As the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide in the U.S. Aside from the challenging climb, the biggest challenge while cycling up Independence Pass is the narrow, rough, and shoulder-less road. Bottom photos: Roaring Fork River -- near the roadway the first 13 miles of the climb. With traffic conditions (see below for more information), altitude, and cliffs, this climb is an adventure for sure! Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the ideal time to ride this route is just ahead of its autumn closure to witness the … Jan 29, 2015 - I think cycling Independence Pass would be fun. The pass is midway between Aspen and Twin Lakes, on the border between Pitkin and Lake counties. Aspen will turn into the town at the end of a cul-de-sac on Friday when the Colorado Department of Transportation closes Highway 82 over Independence Pass for the winter. Independence Pass Summary . The section in the middle of the climb is where the maximum gradient can be found at 7.5%. One of the few passes in the US with European-style stickers on the pass sign. June 1, 2019 Uncategorized cycling in Colorado, cycling independence pass Penny Waking to several inches of snow. Ride 15.8 miles gaining 4,128’ to 12,095’ at 4.8% average grade. Get detailed and entertaining information on the greatest bike climbs and climbing areas throughout the world. Christopher Jacobs, Byers CO, USA, Independence “Pass” is the second highest paved actual. 2020 Individual E-Bike (pedal assist only) 45.00. . Warnings at the top, just before the descent along the cliff area. Coming from Aspen, the steepest climbing is at the base, and then again at the summit. terrifying in a car, but it was no problem on a bike. You will get a very good sense of the climb by viewing our, Highest paved passes in Colorado, all cross the Continental Divide, are also the highest in the U.S., followed by, (top photo): southwest CO (Pagosa Springs). Discover beautiful landscapes with drone video and professional photos of remote and exotic places. At 8 a.m. Teague and two companions, Greg Albrecht and myself, departed on mountain bikes … 870k members in the bicycling community. For cyclists, Independence Pass/Highway 82 is one of the best and most challenging climbs in Colorado. The last three miles to the top are lung and leg-bursters with grades more than 7.5 percent. Cycling - Ride the Rockies: (): The first pass ever crossed by the Denver Post's "Ride the Rockies" remains unrecrossed by the tour as of 2005. Personally I prefer this ride from the east side (the Lake County / Twin Lakes side), as I live in Buena Vista and it's easier for me to access. Copyright 2013 Past Difficult Campground, which is about four miles from downtown Aspen, you're in for to the campground, is where the fun really starts. FUN FACTS. To prove my point, even I got my lazy assup there with my road bike. "Indy' Pass is the 4th highest paved road in the state and it travels through spectacular mountain scenery, including the Elk Mountains and Collegiate Peaks. Start from downtown Aspen and ride east on Highway 82 for 19 miles to the top of Independence Pass. Independence Pass: Best Cycling In CO - See 1,684 traveler reviews, 912 candid photos, and great deals for Aspen, CO, at Tripadvisor. 50.00. Best known for its silver and skiing, from Aspen (in the west) the climb is 19.5 miles / 31.4 km and although long it’s the altitude that you really need to watch out for in this neck of the woods. Since 2011 the pass has been on the route of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. The best scenery and the narrowest roads are mid-mountain and you can actually enjoy the scenery because the grade is more moderate. From downtown Aspen, cyclists will climb 4,200 feet with a max grade of seven percent for 19 miles climb to the summit. Photo All winter, I had a desire to bike this particular Colorado pass, and I did it. Cycling Independence Pass can be done. More than one car has lost a mirror to an on-coming vehicle. Christopher Jacobs, Byers CO, USA. Independence Pass is the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide, taking you to the dizzying heights of more than 12,000ft above sea level. Ferdinand Hayden surveyed it in 1873. (the Lake County/ Twin Lakes side), as I live in Buena Vistaand it's easier for me to access. Independence pass is only open in summers. Segments are a great way to see your rankings against other riders in your area, even if you don't ride with them. For cyclists, Independence Pass/Highway 82 is one of the best and most challenging climbs in Colorado. We rate this as a mildly treacherous ascent. Aside from the challenging climb, the biggest challenge while cycling up Independence Pass is the narrow, rough, and shoulder-less