Independence Pass - Personal Notes:
I rented a bike at Four Mountain Sports in Snowmass and put on my own pedals and seat. Since the store opens at 9:00 AM (not at 8), I got a late start. Luckily the weather remained stable.
At the turn-around point in Twin Lakes there were a lot of people, and I learned that the Leadville Trail 100 was coming through town.
Independence Pass - Current Weather:
See also Top Bike Climbs in the United States.