Independence Pass, Aspen

Colorado Highway 82 over Independence Pass is one of the most-famous pieces of pavement in the state. Road signs advise that vehicles over 35-feet long are prohibited, and for good reason. It may be wide lower down, but up top in spots, road width narrows to about a lane-and-a-half with tight turns and no shoulders. In typical Colorado fashion, guardrails are seldom seen, making this a white-knuckler for the acrophobic. The abandoned mining camp of Independence sits near timberline. Stop and stroll around. A short distance beyond, the road reaches its Continental Divide apex on the highest paved pass in the country. Views in every direction inspire gape-mouth awes. If time permits, descend to Leadville and grab a burrito at one of its Mexican restaurants (Casa Blanca at 118 E. 2nd St. is best). It takes about an hour to reach the pass and another hour reach Leadville. The road over Independence Pass is closed in winter.

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