Independence Pass: Aspen to Twin Lakes Driving Guide

The drive

This itinerary follows CO 82 east from Aspen over Independence Pass to the US 24 junction near Twin Lakes. It is a one-way mountain crossing, not a circuit or a route through a seasonally closed gate.

Independence Pass is a seasonal road. CDOT's published guidance says it typically closes on or near November 7 and reopens the Thursday before Memorial Day in May, always weather permitting. Snow can bring earlier closures, and temporary restrictions can apply outside the usual closure season. These are typical dates, not a fixed schedule or today's access status.

CDOT prohibits vehicles over 35 feet in length, including a vehicle and trailer whose combined length exceeds 35 feet. The published pass restrictions apply between mileposts 47.2 and 84.2. Narrow mountain sections, changing weather and limited stopping space require a realistic plan with alternatives; a GPX or drive-time estimate does not establish that the pass is open.

RevScore: this route's curviness

How these planning facts were checked

The OSRM car-routing model was checked against 100 points along this exact GPX, including its loop or segment shape—not simply the fastest route between the endpoints. The 1 h 50 min–2 h 45 min range uses rounded planning allowances of 15–75% above the model's no-live-traffic baseline. These allowances are not measured traffic statistics or a guarantee; allow extra time for lunch, photographs and other stops.

Terrain elevations were sampled at 100 points along the GPX using the USGS NED approximately 10-metre terrain dataset hosted by Open Topo Data (dataset snapshot: April 23, 2020). The displayed range is rounded to 50 feet / 10 metres. It is an approximate sampled range—not an exact road minimum/maximum, summit height or cumulative elevation gain. Terrain can differ from the road surface around tunnels, bridges and road cuts.

Facts checked October 19, 2026. Sources are linked under “Guide sources.” The original GPX remains an untimed map trace; these modeled facts are not recorded-drive measurements.

Driving notes

1. Plan while parked

   Preview or change navigation only when safely parked. Follow posted speed limits and other restrictions.

2. Estimates are not arrival promises

   The displayed range is a no-live-traffic planning model for this exact segment. Traffic, weather, closures and stops can add substantial time.

3. Check the official source

   Use COtrip for current road restrictions and conditions immediately before travel; this guide is not a live closure service.

Places along the route

• Aspen

  Starting area on CO 82. Arrange supplies and legal parking before entering the pass corridor.

• Twin Lakes / US 24 junction

  End of this crossing. Approaches to recreation areas and trails are not included.

Cautions

• Seasonal closure — typically November to late May

  CO 82 over Independence Pass closes seasonally. CDOT says closure is typically on or near November 7, with reopening the Thursday before Memorial Day, weather permitting. Snow can close it earlier. Check COtrip for current status; never follow the GPX through a closure.

• Vehicles over 35 feet prohibited

  CDOT's limit includes a vehicle and trailer whose combined length exceeds 35 feet. Review the official Independence Pass guidance before planning this crossing.

Questions drivers ask