Independence Pass (State Route 82)

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > Colorado

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 3 visitors

State: Colorado
Date Submitted: May 1, 2005
Submitted by: Nitro
Motorcycle Road Length: 42 Miles

Written Directions

There are a couple different ways you can get to the starting point for this route.
- You can access this route from the west by just getting to Aspen and heading East out of town on state route 82!
- If you're coming from the east (ex. Denver) you can just take I-70 west into the mountains and exit onto state route 24 right around Vail, CO. Take s.r. 24 past Leadville and look for the signs to Twin Lakes, CO and state route 82. Take 82 West to/through Independence Pass and on to Aspen.

Scenery

Typical dense forest at the lower elevations with endless switchbacks. Ghost town of Independence near the top of the pass. Breath taking views of the famous Maroon Bells area of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Independence Pass crests at 12,095 feet so you know you'll be taking in some great views of the Rockies!!! River canyons to ride in and lots of pullouts to take pics!

Road Quality

Road is narrow and steep! Expect endless switchbacks, sharp curves, extreme drop off's and very narrow roads at different spots! Even down to one lane in some areas, so believe the warning signs!!!

Roadside Amenities

Basically Twin Lakes area on the East end and Aspen on the West. Not much in between, but who cares! You will be busy holding on!!

Additional Info

*** If you like the Beartooth or Trail Ridge Road, you will love this one! You won't find many cages on this route! - View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .

Nickname (optional) Nitro

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Reviewed by Guest on September 11, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: SlowOldRider
motorcycle_year: 2007
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Great views, great picture opportunities both at Twin Lakes and at Top - watch out for the bicyclists during summer
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Reviewed by Guest on August 27, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Laurie
motorcycle_year: 2006
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: You will love this route we took it this month 08/08 - We were at the highest peak about 14,000 - and there was still some snow in August. The twisties are so much fun! Well worth traveling on.
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Reviewed by Guest on August 27, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Ron/Keiko
motorcycle_year: 2005
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: We made the trip on a Sunday in late July (East-West). The roads were very good with spectacular views. Aspen was picturesque; unfortunately traffic back into Denver on 70 was terrible. Recommend not taking 70 on late Sunday afternoons.
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