Top of the Rockies
Independence Pass--A Journey through History's Most Scenic Working Landscape

Departure: Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum, Colorado
Destination: Independence Pass Summit to Twin Lakes, Colorado
Time to allow: 1 day

Surrounded by stunning scenery only visible at altitudes that rarely drop below 9,000 feet and climb up to 12,095 feet, Independence Pass epitomizes the scenic beauty underlying the rich natural resources of the west. Travel along Highway 82 between Twin Lakes and Aspen and begin to understand how this rugged area, so breathtaking and serene, was the livelihood for many miners seeking their fortune. The route can be traveled between Memorial Day and early November, but is best seen during fall foliage season as vibrant reds and ambers set the mountainsides on fire with color. Please be prepared for high altitude climate and bring extra clothes, coats, sunscreen and water. The weather can change in a matter of moments.

Day 1

  • Start: Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum

    In 1891, the Holden Lixiviation Mill sprawled over 22 acres at the edge of Aspen, boasting state-of-the-art technology and industrial design. Just 14 months after the new plant opened, Congress demonetized silver and the mill went bankrupt. Mike Marolt purchased the property for a dollar in the 1940 as a family ranch. This unique site tells the stories of both Aspen’s mining and ranching heritage.

  • Navigation: Tagert Lake Area

    Directions from previous place:

    Leave the museum on Music School Lane and turn right onto Highway 82. Follow directional signs for Highway 82 through the City of Aspen traveling approximately 6 miles to the Tagert Lake area.
    Distance from Previous Site: 6 miles / 9.6 km
    Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes

    The Tagert Lake Area, private property around mile marker 47, is dominated by a pair of man-made lakes, one of which has been in place since the property was homesteaded in the 19th century. At this point the roadside views become dominated by mature aspen groves, and the Lincoln Creek drainage is clearly discernible.

  • Navigation: The Narrows-Lincoln Creek Area

    Directions from previous place:

    Continue driving east on Highway 82 to the Narrows - Lincoln Creek Area is located between mile markers 48 and 49.
    Distance from Previous Site: 1 miles / 1.6 km
    Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes

    The Narrows-Lincoln Creek Area is the first point where the road narrows dramatically. Here, the road clings to the cliff on one side, and on the other yields a precipitous drop-off to the river canyon below. There are wide views of Mount Shimer, the Difficult Creek Drainage, and the mixed deciduous/coniferous forest along the river.

  • Navigation: The Lincoln Creek -Lost Man Area

    Directions from previous place:

    Continue driving east from the Narrows-Lincoln Creek Area on Highway 82 to view the Lincoln-Lost Man area between mile markers 50 and 55.
    Distance from Previous Site: 1 miles / 1.6 km
    Travel Time from Previous Site: 5 minutes

    The Lincoln Creek-Lost Man area is characterized by a narrow river canyon and closed-in vegetation. The river is revealed in glimpses through the trees, while occasionally travelers can see longer views as the road traverses a second set of narrows just below the Lincoln Creek Road turnoff. Visitors may even glimpse the Grottoes area where the river tumbles down through spectacular eroded rock formations.

  • Stop 1: Braille and Discovery Trails

    Directions from previous place:

    Continue driving east on Highway 82 from the Lincoln Creek-Lost Man Area to the Braille/Discovery Trail parking area located at mile marker 54.
    Distance from Previous Site: 3 miles / 4.8 km
    Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes
    Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour

    The Braille Trail, built in 1961, was the first trail developed specifically for visitors who are blind. The trail winds through dense forest and crosses a mountain stream while providing information about the local ecosystem and geological formations in the area. Visitors are encouraged to experience the ecosystem through touch, sound, smell, and even taste.

    The Discovery Trail, developed in 2000, provides a similar experience for visitors who are disabled.

  • Stop 2: Independence Town Site and Ghost Town

    Directions from previous place:

    Continue heading east on Highway 82 from the Braille/Discovery trail parking area approximately three miles to the Independence Town Site parking area located on the right side of the road.
    Distance from Previous Site: 3 miles / 4.8 km
    Travel Time from Previous Site: 15 minutes
    Suggested Time at This Site: 2 hours

    The history of Independence Pass is steeped in incredible beauty and natural resources that led miners in search of fortune to settle near the top of the west side of Independence Pass. Legend has it that prospectors hit a rich vein of gold on July 4, 1879 and named the claim, and the tent city around it, Independence. The Independence Town Site and Ghost Town is a walk back to the 1880’s and helps visitors grasp the reality of living and mining in a harsh environment with an altitude of 10,830 feet. The Aspen Historical Society and the USFS provide a self-guided tour of the Independence Town Site, a thriving mining town and stagecoach stop along the Independence Toll Road.

  • Stop 3: Upper Lost Man Trailhead Interpretive Site

    Directions from previous place:

    From the Independence Town Site parking area, continue heading east towards the summit of Independence Pass for approximately 2.5 miles to the Upper Lost Man Trailhead Interpretive Site, located at mile marker 59.5. The Interpretive site is located on the right side of the road directly accross from the Upper Lost Man Trailhead.
    Distance from Previous Site: 2.5 miles / 4.0 km
    Travel Time from Previous Site: 15 minutes
    Suggested Time at This Site: 10 minutes

    As visitors approach the Upper Lost Man Trailhead Interpretive Site, the highway distantly becomes visible as it hangs onto the edge of the steep mountainside near the summit. A stop at the interpretive site directly across from the parking lot to the trailhead will help travelers understand the historic construction of the Independence Pass road, and also the stabilization work and revegetation, which began in 1996.

  • End: Independence Pass Summit to Twin Lakes

    Directions from previous place:

    Pull out of the Upper Lost Man Trailhead Interpretive Site and continue east on Highway 82 toward the summit of Independence Pass. The Independence Pass parking area and scenic overlook are located on the right side of road.
    Distance from Previous Site: 1.5 miles / 2.4 km
    Travel Time from Previous Site: 8 minutes

    At the Independence Pass Summit, elevation 12,095 feet, visitors will be awestruck as they realize they are completely surrounded by the largest collection of 13,000 and 14,000 feet mountain peaks in the nation, truly at the “Top of the Rockies.” The slow, steep descent towards Twin Lakes showcases stunning views of the Arkansas River valley and the Collegiate Range. As the road descends into the valley, it meanders through dense vegetation with glimpses of Lake Creek raging through its channel off to the right side of the road. As visitors drive to Twin Lakes, they will have truly experienced the history of the west and its natural resources brought to life by the spectacular and rugged landscape of Independence Pass.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 18 miles / 28.8 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 3 hours 10 minutes