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Independence Pass – Independence Pass Viewpoint loop from South Elbert Trailhead

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Independence Pass – Independence Pass Viewpoint loop from South Elbert Trailhead

Hard

riders

Independence Pass – Independence Pass Viewpoint loop from South Elbert Trailhead

09:16

132km

2,400m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 30, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

San Isabel National Forest

White River National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

5.87 km

Twin Lakes (Town)

Highlight • Settlement

Twin Lakes is a tiny mountain community just south of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, the two tallest peaks in the state. Named for the nearby two largest glacial lakes …

Tip by

33.6 km

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.

Tip by

37.1 km

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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39.9 km

Historical Town of Independence

Highlight • Historical Site

The Town of Independence has had many names over the years, but the name of Independence has stuck around the longest. This old mining village is full of history and …

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50.7 km

Grotto Cascades

Highlight • Waterfall

The Grotto Cascades are a section of the Roaring Fork River where the water flows over a series of small, drop-like ledges or rock shelves. The water flows the highest in late spring and early summer months.

Tip by

56.9 km

Tagert Lake

Highlight • Lake

This is a nice break point off of CO 82 where you can enjoy this beautiful lake surrounded by stunning Aspen trees. This place is absolutely stunning in fall when the leaves begin to change colors.

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62.7 km

North Star Nature Preserve (South Gate)

Highlight • Natural

The North Star Nature Preserve is an access point to the Roaring Fork River. There is kayaking access, access to the East of Aspen Trail, and parking at this south …

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66.6 km

Rio Grande Trail through Newberry Park

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Beautiful section of the Rio Grande Trail that runs next to Roaring Fork River through Newberry Park and Rio Grande Park. The parks have restrooms, picnic benches, and parking.

Tip by

132 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

119 km

6.43 km

3.69 km

2.45 km

967 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

124 km

3.69 km

2.56 km

1.10 km

247 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (3,690 m)

Lowest point (2,400 m)

Weather

Monday 20 July

28°C

9°C

-- %

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Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Independence Pass – Independence Pass Viewpoint loop from South Elbert Trailhead

Twin Lakes (Town)