Colorado’s Independence Pass, running along State Highway 82 between Lake County and Pitkin County, is officially closed for the winter season. The highway initially closed on Monday, October 28, due to winter weather, but a reopening was still possible until today.
An announcement posted the to Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page on Thursday, October 31, clarified that road conditions at higher elevations led the Department of Transportation to the decision to keep the pass closed for the season. The  two-lane, 12,095-foot pass is typically closed from early November to late May, often around Memorial Day Weekend.
“The seasonal closure is in place between the winter closure gate in Pitkin County on the west and the winter closure gate in Lake County on the east. There will still be some equipment and vehicles coming out from the Grizzly Reservoir Dam Project on Lincoln Creek for the next week, so please be cautious of vehicle operating on the roadway.” – Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office
Anyone planning to drive around the state of Colorado should plan ahead for slippery and dangerous road conditions as winter weather continues. Make sure to take a look at COtrip before hitting the road to check on closures and conditions.