Independence Pass

 

Rock Climbing

Independence Pass is a stunning, meandering stretch of wilderness. It’s one of the most scenic drives in Colorado, the ribbon of highway winding through groves of aspens, big stretches of meadows and up and over great walls of granite.  As a climbing area, Independence Pass Rock Climbing boasts relatively short approaches, stellar rock and a large variety of impressive climbs, all in a true alpine setting.

Independence Pass is renowned for its exceptionally diverse rock climbing opportunities, offering an almost equal balance of trad/mixed and sport climbing. The area features a wide range of multi-grade, multi-pitch routes, along with excellent bouldering options, making it a premier destination for climbers of all skill levels.

The Pass is the perfect summer rock climbing destination, with habitually warm and dry days, coupled with striking fall foliage, make for some of the season’s most colorful climbing.

Independence Pass is a stunning, meandering stretch of wilderness. It’s one of the most scenic drives in Colorado, the ribbon of highway winding through groves of aspens, big stretches of meadows and up and over great walls of granite.  As a climbing area, Independence Pass Rock Climbing boasts relatively short approaches, stellar rock and a large variety of impressive climbs, all in a true alpine setting.

Offering some of the most versatile rock climbing in the country, Independence Pass has nearly a 50/50 split of trad / mixed and sport climbing, with multi-grade, multi-pitch routes and great bouldering, as well.

The Pass is the perfect summer rock climbing destination, with habitually warm and dry days, coupled with striking fall foliage, make for some of the season’s most colorful climbing.

Climbing Season

The Colorado Department of Transportation closes Highway 82 for the winter, usually just after Halloween. At that time, the highway is gated approximately 4.5 miles east of Aspen and 10.4 miles west of Twin Lakes. The road generally re-opens Memorial Day to accommodate holiday travelers and the start of the summer season.

Year-round climbing can be found on Classy Cliff, Master Headwall and Dragon Rock on the west. On sunny winter days, the Grotto Wall is an easy ski or short snowshoe away. The Dump Wall, Outlook Rock, and Monitor Rock offer year-round climbing access from the east. All other cliffs are climbable as soon as the highway opens.

In summer months the temperatures are mild (70’s and low 80’s), while afternoon thunderstorms are common and ferocious, though often short-lived.  In the spring and fall, expect periods of sun, shorter days and occasional bouts of wind and rain, even snow. Be prepared for all weather conditions!

Maps

Independence Pass is bordered by Aspen on the west and Twin Lakes on the east. From Denver, drive I-70 West to 91, south through Leadville to 24 then turn west onto Highway 82 to Aspen (open only during summer months).  From Grand Junction drive east on I-70 connecting with Highway 82 at Glenwood Springs.

View Independence Pass with Google Maps

Camping

Most camping on Independence Pass consists of fee-based camping. Difficult Campground, Weller Campground, Lincoln Gulch Campground and Lost Man Campground are on located the west side of the Continental Divide. Twin Peaks Campground, Parry Peak Campground and Lake View Campground are located east of the Continental Divide. Free camping can be found along Lincoln Creek Road on the west side. Free dispersed camping east of the divide can be found in the Outlook Rock and Dump Wall areas and .5 miles beyond Lake View Campground. See the USDA Forest Service web site www.fs.fed.us for the most up-to-date information.

| View Campgrounds with Google Maps

Environment

Independence Pass is a scenic, clean and fragile wilderness. Low impact / leave no trace policies should be followed.

  • Stay on maintained trails as much as possible.
  • Dispose your human waste properly. Toilets can be found at all campgrounds. If toilets are unavailable dig a hole at least six inches deep and 200 feet from any water, trails, campsites or base of climbs.
  • Pack out all trash!
  • Help keep visual impacts to a minimum. Remove all retreat (or bail) slings or biners that you encounter.

Thank you for your help in keeping Independence Pass a beautiful, pristine place to explore!

Style and Standards

Most modern Independence Pass climbs done today started out as chossy, nearly unclimbable rock. Much cleaning is required. This is because most of the natural, ground-up type of line potential has already been done in the 45 year history of Independence Pass route establishment. Depending on the type of route that you want to put up, please abide by the following local standards and traditions of the Pass.

  • During the early development of Independence Pass, bold routes were established ground up, many without prior inspection. This means that if you want to put up a run-out, adventure climb with sketchy pro, do it from the ground up, with minimal inspection from above. Others willhave to climb these routes at the same level of boldness as the first ascentionists.
  • Due to the nature of the rock, most Pass mixed gear routes were first cleaned then rehearsed on toprope, while trying to leave the rock in its most natural state. Bolts on these routes should be placed with thoughtful discretion allowing for as much natural protection as possible.
  • Rap bolted sport routes should be cleaned and have appropriate protection with thought-out clipping positions. The end result should be a perfect sport climb.

Please abide by the following:

  • NEVER alter existing routes! If the protection on a particular route does not suit your liking or ability, choose another climb.
  • NEVER chip, chisel, glue, or scar the rock.
  • Do not squeeze routes in-between other established routes.
  • Avoid establishing new climbing on crags immediately above the road.  They are a hazard to you and passer-byers.
  • All new climbs should include anchors if an obvious or established descent is not present.

History

Independence Pass is a breathtaking mountain pass nestled in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, connecting the charming towns of Aspen and Twin Lakes. Sitting high in the Sawatch Range, it’s one of the tallest mountain passes in Colorado, offering jaw-dropping views of towering peaks and sprawling valleys.

The history of Independence Pass is as fascinating as the scenery. Back in 1879, famed explorer and geologist John Wesley Powell led a team of surveyors over the pass as they mapped the region for the U.S. government. Around the same time, prospectors were combing the area in search of gold and silver during Colorado’s mining boom.

By the late 1800s and early 1900s, miners, loggers, and ranchers used the pass to transport goods and move cattle to summer pastures. Things really changed in 1916 when the first car made it over the pass. After years of effort to improve the rugged dirt road, Independence Pass officially opened to automobile traffic in 1923 and was fully paved by the 1950s.

The pass gets its name from the once-thriving town of Independence, founded during the Colorado silver rush in 1879. The town, named in honor of the Declaration of Independence, quickly grew to over 1,500 residents. But by the 1890s, like so many boomtowns, it was abandoned when the silver industry declined.

Fast forward to today, Independence Pass is a go-to destination for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just cruising through to soak in the views, there’s something for everyone. Keep in mind, though, the pass is closed in winter due to heavy snowfall—it’s typically open from late spring to early fall.

There’s been growing concern about the environmental impact of increased traffic in recent years. Organizations like the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative and Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics are working hard to preserve Colorado’s natural beauty. The Colorado Department of Transportation has also stepped up, introducing measures to manage traffic and reduce environmental stress.

Independence Pass is a perfect mix of history, adventure, and nature. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a scenic drive, it’s an unforgettable spot in the heart of the Rockies. Just don’t forget to respect the land and tread lightly to help protect this beautiful place for generations to come.