The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced the closure of Colorado Highway 82 over Independence Pass for the 2025/2026 winter season, effective November 17. The pass, which connects Aspen and Twin Lakes, was initially closed on November 15 due to a winter storm that brought significant snowfall and hazardous winds. After further evaluation and in light of continued adverse weather forecasts, CDOT decided to extend the closure for the entire winter season.
Jason Smith, CDOT’s Regional Transportation Director for Northwest Colorado, stated: “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. 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.”
Each year, Independence Pass closes in late October or early November due to extreme weather and avalanche risks. In previous years, closures have occurred on various dates ranging from late October to mid-November.
Independence Pass is known as Colorado’s highest paved state highway at an elevation of 12,095 feet. It crosses mountainous terrain between San Isabel National Forest on the east side and White River National Forest on the west side. The route includes narrow curves, steep drop-offs, and single-vehicle stretches that become especially dangerous during poor weather conditions.
During this seasonal closure period, travelers heading from Denver to Aspen are advised to use Interstate 70 westbound to Glenwood Springs before taking CO 82 south into Aspen. Closure gates near Aspen and Twin Lakes will remain shut until spring when CDOT determines it is safe to reopen after assessing road conditions.
The summit of Independence Pass lies 18 miles west of Twin Lakes and 19 miles east of Aspen along a 32-mile stretch crossing the Continental Divide via the Sawatch Range.
CDOT typically reopens Independence Pass before Memorial Day weekend each year if weather allows and after confirming road safety with their crews.
Upon inspection following heavy snowfall on November 17—and after consulting with CAIC forecasters—CDOT leadership determined that closing CO 82 over Independence Pass for winter was necessary due to ongoing hazardous conditions.
