I'd only be interested in short hikes, though.I truly believe people should see what the road is like before they get on it and wish they were somewhere else. I know many people who refuse to ride that road. However, the year of its construction would turn out to be the settlement's economic peak year. The western side, the descent into Aspen, has a couple of stretches of one lane dirt. The road improved Independence's economy, since coaches often stopped there on the multi-day journey. In that case CO law says that the vehicle going downhill must yield to the vehicle going uphill. The road is narrow and steep with a 6.5% gradient, including tight switchbacks on each approach. Re: How long does it take to drive Independence Pass? Portions of the road are a bit tight for most of the RV's travelling through. The summit of the Continental Divide is 12,095 feet above sea level, and Independence Pass is a 32-mile drive that takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Re: How long does it take to drive Independence Pass? Time for another trip down memory lane, this time to a beautiful drive along the mighty Independence Pass in Colorado. If you are, then don't forget to use second gear, not your brakes to slow down and never use Hope you do have a good, safe trip with wonderful memories.This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The road over the pass is not for those who fear heights. But don’t despair: here are some factors that can affect how long it takes to pass your driving test, with our top tips on how best … Always keep your eyes on the road and drive slowly while remaining prepared to yield. When driving on State Highway 82 over Independence Pass, use extra caution and remember to share the road. Oversized and overweight vehicles are strictly prohibited. Pass in SW CO?What kind of rental car do I need & are there places I should not drive a rental car?What are the roads like, and what do I need to know about driving in Colorado?In Winter do I need a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle in Colorado?Can I get to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car? How long would it take to drive this road, allowing a few quick pit stops to take pictures? The trip between Aspen and US 24 takes from 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half with stops along the way to enjoy the scenic views. It is traversed by State Highway 82 and crosses the Sawatch Mountains between Twin Lakes and Aspen. It is absolutely amazing how the continental divide can be in Colorado and understand the water flowing evenly into the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. Check it out at Portions are 5% grade, & no guardrails. Not only is it the highest paved lane in Colorado, it's also full of steep drop-offs, tight curves, and narrow stretches that can fit only one car at a time. Another spot is very narrow, only room for one vehicle. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Rockfall remains an issue on this road with occasional rocks in the roadway and even the infrequent road closure.Located within the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado, the road to reach the pass is narrow, twisting and often without guardrails. The drive is very pretty but one must pay attention to the narrow roads … The road was not paved until 1967 and it's in dreadful condition and requires strong nerves to negotiate it. The tight curves and single lane segments of the highway require heightened attention by drivers.The pass is always closed in winter, from the first heavy snow fall in autumn, often opening only in late May or early June. Here's a link to some info. A typical voyage over the pass required 10–25 hours and five changes of horses.
It's 45 miles or so from Aspen to hwy 24.

Some of the remaining buildings of Independence, 2010.

Featuring many stops along the way to enjoy scenic views, it twists around stunning groves of aspen trees and hugs the Roaring Fork River. The surface of the road is paved. The road was not paved until 1967 and it's in dreadful condition and requires strong nerves to negotiate it. That means you (you're the one going downhill) will have to either find a spot wide enough for the two of you to pass (hope it's not an RV) or you will have to back up on the windy road until there is space enough.If you are not a good mountain driver you might want to rethink this drive.