Drive Independence Pass

Independence, OH
5.0
2 Reviews
Drive Independence Pass
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Details

Distance
32 miles
Route Type
Point-to-Point

Features

Wildflowers
Dog Friendly
Ada Accessible
Family Friendly
Forest
Bathrooms
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About this place

Added by Lindsay McClure

Independence Pass is a scenic 32 mile drive or ride. The pass allows you to travel to "The Top of The Rockies." Along the route, there are numerous trailheads for you to pull over and hit the trail.

Whether you are driving or biking, the elevation gain is significant, it's over 4,000 ft. The road is fairly narrow so being cautious is important. The highway itself is seasonal; it's closed for winter due to icy conditions. We stopped along the Grotto trailhead to hike around and get some views of the switchback-ing road. The snow proved to be a great variable, giving the pass a much different landscape than that of it's popular summer one.

There is a world-class climbing wall here in the Grotto, where I was fortunate to get a shot of "The Man on the Face." See if you can spot him!

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Kyle C
10/9/2020
Super Scenic with Lots to do
With Aspen on one side and Twin Lakes on the other and endless things to do in between you can't go wrong with Independence ...
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Jared Beeler
9/22/2020
Great drive!!
This is one of the best easily accessible passes along the Continental Divide. Driving it in the summer offers great views and amazing photography.
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