road. Looking across and up to the grade and sheer cliff side. in the US at 12,095’ (Cottonwood Pass at 12,126’ is the highest). Independence Pass has got to be one of the best climbs in Colorado. The earliest it’s been closed and not reopened in the past decade was in 2010 when it closed Oct. 25. Ski for the Pass Ski Archives Class Archives GALLERIES. Hotels near Independence Pass; Hotels near The John Denver Sanctuary; Hotels near Aspen Mountain / Ajax; Hotels near T-Lazy-7 Ranch; Hotels near Maroon Lake Scenic Trail; Hotels near Silver Queen Gondola; Hotels near Buttermilk Mountain Independence Pass, originally known as Hunter Pass, is a high mountain pass in central Colorado, United States. The average gradient is 4.2% but couple this with the wind and the altitude and it will feel like it's higher. Twitter. Since 2011, the pass has been on the route of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. from the old mining structure in the bottom right photo (mile 11.4). 25.00. We recommend breaking the ride into parts by doing Independence Pass from either side or one of several shorter point-to-point options. Passes are distinct from “highest points” on climbs that do not continue over a summit (e.g. It’s the 4th highest paved road in the state and it travels through spectacular scenery. This area was originally developed for mining as can be seen. Tree Sapling Donation. Bruce Hamilton/Stacy Topping, USA
By Campionissimo - In VELOPATHIC. Colorado Bicycle Routes and Mountain Passes . Independence Pass, originally known as Hunter Pass, is a high mountain pass in central Colorado, United States. While the road is a wide highway, there is minimal shoulder and moderate highway traffic with some sheer drop-offs over guardrails towards the top -- chilling for someone with height issues such as I. Independence Pass is always going to have a special place in the heart of cyclists living or visiting Colorado. Gain insider knowledge on where to stay and how to conquer some of the most difficult climbs. Mt. © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. A triple is a bike with 3 sprockets in front. Between 1986 and sofar (2005) Independence Pass was on the schedule one time, on day 3 of the first tour in 86. 5.0 (1) 70 km 940 m … While the road is a wide highway, there is minimal shoulder and moderate highway traffic with some sheer drop-offs over guardrails towards the top -- chilling for someone with height issues such as I. independence pass cycling To prove my point, even I got my lazy ass up there with my road bike. Facebook. Cycling - Ride the Rockies: (): The first pass ever crossed by the Denver Post's "Ride the Rockies" remains unrecrossed by the tour as of 2005. As the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide in the U.S. Climbs to ride: Independence Pass (Colorado). This is the primary vehicle access to Aspen and does have a fair amount of traffic. The stage led from Aspen to Leadville. . Originally called Hunter Pass, Independence Pass was built in its current location in 1927 but not paved until 1967. Best known for its silver and skiing, from Aspen (in the west) the climb is 19.5 miles / 31.4 km and although long it’s the altitude that you really need to watch out for in this neck of the woods. The Colorado Kick Some Pass tour is a truly epic cycling vacation with big climbs, awesome descents, incredible views and excellent lodging. Aspen, As you climb, you will notice the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area is to your right and, to your left, is the Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness area. Trail Ridge is slightly higher, but its high point is not marked as a “pass” (Iceberg Pass is down from the Trail Ridge high point at 11,827’). Two areas to note are the Grottos, at about 9,750 feet (there is a parking area in this scenic spot and it is a good rest stop), and an area called the Narrows. 0. Steadily climb 4,000 feet to the top of Independence Pass. As the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide in the U.S. At times, the road through the Narrows don’t seem able to support two way traffic. from The Col Collective… As the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide in the U.S. The road connects two sides of the Continental Divide, including the towns of Aspen and Leadville. The information found on the following pages is intended to help you understand what to expect when climbing one of Colorado's great mountain passes. The peloton rides towards the summit of Independence Pass during Stage Two of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge on August 20, 2013 in Aspen, Colorado. CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TOP 100 US BIKE CLIMBS, Wolf Creek Pass (top