Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Independence Pass

    4.5 (14 reviews)

    Independence Pass Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Independence Pass

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    The surroundings at the Continental Divide section of Independence Pass.
    Seth A.

    Independence Pass (from what I researched) is one of the most worthwhile road trips to embark upon within the United States. It's roughly 20 miles long and it's situated about 20 miles away from Aspen, Colorado. At the pinnacle of Independence Pass Drive, the altitude is over 12,000 feet high above sea level. And at this apex, there's a specific sign stating that you're passing over the Continental Divide. Along the road there's a parking section to pull your car over. I'd suggest stopping here for a unique picture opportunity as sort of an exclamation point that you have officially arrived at this landmark. The area around the Independence Pass Sign is fine for stretching your legs, walking around and hiking in general, just exploring the mountainous landscape. I visited back in mid-July of 2021, and I must say the conditions were pleasant. For a Sunday morning it was nice and brisk outside and not a cloud in the sky. The reason I'm mentioning the weather is because this drive can only be accomplished during summer times as there's too much snow on the road to be navigated across during winters. This climactic portion of Independence Pass had some decent views while I explored, but nothing of significance that really connected with me. There was barely much snow on the background to make for scenic pictures. I love Colorado and all...but basically the terrain is filled with a bunch of simple alpine lakes and uninspiring pale gray tones of peaks and valleys. I mean, overall, the sights weren't memorable (at least for me they weren't). Ultimately, I was making my way towards Aspen to ride the famous Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain for a better chance at photogenic moments. And...along the way continuing on Independence Pass Drive, I stopped 2 - 3 more times at various roadside overlooks to try and capture the essence for what makes the drive so well known. Unfortunately, none of the pitstops had any names to them so I can't even mention what to be on the lookout for. I guess, just, go with the flow and pull over when you feel like stopping, lol. A little side note...the day prior to coming here on Independence Pass...I drove another famous road known as Mount Evans Scenic Byway. On that drive I climbed above 14,000 feet and definitely felt the effects of altitude sickness, being nauseous at times. But now here at Independence Pass it seemed like my body had properly adjusted to the elevation and I didn't mind being so high up. I guess maybe it was a temporary issue. Finally, although Independence Pass is famous for being a scenic drive in the USA...it was just okay in terms of my experience. I enjoyed Mount Evans better the day before. Overall, within Colorado...my favorite drive is still without a doubt Million Dollar Highway going from Silverton, CO to Ouray, CO (the Switzerland of America) in the southwestern portion of the state. Alright, well, this is Independence Pass near the Twin Lakes area of Colorado.

    Cierra W.

    We drove through Independence Pass on our way to Aspen just to see the views. Amazing views of mountains and trees! We pulled over at one of the trails and walked a little bit. We also played in the snow (in June!) and had a snowball fight. Its cold up in the mountains; bring a jacket! Oh, and if you have never drove in the mountains before, please READ on how-to. If you don't, you could end up wearing down your brakes real bad!

    Sign
    Christian B.

    If one wants to truly see how beautiful the Colorado mountains are, just travel up Highway 82. At 12,095 feet you get to experience the majestic Sawatch mountain range. This mountain range has spectacular views as far as the eye can see. Driving west from Leadville, the road is wide and inclines gradually, but for the more adventurous thrill seeker, driving east from Aspen the road twists and turns, with steep inclines, sharp curves, and at one spot turns from a wide two lane road into a narrow one lane road. (which both directions of traffic have to take turns sharing) All in all which ever way you choose, after you get to the huge parking lot at the top of the mountain and walking along the trails youll be able to see some of the best mountain views in Colorado.

    Info at top
    Regina F.

    Amazing drive and views. We were right by the snow at the end of June! Scary hairpin turns so go slow! Many places to pull over. We stopped at the Continental Divide portion that explains history and provided a map of the area. Must do drive if you're in the area. If you're coming from Twin Lakes area, be sure to stop along the river to enjoy nature.

    Elliott W.

