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Mountain passes

Independence Pass West Climb

Mountain passes

Independence Pass West Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Independence Pass West Climb

This Highlight goes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for: White River National Forest

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Location: Pitkin County, Colorado, United States

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Best Road Cycling Rides to Independence Pass West Climb

5.0

(2)

112

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1. Independence Pass via Hwy 82 — Aspen

64.3km

03:29

1,300m

Expert road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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2. Independence Pass climb from Twin Lakes to Aspen – out & back

125km

06:41

2,230m

Expert road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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3. Independence Pass Viewpoint – Independence Pass West Climb loop from Basalt

126km

06:28

1,790m

Expert road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Tips

Paul_C

May 1, 2025

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 for a very long 18-20 mile and challenging climb gaining over 4000ft; while the average grade is moderate at 4-5%, expect long, sustained climbing sections particularly above the tree line, likely averaging 6-8% in parts, amplified significantly by the thin air. Along the route you'll see the stunning transition through beautiful aspen groves to breathtaking alpine tundra vistas. Be aware that services are non-existent between Aspen and Twin Lakes so be self-sufficient and check the road status before attempting the climb.

Fred Urrutia

June 20, 2022

Do you need fuel? Then enjoy the landscapes!

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Details

Informations

Distance 25.2 km

Uphill 1,180 m

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Saturday 1 November

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Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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See rides here

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Location: Pitkin County, Colorado, United States

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Independence Pass West Climb

1. Independence Pass via Hwy 82 — Aspen

2. Independence Pass climb from Twin Lakes to Aspen – out & back

3. Independence Pass Viewpoint – Independence Pass West Climb loop from Basalt

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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