Driving the legendary Independence Go in Colorado

Independence Go is a excessive mountain move at an elevation of three.692m (12,112ft) above the ocean degree, positioned on the boundary of Pitkin and Lake counties, within the U.S. state of Colorado. It is one of many highest roads of Colorado.

What number of miles is Independence Go?

The highway to the summit is completely paved. It’s known as State Freeway 82 (CO-82). The move is about 51km (32 miles) lengthy and connects the higher valley of the Roaring Fork River upstream from Aspen with the headwaters of the Arkansas River close to Leadville. The highway was not paved till 1967.

Is Independence Go harmful?

Situated in central Colorado, the highway over the move just isn’t for individuals who worry heights. It’s slender and winding with steep inclines. Not solely is it the best paved lane in Colorado, it is also stuffed with steep drop-offs, tight curves, and slender stretches that may match just one automobile at a time. Parts of the highway are a bit tight for many of the RV’s travelling by. And assembly one in every of these in a one lane part is thrilling. The highway is steep with a 6.5% gradient, together with tight switchbacks on every strategy. Outsized and chubby autos are strictly prohibited. Completely no autos over 35 toes in size might use the highway at any time; massive RVs are allowed, nevertheless. At all times preserve your eyes on the highway and drive slowly whereas remaining ready to yield. The tight curves and single lane segments of the freeway require heightened consideration by drivers.

Is Independence Go open?

Set excessive within the Sawatch Vary of the Rocky Mountains, between Aspen and Leadville, the move, initially often known as Hunter Go, is all the time closed in winters, from the primary heavy snowstorm in autumn, usually opening solely in late Might or early June. Anytime it may be closed when the entry just isn’t cleared of snow. The goal reopening date every spring is the Thursday earlier than the Memorial Day vacation weekend. Rockfall stays a problem on this highway with occasional rocks within the roadway and even the rare highway closure. At this elevation it is without doubt one of the highest paved mountain roads in Colorado.

How lengthy does it take to drive Independence Go?

Tucked away within the White River Nationwide Forest, the drive by the Independence Go, operating from Aspen to US 24 may take from 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half with stops alongside the way in which to benefit from the scenic views.