    Slowly driving the winding mountain road approaching this location you can feel the anticipation built as you reach the top and see nothing but mountains going on forever in all directions. At the base of the pass are two somewhat small parking areas, that are usually full of cars and people given its popularity, but is surprisingly east to find places to park as the visitors rotate out fairly quick. At the base is a small building with restrooms that on my visit were a total mess and unclean from the overwhelming amount of visitors. Going up the hill is a paved walkway that forks to multiple sides leading to viewing areas that overlook the valley, with signs and visual references to all the peaks and to the continental divide which is just a few hundred yards from the viewing area. At the summit in the summer (mid august) the temperature was about 45 degrees and the wind was blowing a little making it a cold location, so a good jacket and cold protection is highly advised as well as sunscreen given the altitude, as you are engulfed by the majesty of the view you can sunburn quickly. The pathway is also a somewhat steep incline and some visitors might want to bring a travel oxygen breather if you have breathing difficulties. On both sides of the pass down the highway before you make the drive up there are businesses that sell the small canned tanks, or they can be purchased in Aspen or any of the ski resorts.

    Looking towards the Continental Divide, Sept. 2016
    Vicki P.

    Such a beautiful drive from Leadville to Aspen! The road is steep, narrow, and curvy in most places. In fact, as you near Aspen, the two lane road - suddenly and without warning - turns into a one lane road in a couple of different places. So check your speed! Vehicle size and weight restrictions are enforced, which is nice because you won't ever get stuck behind a slow-moving tractor trailer or motorhome. At the top of the pass, get out of the car to stretch your legs and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Continental Divide (elevation 12,095 feet). Be sure to dress warmly because it can be really cold (even in the middle of summer) and super windy. Take a short walk on a paved path to check out some expansive views. On a clear day you can see all the way to Leadville (37.3 miles away), all the way to Buena Vista (41.5 miles away), and also glimpse La Plata Peak, Colorado's fifth highest mountain at 14,343 feet. Bathrooms are located at the parking area as well. The pass does close during the winter (usually between November 1 and the start of the Memorial Day weekend), so plan your trip accordingly. You won't want to miss this quintessential Colorado landmark.

    Independence Pass
    Alice W.

    On our last day in Colorado, we drove from Aspen to Twin Lakes on SH 82. Midway through this stretch, we stopped at Independence Pass, a popular scenic overlook at an elevation of 12,095 feet. Wonderful views of Mount Elbert, the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains and in Colorado, La Plata Peak, the alpine tundra above the treeline, open grassy slopes with wildflowers and shrubs. It's a very short walk around this overlook, but it's also very spectacular. For us, it was one of the last views we had of the Rocky Mountains before we headed home. Driving through the pass can be somewhat challenging if you're not used to navigating sharp turns and switchbacks on a mountain road. Luckily, my parents and I are experts having driven through many difficult mountain roads while traveling so we didn't think this was too bad. However, I have read some reviews where folks found this drive to be taxing and vowed to never do it again. I'd be aware of the ever-changing weather like thunderstorms or snow and altitude changes. During the winter, SH 82 through the pass is closed. If you're driving through, Independence Pass is a great stop to stretch your legs and admire the scenery.

    See all

    Photo of Ivory B.
    49
    557
    72296

    1 year ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 3
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 36
    Thanks 0
    Love this 35
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Seth A.
    46
    1076
    9622

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 14
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Beth V.
    1074
    463
    530

    11 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Independence Pass

    Review Highlights - Independence Pass

    We drove on the Independence Pass from Aspen to Leadville, CO.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Isak Heartstone Troll - Breckenridge Troll

    Isak Heartstone Troll

    (58 reviews)

    Take a short, scenic stroll on the Trollstigen Trail (Troll Trail) to see the Isak Heartstone…read moreTroll. It's located just outside of the main part of Breckenridge. Best of all, it is FREE to see! To find the Trollstigen Trail trailhead go to the southeast corner of the Stephen C. West Ice Arena parking lot, next to Illinois Creek Trailhead. If you are near the trains, go to the opposite end of the parking lot. Isak Heartstone 1 was co-commissioned for an exhibit for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts in 2018, but it was dismantled in February 2019 because it was too popular and then reinstalled here . Although I didn't see it in person, only online, I think the original sculpture was better and more playful. Isak is carefully stacking rocks like he's balancing rocks. As per Dambo's website, this troll got its' name after three little girls came by and gave Isak a stone heart. Dambo has a heart-shaped stone placed in Isak's chest. The Isak Heartstone Troll at THIS location is the second one. Some people reference this one as Isak Heartstone 2. He sits at approximately 15 feet tall. Thomas Dambo is the creator of this and many other trolls. He uses reclaimed wood and other recycled materials. Isak is pretty cool to see in person! He's sitting on an incline between trees. He's got his right hand holding the tree trunk. His left hand is balancing him as he's sitting. The bottom of his left foot is resting against a rock. I love all the details... like his fingernails & toenails, and small branches for hairs. The trail is an easy walk through a forested area. This pathway is stable to walk on. The return trail is different from the one leading in. It consists of wood boards, similar to a deck and includes a 6-inch-high step. This troll was created by Thomas Dambo, a Danish sculpture artist. There are over one hundred Dambo trolls in the U.S.A. and many more around the world. Isak Heartstone is Troll numbered 043. Isak is the first Dambo Troll we've seen in person! We went to see Rita The Rock Planter eight days later! I guess we're officially Troll Hunters now! *If you live in the Los Angeles, CA area or are planning to visit, there will be a temporary exhibit of 12 Thomas Dambo's Trolls at the South Coast Botanic Garden in March 2026. Buy your tickets!

