Independence Pass (Highway 82) is the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide in North America at 12,095 feet. The 44-mile route between Aspen and Twin Lakes is one of Colorado's most spectacular drives, climbing through aspen groves, past ghost towns, and above treeline into alpine tundra.
The pass served as the main supply route to Aspen's silver mines in the 1880s, when the journey took days by stagecoach. Today, the paved but winding road still demands respect—narrow lanes, steep dropoffs, and tight switchbacks keep drivers focused. The reward is scenery that belongs in a National Park.
The summit area offers easy walking trails through fragile alpine tundra, wildflower meadows that bloom in July, and 360-degree mountain views. Many visitors simply park at the summit, walk to the Continental Divide sign, and take in the thin air and big views. It's a bucket-list Colorado experience that doesn't require hiking boots.