Independence Pass, Colorado

HC: Mile 15

Cat. 1: Mile 52

Cat. 3: Mile 92

At 12,095 feet, Independence Pass is the fourth highest road in America. 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.