Colorado’s Independence Pass Shuts Down For The Season

If the holidays are taking you toward Aspen, Snowmass, or Carbondale, this week’s announcement from the Colorado Department of Transportation is one you will want to know: Independence Pass is now officially closed for the winter season.

CDOT officially closed the gates on the pass on November 17^th, citing heavy snow and high winds. Keep scrolling to find out more about why CO-82 closes each year, when it may reopen, and what the best winter route is over the Continental Divide.

What’s happening — Independence Pass Closure Details

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Due to a winter storm, CDOT ordered a temporary closure of CO-82 over Independence Pass at 4 PM on November 15^th. Heavy snow and hazardous winds persisted long enough for officials to make the call two days later, on November 17^th, to extend the safety closure into the full seasonal winter shutdown. This means the gates are now closed at both Lincoln Creek Road (milepoint 51.1) west of the pass, and near Graham Gulch (milepoint 68.5) east of the pass.

Why CDOT Closed the Pass — Safety & Impact

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As much as it would be fun to explore the top of the pass on a sunny winter day, it would not be at all safe to do so. CDOT says Independence Pass includes high-elevation switchbacks that are steep, exposed, and very risky to plow. Parts of the route are prone to avalanches, so the decision to close the pass is an easy one when considering everyone’s safety. The closure adds a couple of hours to most road trips over the Continental Divide. The alternate route is I-70 to Glenwood Springs when the pass is closed.

When Independence Pass Could Reopen

CDOT expects the pass to reopen in May, but several things need to go right to meet that deadline. Avalanche risk, snowpack levels, and road repairs all play a part in determining when CO-82 can safely reopen. CDOT and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center have employed the use of helicopters and explosives to trigger controlled slides that can help make conditions safer for reopening.

Crews remove snow, patch potholes, and ensure the snowmelt is draining properly before Independence Pass reopens. This often takes until Memorial Day if the weather cooperates.

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