Independence Pass Remains Open Due to Mild Weather

LAKE/PITKIN COUNTIES—Independence Pass (Colorado Highway 82) will remain open Friday, Nov. 10, due to warm weather and low snow accumulations. Crews will close the pass when snow returns to the forecast.

"We will be monitoring for any potential snow events, working with our local Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) forecaster, as well as information that we get from the National Weather Service to make a decision on when the pass needs to be closed—not only for the safety of our CDOT crews but also the traveling public," said CDOT Supervisor Tim Holbrook

"We've implemented several safety closures at night over the past week in an effort to keep motorists safe and then get our plows up there at daybreak to plow and put down product."

Note to Travelers

The pass typically remains open until Nov. 7 each year, depending upon weather, and re-opens on the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend, always weather permitting.

Independence Pass was carved out of the land by glaciers and the erosive action of the Roaring Fork River over thousands of years. It is the site of the first road in the Roaring Fork Valley, which was pioneered over Hunter Pass, the original name of Independence Pass, in 1881. An old stage road still remains visible from several locations. The road was built in its current location in 1927 and was paved in 1967.

Alternate Route

The alternate route to Aspen during the months the pass is closed is I-70 to Glenwood Springs, and CO 82 into Aspen.