    4/5 stars only because on the unseasonably warm day we went, the trail up to Isak was icy so we had…read moreto navigate that while people on the trail walked in front of and behind us, I guess trying to get there quickly. Isak is not very far from the parking lot and the trailhead sign. On this particular day there were several people waiting to take their photo with Isak, so we waited patiently. When it was our turn a nice woman said, "Be careful, it's slippery." Thank you. We took our photos, enjoyed the trees a bit, and walked back to our car.

    Angelo’s

    Angelo’s

    (100 reviews)

    We came at the end of the season, so it was a very intimate atmosphere. The service and food were…read moreamazing! I felt like I was in Italy. We had the carpaccio, which was absolutely delicious in every way. We had a summer melon salad which had some amazing surprises and creative execution. I had the Fettuccine Bolognese which again was executed to perfection, the pasta was so delicious and tender, while the meat was so full of flavor. My husband had the Fusilli which was also fresh and light. They paired some nice wines for us and we had a lovely time. I know that it can be much busier but we enjoyed the more intimate atmosphere. I wish they had more proteins like veal and other fish dishes, but I would definetely come back here.

    Huge shoutout to Amanda and Benjamin! Amanda is the sweetest host ever. I originally came in on a…read moreMonday night at 9pm and they told me the kitchen was closed. I was disappointed and told them I just wanted some food. Within 1min, they decided to let me in and that was the most beautiful dinner! I loved everything here! I tried different restaurants during my visit in Aspen including some Michelin recommended ones, and they were just okay. I decided to come back for my last dinner before I flew out, and Amanda and some other staff they remembered my name! That was the sweetest thing and I felt like going back home. The service was amazing, the food was delicious and the restaurant was just beautiful! Best restaurant in Aspen! Must visit you won't regret!

    Casa Tua - Aspen - Penne alla Bolognese

    Casa Tua - Aspen

    (206 reviews)

    $$$

    this is one of those spots you don't rush into…read more you kind of arrive at it walked in and it felt like the room had already started without us which is usually a good sign here low lighting, wood everywhere, tables close but not crowded. upstairs doing the private club thing, downstairs handling dinner like it's been doing it for a long time sat down and just ordered what belongs burrata, pasta, something with truffle that felt necessary in the moment and still did later everything came out composed. not trying to impress. just correct in a way that assumes you understand what you're looking at you notice people around you either know the room or are doing a very good job pretending both groups get treated the same which is part of the system there's a point where time stops moving in a normal way. no one checking phones. no one asking how long anything is taking. it just unfolds server had that quiet confidence. didn't catch the name but i think it was barron sawyer. didn't need to say much. nothing required clarification stepped outside after and cooper felt louder than it had earlier which usually means the room did its job five stars this is where you go when the night is already working and you don't want to interrupt it

    Casa Tua feels like stepping into a chic private Italian home tucked into the mountains…read more The restaurant itself is gorgeous -- candlelit, romantic, and incredibly cozy with multiple intimate dining rooms. It's one of those places where the atmosphere alone sets the tone for a special night. The food is refined but comforting. The truffle pasta is phenomenal and the branzino was perfectly prepared -- light, fresh, and full of flavor. Service was polished and professional without feeling stiff. The staff made great wine suggestions and the pacing of the meal was perfect. Casa Tua manages to feel both exclusive and welcoming at the same time, which is rare. One of the most memorable dinners we had in Aspen.

    Independence Pass - localflavor - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...