The high country gates of Independence Pass are officially set to close later this week for the winter season on both the Twin Lakes and Aspen sides.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the 12,095-foot mountain pass will close for the season on Friday, November 13th at 7:00 PM.
Independence Pass, part of Colorado 82, climbs over the Continental Divide between Aspen and Twin Lakes. It's one of the most scenic mountain passes in the state, well-known for its steep grades and lack of guardrails. It's also one of just two ways to access Aspen, the other being through Glenwood Springs, which requires travel on Interstate 70.
The Aspen Times says this year's closure is the latest to occur since 2016 when the gates closed on November 17.
The pass typically closes around November 7 each year and almost always reopens the Thursday before Memorial Day each May, depending on the weather.
Heavy snowfall in 2019 led to an early seasonal closure of Independence Pass on October 28th.
Editor's Note: Check CDOT’s Facebook, Twitter (@coloradodot) or cotrip.org for closures and delays on highways and roads across Colorado.
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