Getting here · Highway 82
Independence Pass
The summer shortcut from Denver to Aspen over the Continental Divide. When it's open, who can't drive it, and how the drive feels.
The summer shortcut from Denver to Aspen over the Continental Divide. When it's open, who can't drive it, and how the drive feels.
Independence Pass carries Highway 82 over the Continental Divide at 12,095 feet, 19 miles east of Aspen. It is closed all winter and reopens just before Memorial Day weekend: May 21 in 2026. Vehicles and trailers 35 feet or longer are prohibited.
Dates and rules are from the Colorado Department of Transportation, checked September 2026.
Paul Montiel · Aspen · Updated September 2026
When it's open, the pass is the shortest way from Denver, avoiding Glenwood Canyon. In summer 2027, with the canyon under construction and Aspen's airport closed, that matters more than usual.
Nervous passengers, large vans and anyone prone to car sickness may prefer the longer I-70 route. Sprinter vans must check they're under 35 feet.
The summit and the Independence ghost town are worth a stop, but you're at over 12,000 feet: walk slowly on the first day of the trip.
From November to late May the only way from Denver is I-70 via Glenwood Springs. See Denver to Aspen in winter.
Usually the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. It opened on May 21 in 2026, May 22 in 2025 and May 31 in 2024.
After the first significant winter storms in autumn. In 2025 CDOT closed it for the season on November 17.
Not if they're 35 feet or longer, including any trailer. CDOT prohibits commercial and recreational vehicles of that length.
12,095 feet, on the Continental Divide.
No. It's closed from the autumn closure until late May; use I-70 through Glenwood Springs.
We choose the route with you on the day: a private car over the pass when it's open, the I-70 route when it isn't, and a day trip to the summit and ghost town if you'd like to see it without driving.
Up Highway 82 to 12,095 feet on the Continental Divide, with someone else driving the switchbacks. A stop at the Independence ghost town, a picnic at the top, and back in time for a late afternoon in town.
Winter-equipped vehicle and driver for the four-hour drive, re-timed as roads change.
We watch the flight from the moment it leaves. If it's on time, a driver is waiting and the fire is lit when you walk in. If it diverts to Eagle or cancels, the car, the bags and the house all move with it, and you hear from us before you have to ask.
CDOT: Independence Pass open May 21, 2026 · CDOT: CO 82 Independence Pass closed Nov 17, 2025 · Independence Pass Foundation · Independence Pass (Wikipedia) — checked September 28, 2026.
Send the date and the group. We'll pick the route, the vehicle that fits the pass, and the timing.
Arrange my transfer