Top of the Rockies
Visitor Services

Rentals for horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and biking are available in Leadville. There are numerous picnic areas along the entire length of the byway.

Service	Description	Service	Description
	Accessibility The Independence Pass corridor provides several universal access trails and sites: * The Braille Trail, located at Mile Marker 54 on Highway 82, was developed in 1961 and was the first to provide...		Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities The terrain along this byway varies from rolling ranch land to precipitous mountain passes. Bicyclists and pedestrians share the road with cars. The creation of pedestrian and bike pathways...
	Camping There are a variety of campgrounds along the byway, including many around the Leadville area, Twin Lakes, and Turquoise Lake.		Food There are a variety of places to eat, with the greatest concentration of places in Leadville. Steak dinners, Mexican food, cafés, pizza places, and fast food are all available along the byway.
	Gasoline Gasoline and other automotive services are available along the byway.		Information There are many interpretive signs located at various points of interest along the byway. In addition to this, the Leadville Chamber of Commerce, located at 809 Harrison Avenue, provides a wide...
	Lodging The greatest number of lodging facilities are located in Leadville. Inns, lodges, historic hotels, cottages, campgrounds, and motels/hotels are available along the byway.		Phone Public phones are available along this byway.
	Restrooms There are toilet facilities along this byway.		Retail There are places to shop along the byway.

NOTE: The America's Byways® website is federally funded and cannot promote commercial businesses. This data may not be complete or up to date. The National Scenic Byways Program is not responsible for the quality of your travel experience. See the right column on the Byway Overview page for local contact information.

Special Considerations

This state-maintained paved road climbs from 8,000 feet to over 11,300 feet above sea level where snowfall can exceed 360 inches per year. Under these conditions you might expect significant accessibility limitations, but actually the roads are hardly ever closed. The only part that ever closes is the Vail Pass segment of I-70. When this happens, you can bypass it by taking State Highways 24 and 91, which does take a little more time to travel.

In May 2007, the byway acquired a new stretch of road that extends west from Twin Lakes to Aspen. Just over 40 miles, this particular part of the route is only state designated for now.

Due to the amount of snowfall along the byway, use normal winter precautions when traveling this route. Most facilities remain open year-round, with the exception of some of the pullouts and displays located at higher elevations. They disappear under plow-caused snow banks.

State Highway 82 over Independence Pass is a two-lane paved road maintained by the Colorado Dept. of Transportation (CDOT). Road widths average 22 to 24 feet with few passing zones between Twin Lakes and Aspen but at least 135 turnouts where slower traffic can pull off the road surface. Vehicles are limited to 35 feet or less which keeps semi-trailer traffic off the road but allows for all but the largest recreational vehicles. Prolific signage informs drivers of mountainous driving conditions and safety issues. Safety information is also available on CDOT and partner websites.

Please note:

• Wildfires are an ever-present danger during the summer. Please obey posted signs regarding campfires, and do not throw cigarettes out of car windows.
• Abandoned mines are extremely dangerous. Do not explore them.
• Respect property owners' rights. Do not trespass or litter.
• This byway traverses high mountain passes, so be prepared for all types of weather.
• High altitudes bring increased sun exposure and reduced oxygen, so please wear sunscreen and sunglasses, and don't overexert yourself.
• Temperatures are also cooler in the high altitudes, so be prepared for cold mornings, even in the high summer months.

Restrictions

Highway 82, the Independence Pass Road between Twin Lakes and Aspen, is closed during the winter months at a point some 5 miles beyond the southwestern terminus of the byway.

The route between Twin Lakes and the eastern boundary of the City of Aspen is limited to vehicles of 35 feet in length or less.

Seasons

Best Time to Drive

From late May to October, against a backdrop of vast snowcapped peaks, visitors conquer the “Top of the Rockies” as they cross the Continental Divide.

High Season

Byway visitors attracted by the spectacular fall colors may experience higher traffic in September at the height of the annual fall color change.

Summer

Summer is a pleasant time to drive the byway; it's filled with cool temperatures, thick stands of pine trees, shining mountain lakes, and numerous activities in Leadville.

Winter

Due to the 12,095-foot elevation at the summit of Independence Pass and heavy winter snowfall, this segment is open from Memorial Day weekend to when snow falls in late October or early November. Signs along the pass indicate if the road is open.

Road Conditions

To find up to date information about the road conditions along Top of the Rockies, please visit the FHWA listing of web sites for more information.

Colorado