Independence Pass (Colorado)

Infobox Mountain Pass
Name = Independence Pass
Photo = Independence_Pass_CO.jpg
Caption = The continental divide sign at the pass
Elevation = 3686 m./12,095 ft.
Location = Colorado, USA
Range = Rocky Mountains
Coordinates = coord|39.109|N|106.563|W|type:pass
Topographic
http://www.topozone.com/viewmaps.asp?method=place&placename=Independence+Pass&statefips=8 USGS TopoZone listing]
Traversed by = State Highway 82

Independence Pass (el. 3686 m./12,095 ft.) is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado in the United States.

The pass is at the summit of the ridge of the Sawatch Range between Aspen and Leadville, on the border between Pitkin and Lake counties and is located within the confines of the White River National Forest. The pass connects the upper valley of the Roaring Fork River upstream from Aspen with the headwaters of the Arkansas River near Leadville. The pass is traversed by State Highway 82 and is the second-highest paved mountain pass in Colorado. The top of the pass is well above the tree line and the terrain type at the top is tundra. Its narrow road provides for slow cautious navigation on its approaches. The approach on either side is a steady but steep 6.5%. Several switchbacks on each side of the pass make careful planning a must. Truckers and other large vehicles are not allowed to use the road, though large RVs can make it with careful planning. The pass is always closed in winter, from the first heavy snow fall in autumn, often opening only in late May.

External links

* [http://independence-pass.com/ Independence Pass Photos & Discussion Forum]
* [http://terraserver.microsoft.com/image.aspx?T=2&S=12&Z=13&X=455&Y=5412&W=1 Topographic map]
* [http://www.topozone.com/viewmaps.asp?method=place&placename=Independence+Pass&statefips=8 USGS TopoZone listing]