One of the most spectacular drives in Colorado (and it takes a lot for me to say that – I’ve lived in Colorado for 27 years!) is over Independence Pass! It’s a beautiful drive during the summer as well (it closes for the winter season), but it’s extra special during the autumn when it’s speckled with golden aspen leaves! The end of September is when the aspens are normally at peak color. This drive can be done in a day (plan for a long day as I guarantee many photos stops along the way!). Get an early start if you drive during the fall, as sunset will be around 6:30-7pm. You can also choose to overnight in Aspen, Basalt or Glenwood Springs.
To start your drive, exit I-70 just past Frisco a few miles (as if you’re going to Copper Mountain) onto US 24-E. This will take you to the historic mining town of Leadville. If you have time, this is a great stop for breakfast or a stroll on its main street. As you leave Leadville, drive about 20 minutes south and turn right when you get to CO-82 and head west toward Twin Lakes. Make sure to stop at the lakes for a great photo op and admire the scenery! A few more minutes after the lakes you’ll come upon the town – last stop for gas, wi-fi and bathrooms until Aspen!
After driving through Twin Lakes you’ll be rewarded with colorful aspen groves before beginning the steeper ascent up Independence Pass. As you start climbing and winding, make sure you pull over on the pull-offs. You won’t want to miss the view opening up! As you make your way up one of the highest paved roads in the US, make sure to stop at the 12,095 feet summit. Take a warm jacket, as you’ll notice a big temperature drop and there’s a few minutes walk to the best overlook area. Also, each time I’ve been there it’s been windy.
As you descend the pass and get closer to Aspen, you’ll notice more Aspen trees again at the “lower” elevations. Enjoy the curves in the road, the aspen groves and valley views! Just a few miles outside Aspen there are some areas you can pull over for those famous aspen pictures! You’ll notice them when you see more cars on the side of the road and more cameras! 😉 Be careful in this area as there are many blind curves with more traffic.
Make sure you don’t pass through Aspen without at least a quick stop! There’s a reason the rich and famous flock to this area. It still has glimpses of the small town it once was and it’s in such a beautiful setting! Remember you’re in Aspen, so you’ll pay to park there. Luckily they haven’t started charging for the views… yet. 😉 Stretch your legs with a walk around town, do some shopping or check out the base of Aspen ski mountain (it’s also a nice hike up under the gondola). Visiting Aspen in the fall is a treat, as it’s not crowded with tourists so you feel more amongst locals. Be sure to stop for a beer and bite at Hops Culture – it has a HUGE choice of craft beers (I can never pass up trying a new IPA!). Sip your beer (this is necessary since you’re driving… and our two beers were $22!) and enjoy the view and people watching on Aspen’s pedestrian mall.
When you leave Aspen, your last stop of the day is at Maroon Bells (it’s just a few minutes outside of town). Driving through town on CO-82 you’ll come to the first roundabout – take the Maroon Creek Road and follow the signs to Maroon Bells. If it’s between the hours of 8am-5pm you won’t be able to drive in and need to take their shuttle. Yes, this area has gotten a bit too popular – but it’s a must visit! You have to see the most photographed place in Colorado with your own eyes. 🙂 If you have a National Parks pass they will accept this for entry, otherwise it’s $10 per car load. This is the place to watch the sunset in the fall – we were there recently on a Monday evening and it was more crowded than we anticipated. We were still able to find a quiet spot, get terrific photos and enjoy the lake and mountain views.
Leaving Maroon Bells you’ll head back to CO-82 and drive toward I-70 through Carbondale to Glenwood Springs (this is also destination unto itself – I’ll share more about this area in future articles!). There is quite a bit of ongoing construction at I-70 and Glenwood Springs, so be prepared for some detours and few minute delays. It’s about an hour and a half drive back to the Summit County starting point or just under 3 hours to Denver.
I hope you enjoy this scenic drive! I’d love to hear your impressions and favorite stops along the way as well! 🙂
Until the next adventure – bon voyage!
Kris
