Location

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.

Maps

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Guide Book

Independence Pass Rock Climbing II
Describes all climbing and bouldering areas between Aspen and Twin Lakes Colorado. Includes maps, photos and route descriptions to over 700 climbs and boulder problems!

Free Supplement:  My Space-Lost World

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!

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.

Camping Maps

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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.