Independence Pass, Colorado

Beat The Heat Tour parked at Independence Pass overlook.

In July 2016 I led some friends on a motorcycle tour based out of Breckenridge, Colorado.  One of our days of riding included a trip to Aspen via Colorado Highway 82 over Independence Pass.  At 12,095 feet Independence Pass is the third highest pass in Colorado.

 

Eastern view from overlook

We turned onto CO 82 heading west from US 24 quickly passing Twin Lakes and gradually gaining elevation. Just past the lakes there is a small community with a little "surprise" as travelers enter town.

The sudden appearance of police car can make one grab some brakes

I am sure the old police car and mannequin gets the attention a lot of travelers on CO 82.  I know I grabbed some brake as I came out of the corner approaching the little community. 

From US 24 to the Independence Pass Overlook is 23.5 miles.  The road has nice curves and long sweepers until the last five miles where there are three very sharp switchbacks which require low gears.  The views a long the way are awesome!

 Video of riding down west side from Independence Pass

Sign at overlook warning riders and drivers

View from overlook - watch on YouTube

We left the overlook and continued about 19 miles to Aspen.  The portion from the overlook to Aspen did not have as many switchbacks, but still had curves, sweepers and elevation change.

We did not stay long in Aspen, it was crowded.  We stop in Leadville for lunch at High Mountain Pies.

We greatly enjoyed the ride, the lunch, the views and the fun.  I look forward to riding the area again.

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Loveland Pass ,Hoosier Pass Great riding in Colorado

Mountain roads are fun to ride and many provide breath-taking vistas.  Colorado is full of roads with amazing views, exhilarating curves and high altitude passes making it one of my favorite states to ride in and US 6 south from I-75 to CO 9 south to Alma, Co is one such 44 mile ride.

US 6 north of Loveland Pass

Starting at the intersection of I75 and US 6, near the Loveland Ski Area, US 6 has an elevation of 10,600, but rises as the road twists and turns up the mountain for 4 miles to Loveland Pass at 11,990.

 Video heading up to Loveland Pass from I-70

(turn your speakers down, wind noise is bad)

A convenient pullout at the pass allows individuals to take in the scenic vistas.  On both sides of the road a short walking ascent puts you above 12,000 feet and provides awesome panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.

West view from Loveland Pass

US 6 south of Loveland Pass

Continuing south from the pass the elevation drops quickly via switchbacks.  In 3.5 miles the elevations drops almost 1,000 feet where a long sweeper takes you past Arapahoe Basin Ski Area.  At an elevation of 11,000 at the base and a summit of 13,000+ the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is the highest skiable terrain in North America (Arapahoebasin.com).

The next 6 miles descends with gentle curves into the town of Keystone.  At the western end of Keystone US 6 intersects with CO 1 south towards Breckenridge.  The road runs besides Dillon Reservoir and intersects CO 9 about 6 miles north of Breckenridge.  US 9 is pretty straight going into Breckenridge, but the surroundings mountains are beautiful.

Riding pass Dillon Reservoir

Heading south out of Breckenridge (9,600 ft) US 9 rises for the next 9.5 miles to Hoosier Pass (11,542 ft) with some nice switchbacks prior to the pass.  At the summit of the pass is a nice turnout area to park and enjoy the scenery.

 Coming off Hoosier Pass on US 9 south

Leaving the summit there is a 5.7 miles leisurely descent into Alma, the highest incorporated municipality in the US with permanent residents (10,578 ft).  From Alma the road descends for 6 miles to Fairplay (9,953 ft) and intersect with US 285.

This stretch of road is well worth riding.  The views are indescribable and the road is a blast!  Any rider would enjoy the road, the views and the towns along the way.

For some great photos and another riders take on Loveland Pass check out Redleg's blog post - LINK.

 

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Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Awesome gear for every rider!

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited this business and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!

# Based on reviews, word of mouth and discussion with others I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

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