Page Contributor(s): Christopher Jacobs, Byers CO, USA
Page Contributor(s): Christopher Jacobs, Byers CO, USA
Cycling Independence Pass, Colorado -- Route from Aspen is a US 100 Bike Climb.
Ride 15.8 miles gaining 4,128’ to 12,095’ at 4.8% average grade.
The eastern approach to the pass is less challenging and scenic than from the west, but finishes at the same high altitude as from Aspen, of course! So the altitude alone makes this one a bit tougher than its pedestrian statistics suggest.
We climbed Independence Pass September 4, 2014 and reached the summit in the snow!
Before heading to Colorado on your cycling adventure, be sure to rely on our list of Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip, and use our interactive checklist to ensure you don't forget anything.
Highest paved passes in Colorado, all cross the Continental Divide:
These passes[1] are also the highest in the U.S., followed by Guanella Pass, CO (11,639’), Slumgullion Pass, CO (11,539’), Beartooth Pass, WY[2] (10,950’), Grand Mesa, CO (10,875’), Wolf Creek Pass, CO (10,857’), Hwy 143, UT (10,413’), Hwy 153, UT (10,308’).
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TOP 100 US BIKE CLIMBS
Wolf Creek Pass (top photo): southwest CO (Pagosa Springs)
Independence Pass: central CO (Aspen)
Cottonwood Pass: central CO (Buena Vista)
Trail Ridge: Stops nine miles short of the Divide.
[1] Passes are distinct from “highest points” on climbs that do not continue over a summit (e.g. Mt. Evans and Pikes Peak).
[2] Starts in Montana, but the pass itself is in Wyoming.