Independence Pass Designated Scenic Byway

Independence Pass, which starts at 9,200 feet and rises to 12,095 feet, has been added to the Top of the Rockies scenic byway.

The pass (open only during the summer months) is southwest of Breckenridge and a great scenic drive.

The Colorado Transportation Commission recently approved a recommendation by the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway Commission to extend the route from south central Colorado near Leadville along Colorado Highway 82 to the west side of Aspen.

The 122-mile scenic byway now includes Fremont, Tennessee and Independence passes on the Continental Divide.