The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), in coordination with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, will close Colorado Highway 82 over Independence Pass starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. The closure affects the stretch between Aspen and Twin Lakes, with barricades set up near Lincoln Creek Road (Mile Point 51.1) on the west side and Graham Gulch (MP 68.5) on the east.
This decision follows forecasts of winter weather expected to bring snow accumulation and strong winds to the area, making travel hazardous across the high-mountain pass. CDOT crews plan to assess conditions again on Tuesday morning, Nov. 18, to determine whether it is safe to reopen or if the road will remain closed for its annual winter shutdown.
Travelers from Denver to Aspen are advised to use an alternate route: westbound I-70 to Glenwood Springs and then CO 82 into Aspen.
“Recognizing the access Independence Pass provides for Pitkin County residents, visitors, and others, our maintenance teams consider several factors when deciding whether to close the pass — whether for a short-term storm event or the full seasonal closure,” said Jason Smith, CDOT’s Regional Transportation Director for Northwest Colorado. “Of all the factors involved, the safety of the traveling public and our CDOT personnel remains paramount.”
Independence Pass typically closes each year in late October or early November due to winter conditions. The latest closure date in recent years was Nov. 17 in 2017.
The pass is notable as Colorado’s highest paved state highway at 12,095 feet above sea level and crosses through challenging terrain including steep drop-offs and narrow stretches that can only accommodate one vehicle at a time. Drivers are reminded that weather can make driving conditions difficult even when roads are open.
Independence Pass covers a distance of 32 miles between Twin Lakes and Aspen, passing through both San Isabel National Forest on its eastern side and White River National Forest on its western approach. When open during warmer months, CDOT monitors road conditions daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In winter months heavy snowfall at higher elevations prevents safe travel across Independence Pass; typically it reopens around Memorial Day weekend after safety checks by CDOT crews.