photo): southwest CO (Pagosa Springs), Independence Pass: central CO (Aspen)Cottonwood Pass: central CO (Buena Vista). From downtown Aspen, cyclists will climb 4,200 feet with a max grade of seven percent for 19 miles climb to the summit. Independence Pass is always going to have a special place in the heart of cyclists living or visiting Colorado. All the miles are above 7,700 feet with two trips over 12,000. . Cycling Independence Pass. Looking down from the sheer cliff to the roadway below. Each spring the cycling season kicks off with the Annual Ride for the Pass event which takes place every May before the road is open to car traffic. West to east, Aspen to Twin Lakes is significantly more difficult than east to west. Download this stock image: Professional cyclists race up Independence Pass in Stage Two of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, Twin Lakes, Colorado, USA - C6DY7T from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. A cyclist makes their way on path cleared through avalanche debris near the Braille Trail pullout on Independence Pass on Saturday. As the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide in the U.S. Located in Pitkin County, this section of Highway 82 was built in the 1920s and asphalted in 1967. The summit is the second highest paved pass in the US. Independence Pass is always going to have a special place in the heart of cyclists living or visiting Colorado. The west side from Aspen and the east side from Twin Lakes are very different in character. Road biking on Independence Pass is popular during the summer. The stage led from Aspen to Leadville. Explore the route with streetviews, photos,videos, weather reports as well as browse other routes in the area. The west side from Aspen and the east side from Twin Lakes are very different in character. independence pass cycling To prove my point, even I got my lazy ass up there with my road bike. Cycling. You will get a very good sense of the climb by viewing our YouTube video. Independence Pass Colorado: 12, ft m between San Isabel National Forest and White River National Forest (Highest paved road over the Continental Divide in North America) Red Mountain Pass Colorado: 12, ft m. Colorado’s Scenic and Historic Byways meander through breath-taking scenery – and they're particularly spectacular in autumn. “We will tentatively plan on opening Independence Pass, on Colorado 82, on June 1, but can adjust if these agency partners need us to.” In 2019, the pass didn’t open until May 31 after the major avalanche cycle in March that sent a number of slides over the pass on either side. The … Find more here: http://bit.ly/2HnVnda Ski season might be here, but that means avalanche season is too. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) posted this video of a skier-triggered slide on Independence Pass outside Aspen this week. Everything Passes Everything Remains takes an interest, too, in Spanish and Scottish writers and history. Make sure the chain runs always in a fairly straight line between the front and rear sprockets. Then, from miles 10.5 to about mile 16, you can relax a bit and take in great phenomenal scenery, as the grade is only in the four percent range. It stayed open until Nov. 17 in 2016 and ’17. Free camping can be found along Lincoln Creek Road. Bicycle Route Selection. Weekly races offer a fantastic way to meet and mingle with local cyclists while giving you the opportunity to challenge yourself to a personal best. Bike Independence Pass My Morning Bicycle Ride From Twin Lakes, Colorado To Independence Pass. Mile markers keep us slow company on our climb . 2020 Family to Weller Lake :: 2 mile ride . Outskirts II: The Big Land . The climb is ranked number 76 in United States and number 1005 in the world. Prepare for your journey by reviewing the gradient profile. 09 Mar 2018. Highest paved passes in Colorado, all cross the Continental Divide: These passes[1] are also the highest in the U.S., followed by Guanella Pass, CO (11,639’), Slumgullion Pass, CO (11,539’), Beartooth Pass, WY[2] (10,950’), Grand Mesa, CO (10,875’), Wolf Creek Pass, CO (10,857’), Highway 143, UT (10,413’), and Highway 153, UT (10,308’). From downtown Aspen, cyclists will climb 4,200 feet with a max grade of seven percent for 19 miles climb to the summit. Bike Independence Pass My Morning Bicycle Ride From Twin Lakes, Colorado To Independence Pass. Colorado bicycle touring Cycling Colorado Mountain Passes. There is 4/10’s of a mile along a sheer cliff . Independence Pass Quick Facts. With the exception of Cottonwood Pass, Independence Pass has got to be the premier mountain pass for a cyclist to take on. For cyclists, Independence Pass/Highway 82 is one of the best and most challenging climbs in