CO 82 at Independence Pass closes for the winter season

Travel Advisory

Nov. 17, 2025 - Northwestern Colorado - Winter closure ensures safety of CDOT personnel and travelers

Lake and Pitkin Counties - The Colorado Department of Transportation has closed Colorado Highway 82 Independence Pass, between Aspen and Twin Lakes, for the 2025/2026 winter season as of Nov. 17.

CDOT originally closed the pass temporarily on Saturday, Nov. 15, due to safety concerns surrounding a winter storm that brought several inches of snow and windy, hazardous conditions on the pass, but then extended the closure into the seasonal closure due to the amount of snowfall and additional storms projected for the region.

The annual safety closure is necessary to keep maintenance equipment operators and the traveling public safe during the winter season. Plowing steep switchbacks on CO 82 on either side of the pass is unsafe during extreme winter conditions that occur on the pass, and sections of the roadway are exposed to significant avalanche hazards.

“While the alternate route for the seasonal closure adds a few hours to drivers’ trips, the safety of the traveling public and our CDOT crews is our priority,” said Jason Smith, CDOT’s Regional Transportation Director for Northwest Colorado. “We keep the pass open as long as conditions allow, but when Mother Nature tells us winter has arrived and it’s time to close the roadway, we listen.”

During the seasonal closure, motorists can reach Aspen from the Denver Metro Area via westbound Interstate 70 to Glenwood Springs, then south on CO 82 to Aspen. Independence Pass closure gates will continue to be closed near Aspen and Twin Lakes until CDOT reopens the pass next spring.

Every year, Independence Pass usually closes in late October or early November for the winter season. Dates for closures in the previous 10 years are:

  • Nov. 4, 2015
  • Nov. 17, 2016
  • Nov. 17, 2017
  • Nov. 5, 2018
  • Oct. 28, 2019
  • Nov. 13, 2020
  • Oct. 25, 2021
  • Nov. 4, 2022
  • Oct. 30, 2023
  • Oct. 31, 2024

Independence Pass, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway maintained by CDOT, is the highest paved state highway in Colorado, crossing the Continental Divide at 12,095 feet. Although paved, the road is narrow and curvy in many sections making driving conditions difficult in poor weather. The route includes steep drop-offs and several stretches that can accommodate only a single vehicle, requiring drivers to use caution and remain alert when encountering oncoming traffic.

The summit of Independence Pass is located 18 miles west of Twin Lakes and 19 miles east of Aspen, crossing the Continental Divide over the Sawatch Range. The pass spans 32 miles of mountainous terrain, winding through the San Isabel National Forest on the east and White River National Forest on the west side of the Divide.

During the winter months, heavy snowfall at the highest elevations of the pass makes it impossible to travel. Weather permitting, and after crews have evaluated the roadway for safety, CDOT typically reopens the pass the week prior to the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

An orange road barrier and safety cones block a snowy Independence Pass during the safety closure
CO 82 over Independence Pass was closed Nov. 15 for a safety closure due to an impending winter storm which dropped several inches of snow and saw windy, hazardous conditions in locations across the pass. Upon inspection of the roadway Nov. 17, CDOT leadership, in collaboration with CAIC forecasters, decided to close the pass for the winter season.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!