CDOT to implement a Safety Closure on CO 82 at Independence Pass

Travel Advisory

Oct. 29, 2026 - Northwestern Colorado - Anticipated snow, severe winds expected to make travel hazardous

Lake and Pitkin Counties — Due to forecasted winter weather, the Colorado Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, will close Colorado Highway 82 over Independence Pass between Aspen and Twin Lakes beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 31.

The incoming storm is expected to bring snow accumulation and strong winds, making travel across the high-mountain pass hazardous and prompting the safety closure. Conditions will be re-evaluated once the storms pass to determine whether the road can reopen or will enter its annual winter shutdown.

CO 82 will be closed at approximately Lincoln Creek Road (Mile Point 51.1) on the west side and near Graham Gulch (MP 68.5) on the east side.

The alternate route from the Denver Metro Area to Aspen is via westbound I-70 to Glenwood Springs, then CO 82 to Aspen.

Drivers are encouraged to check COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner App for more information. Each year, Independence Pass typically closes between late October to mid-November for the winter season. In the past decade, the latest closures occurred in 2016, 2017 and 2025 when the pass closed November 17, and the earliest closure was Oct. 25, 2021.

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 through the Sawatch Range. The pass stretches 32 miles of mountainous terrain, winding through San Isabel National Forest on the east side and White River National Forest on the west. When open, CDOT crews monitor the pass daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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.

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:

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!