Colorado. [1] Passes are distinct from “highest points” on climbs that do not continue over a summit (e.g. CDOT spokeswoman Elise Thatcher said Wednesday morning that the road, which tops out at the 12,095-foot summit, will close for the winter at 7 p.m. Friday. The views atop Independence Pass of the Collegiate Peaks and the Elk Mountains are spectacular. To mount a col like the Independence Pass climb it can, especially for novice cyclists, be recommended to opt for a "triple". Independence Pass is a legendary road ride in Aspen Snowmass with breathtaking views. Independence Ghost Town Sixteen miles east of Aspen is the historic … 39.117936, The Ride for the Passis a recreational ride and road-biking race that takes place every May and allows cyclist to enjoy the beautiful road before it opens to cars for the season. Trail Ridge: Stops nine miles short of the Divide. 5.00. Evans, Pikes Peak, and Mauna Kea are higher, but end at the top. The highway is narrow, so please be considerate of vehicles, but the views are breathtaking. Bike Snowmass Trails & Rides; Biking In Snowmass. Rode up Independence Pass to see the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Additional Attractions . Cycling Independence Pass, Colorado -- Route from Aspen is a US 100 Bike Climb. View route map, streetviews, images, slideshows, videos and more for this cycling route to the top of Independence Pass, CO, USA. Originally called Hunter Pass, Independence Pass was built in its current location in 1927 but not paved until 1967. CO, Bruce Hamilton/Stacy Topping, USA
The Roaring Fork Valley, home to Aspen, Snowmass, and Glenwood Springs, has a rich history of road cycling. Road biking on Independence Pass is popular during the summer. Beyond that, the landscape connects the earth to the sky. //other //tablet addSize([992, 0], [[728, 90], [1, 1]]). Independence Pass is in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains and White River National Forest (established 1902 by President Teddy Roosevelt; 2,285,970 acres). Independence “Pass” is the second highest paved actual pass in the US at 12,095’ (Cottonwood Pass at 12,126’ is the highest). From Aspen, it’s a 4,200 foot, 19 mile climb to the summit followed by a 3,000 foot, 20 mile descent to Twin Lakes. . Aspen, 19.7 miles to the northwest Twin Lakes, 17.2 miles to the east. Evans and Pikes Peak). The west side from Aspen and the east side from Twin Lakes are very different in character. Open/Season: Independence Pass is open for cyclists from Memorial Day Weekend to about November 1, depending on the weather. It's a place where a person feels an intimate connection with nature, from the scale of a single small flower, to the power of craggy peaks, or the splendor of a sunset. Legendary cyclist and respected businessman Paudie Fitzgerald passed away last Thursday, just shy of 87. Find out which part of the climb will be most challenging. Rapha founder and CEO Simon Mottram pens an open letter to mark the new year. A legendary ride in Aspen Snowmass, you’ll steady climb 4,000 feet to the top of Independence Pass which sits at 12,096 feet. Road grades max out just shy of … Starting from Aspen, CO, the Independence Pass ascent is 30.58 km long. "Indy" Pass is the 4th highest paved road in the state and it travels through spectacular mountain scenery, including the Elk Mountains and Collegiate Peaks. Independence Pass is in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains and White River National Forest (established 1902 … We welcome … TADHG EVANS speaks to family members about the Lios Póil man's extraordinary life. Page Contributor(s): Ron Hawks, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Ron Hawks, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
The slide was triggered on a north facing slope in Mountain Boy basin, and likely broke in wind slabs and 2-4 inches of frozen snow from an October storm. Independence Pass will remain open through the summer and traditionally closes for the winter in the first week of November. Distance a total of 40 miles round trip, with 20 miles up 4,300ft vertical on a beautiful mountain… Independence Pass is one of only six Top 100 climbs exceeding 12,000' (five of the six are in Colorado). Each of Mt. Aside from the challenging climb, … Longer vehicles are prohibited at the two mile point of our ride. Your bike and accessories. Robert Cunninghame Graham, for example, wrote in 1906: “As to Catalonia, your correspondent may be sure that if, in the long run, she wishes to be free, she will gain her independence, for the whole trend of modern thought and economics is toward the evolution of small states and … June 1, 2019 Uncategorized cycling in Colorado, cycling independence pass Penny Waking to several inches of