Select Road: Indy Pass
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Connecting the Arkansas Valley to Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, Independence Pass is the second highest paved mountain pass in Colorado and a classic destination ride for many recreational cyclists. The ride to the top features three hairpin switchbacks, breathtaking alpine scenery, and cliffs that plunge from the edge of the blacktop.
The grade along the first twelve miles of the ride is relatively mild. After the first switchback, however, your level of effort will increase dramatically as the pitch increases and gravity becomes your enemy.
The grade along the first twelve miles of the ride is relatively mild. After the first switchback, however, your level of effort will increase dramatically as the pitch increases and gravity becomes your enemy.
Ride length: 34.6 miles (round-trip)
Ride type: out-and-back
Riding time: 4-5 hours
Elevations: start/end 9,225’; max 12,095’; min 9,225’
Total climbing: gain/loss 3,835’
Aerobic level: strenuous
Season: June through October
Directions: This ride starts at the Visitors’ Center parking area in Twin Lakes. From the intersection of US 24 and CO 82 (about 19 miles north of Buena Vista on US 24), drive approximately 6.8 miles west on CO 82 to the town of Twin Lakes. Park in the large lot by the Visitors’ Center on the left (south) side of the road.
Ride type: out-and-back
Riding time: 4-5 hours
Elevations: start/end 9,225’; max 12,095’; min 9,225’
Total climbing: gain/loss 3,835’
Aerobic level: strenuous
Season: June through October
Directions: This ride starts at the Visitors’ Center parking area in Twin Lakes. From the intersection of US 24 and CO 82 (about 19 miles north of Buena Vista on US 24), drive approximately 6.8 miles west on CO 82 to the town of Twin Lakes. Park in the large lot by the Visitors’ Center on the left (south) side of the road.
The Ride:
-0.0 - From the parking area, ride west on CO 82 (9,225’).
-3.5 - Pass the Twin Peaks Campground (9,625’) on the left.
-4.6 - Pass Snyder Falls (9,750’) on the left.
-8.2 - Pass the Lake Creek trailhead parking area and South Fork Lake Creek Road (10,220’) on the left.
-12.8 - You are treated to terrific views of Mount Champion as you approach the first hairpin switchback at Lake Creek (10,830’). Be prepared for a dramatic increase in the climbing grade beyond this point.
-15.1 - Turn through the next tight switchback at Mountain Boy Gulch (11,500’). This is the bottom of a popular late season, back country ski run from the summit of the pass.
-16.4 - Round the last switchback on your final approach to the summit (11,840’).
-17.3 - Independence Pass summit (12,095’) and parking area.
-3.5 - Pass the Twin Peaks Campground (9,625’) on the left.
-4.6 - Pass Snyder Falls (9,750’) on the left.
-8.2 - Pass the Lake Creek trailhead parking area and South Fork Lake Creek Road (10,220’) on the left.
-12.8 - You are treated to terrific views of Mount Champion as you approach the first hairpin switchback at Lake Creek (10,830’). Be prepared for a dramatic increase in the climbing grade beyond this point.
-15.1 - Turn through the next tight switchback at Mountain Boy Gulch (11,500’). This is the bottom of a popular late season, back country ski run from the summit of the pass.
-16.4 - Round the last switchback on your final approach to the summit (11,840’).
-17.3 - Independence Pass summit (12,095’) and parking area.