The Top 7 Mountain Passes in Pitkin County
Whether it be for the views, for the climbs or for the downhill descents, browse our list of the best mountain passes in Pitkin County and make your next adventure one to remember. Contributed by the community, for the community, each mountain pass Highlight is a personal recommendation you know you can trust, so simply find your favorite and go.
Last updated: November 13, 2025
Independence Pass West Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Climbing Independence Pass eastwards from Aspen is a bucket-list journey to the Continental Divide, reaching an extreme altitude of 12,095ft, making it one of North America's highest paved passes. Prepare …
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Independence Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Independence Pass sits at an elevation of 12,095 feet and connects the towns of Aspen & Twin Lakes. This is a popular bike route, however there can be heavy traffic on summer weekends, so weekday rides are ideal.
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McClure Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
McClure Pass is a high mountain pass in western Colorado, along the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway. It's located between the towns of Redstone and Somerset, not far from Carbondale …
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Trail Rider Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
At over 12,400 feet, the pass is often windy and cold, even on a sunny day, but the views from the top are your ultimate reward. You'll get a perfect, …
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Mount Sopris
Highlight • Summit
Mt. Sopris is located in the Elk Range of Colorado and is actually a twin summit mountain. It stands above the town of Carbondale and the Roaring Fork Valley at an elevation of 12,965 ft.
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Independence Pass Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
The road going over Independence Pass (and thus connecting Aspen and Twin Lakes) is only open certain times of the year due to heavy snowfall. The 32 mile paved road …
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Independence Pass Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
At over 12,000 feet of elevation, Independence Pass is the second-highest pass of a paved road in Colorado. This point offers a nice break with a viewpoint of the pass and the surrounding mountains right off CO 82.
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See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides in Pitkin County:
Front RangeWhite River National ForestPike And San Isabel National ForestsGrand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National ForestsSawatch RangeSummit CountySan Juan MountainsPark CountyChaffee CountySan Juan National ForestClear Creek CountyArapaho And Roosevelt National ForestsSan Juan CountyGunnison CountyLake CountySaguache CountyRio Grande National ForestLarimer CountyHinsdale CountyGrand CountyMineral CountyEagle CountyLa Plata County
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