snow. Independence Pass is located in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. The roadway is in excellent condition, but the climb is a bit hair raising, with vehicles zipping by (at lower speed due to the narrow road and steep drop offs in places) very close to you. -106.56529, Live like an Aspen local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. Evans, Pikes Peak, and Mauna Kea are higher, but end at the top. [2] Starts in Montana, but the pass itself is in Wyoming. Between 1986 and sofar (2005) Independence Pass was on the schedule one time, on day 3 of the first tour in 86. We rate this as a mildly treacherous ascent. For cyclists, Independence Pass/Highway 82 is one of the best and most challenging climbs in Colorado. When descending, hang onto those good brakes, keep your eyes up and watch for the dreaded tourist staring at something and going slow. Despite Boulder’s fame as a cycling center for roadies, the Western Slope has much to offer, with expansive views and low traffic loads. Each of Mt. Rank and race against even the pros! To prove my point, even I got my lazy ass up there with my road bike. . //other //tablet addSize([992, 0], [[728, 90], [1, 1]]). Cycling Independence Pass from Aspen - this is a nice scenic bike climb up to the pass and Continental Divide. Prepare for your journey with our interactive map below. The pass is half way from Aspen to Twin Lakes. 2020 Individual to Weller Lake :: 2 mile ride . It is at elevation 12,095 ft on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. 81611 “Perhaps the only time we were ever at the top of Independence Pass on Christmas Day, this photo taken ins 1976, made possible by the drought year of 1976 when the Pass did not close until sometime the following January.” Lisa Markalunas . Cycling Today. An Open Road. Trail Ridge is slightly higher, but its high point is not marked as a “pass” (Iceberg Pass is down from the Trail Ridge high point at 11,827’). This section of State Highway 82 (Aspen to Leadville) is part of the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway . Independence Pass is at an elevation of 12,095 ft on the Continental Divide and is the highest paved pass in Colorado. Detailed Colorado pass information for bicycling. Interested in riding a bicycle? 4:05. If you love climbing by bike and would like more detailed information on the world’s top bike climbs, join our PJAMM Cycling group and receive our Special Edition Climb Report. Challenge-seeking cyclists will find that Independence Pass provides no shortage of difficulty and skill. High pass cycling (Marc Piscotti/Colorado.com) Independence Pass spans 60km between Aspen and Twin Lakes, rising to its summit at 3,700 metres. Best known for its silver and skiing, from Aspen (in the west) the climb is 19.5 miles / 31.4 km and although long it’s the altitude that you really need to watch out for in this neck of the woods. To check conditions on the pass Thursday required a combination of biking, hiking, skinning and skiing. When cycling uphill, of course, your gear is essential. The nature of her job at the Independence Pass Foundation is to be outside. The pass was formed by glacial action and erosion in the region, and its first recorded sighting was by Zebulon Pike in 1806. WhatsApp. Distance: Aspen to Independence Pass: 18 miles (28.9km), Aspen to Twin Lakes: 35 miles (56.3km) For cyclists, Independence Pass/Highway 82 is one of the best and most challenging climbs in Colorado. Starting the day at an elevation that rivals some … We recommend checking COtrip for updates surrounding road conditions, closures or delays. "Indy' Pass is the 4th highest paved road in the state and it travels through spectacular mountain scenery, including the Elk Mountains and Collegiate Peaks. View route map, streetviews, images, slideshows, videos and more for this cycling route to the top of Independence Pass, CO, USA. Fall colors along the Independence Pass climb. When road is open to vehicles, be alert to all the traffic, which is especially heavy on summer weekends, since the route is extremely narrow in some sections. The Independence Pass is situated in Colorado. ... Twin Lakes - Independence Pass Out and Back. Independence Pass Rock Climbing offers short approaches and a large variety of climbs, both trad/mixed and sports climbing is available. As the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide in the U.S. Upvalley rides such as Maroon Bells and Castle Creek, as well as Independence Pass, are well known. As the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide in the U.S. Diamond-Star Media Productions 1,581 views. Two sections of narrow, wide single/narrow two-lane road, miles 3-4. USA PRO Cycling Challenge stage 2 Independence Pass - Duration: 4:05. Ride 15.8 miles gaining 4,128’ to 12,095’ at 4.8% average grade. Independence Pass is always going to have a special place in the heart of cyclists living or visiting Colorado. At an elevation of 3,700 m(12,100 ft), it is one of the highest paved roads in Colorado, featuring steep climbs, sharp curves, and three big switchbacks. The ... Fee-based camping on the Aspen side of Independence Pass is available at Difficult Campground, Weller Campground, Lincoln Gulch and Lost Man Campground. State Highway 82 traverses it, and after Cottonwood Pass to the south, is the second highest elevation … Cycling Independence Pass can be done. Cycling Independence Pass, Colorado -- Route from Aspen is a US 100 Bike Climb. 2020 Wildflower Checklist Month by Month Wildflowers ... 2020 Family to Independence :: 10 mile ride . Weekly races offer a fantastic way to meet and mingle with local cyclists while giving you the opportunity to challenge yourself to a personal best. “To me, Independence Pass is about connections. Starts in Montana, but the pass itself is in Wyoming. Our goal this summer is to ride many of the “iconic” Colorado passes and scenic byways so when some friends invited us to participate in the Independence Pass Foundation Ride located on the beautiful “Top of the Rockies Scenic Loop” we eagerly agreed. . The Independence Pass climb starts just outside Aspen at 2423m and winds its way up to the summit at 3687m meaning you will climb for 1263m in the thinner mountain air. Roadway Surface and Traffic Report: This is the primary vehicle access to Aspen and does have a fair amount of traffic. Photo All winter, I had a desire to bike this particular Colorado pass, and I did it. Pinterest. "Indy' Pass is the 4th highest paved road in the state and it travels through spectacular mountain scenery, including the Elk Mountains and Collegiate Peaks. It is about 20 miles from Aspen to the peak of the pass, but riders can turn around at any point and head back to town. The roadway is in excellent condition, but the climb is a bit hair raising, with vehicles zipping by (at lower speed due to the narrow road and steep drop offs in places) very close to you. Independence Pass is always going to have a special place in the heart of cyclists living or visiting Colorado. Along the road, cyclists can see forests of aspens and evergreens, and the jagged silhouettes of the surrounding mountains. The Independence Pass via Aspen, CO is ranked number 6 of the Rocky Mountains. Two wheels, or three, sometimes one, but never more than twenty. We are on Highway 82 the entire climb so be prepared for a fair amount of vehicular traffic. With the exception of Cottonwood Pass, Independence Pass has got to be the premier mountain pass for a cyclist to take on. Find the right bike route for you through Leadville, where we've got 40 cycle routes to explore. Our goal this summer is to ride many of the “iconic” Colorado passes and scenic byways so when some friends invited us to participate in the Independence Pass Foundation Ride located on the beautiful “Top of the Rockies Scenic Loop” we eagerly agreed. . Miles four to eight will be in the five percent to seven percent range and miles eight to about 10.5 will be in the five percent to six percent range. At 12,095', Independence Pass is the fourth highest paved road in Colorado. The second-highest through road in North America (after Trail Ridge Road) the grades on the Aspen side are highly variable and never too steep, but at these altitudes, its still a good challenge for even the fittest riders. The western side from Aspen looks like an appealing monster ride, but while the road is very scenic, there are just too many blind curves Independence Pass Road, part of Highway 82, is a difficult road you can road bike. Independence Pass Cycling. The scenery along the climb was wonderful and the rock formations were interesting, making this a gorgeous climb. Cycling Independence Pass, Colorado -- Route from Aspen is a US 100 Bike Climb. There is one normal switchback at mile 10, and a Trail Ridge sized one spanning miles 13.5 to 14.9. For cyclists, Independence Pass/Highway 82 is one of the best and most challenging climbs in Colorado. HUMOR: (1) Mike Tierney, Ride 2011, (2) Greg Albrecht, Mother’s Day 2017 “This is after Ride for The Pass was stopped at Lincoln Creek. And it's a place where people create … This climb belongs to the Rocky Mountains. Ride 15.8 miles gaining 4,128’ to 12,095’ at 4.8% average grade. A Storm, Failed Summit Bid, and Lessons Learned on the South Maroon Bell, Aspen Snowmass—Colorado's Best Big Mountain, How to Bury Your Wine in the Snow (and Other Boozy Tips from a Snowboarding Sommelier), Bears in Aspen: How To Avoid Ursine-Related Disaster in Town.