Looking for an easier ride near Steamboat? “That’s a nice enough ride,” says Chris Carmichael, a resident coach, but for something epic, locals head west up to Pikes Peak. From there, you will see hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, rock formations, ice caves and popular picnicking areas. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. There is also a bathroom. The next 40 miles are mostly downhill, but don’t be fooled. Today you can view the remains of miner's cabins, the Farewell Stamp Mill, stables and a general store. For cyclists, Independence Pass/Highway 82 is one of the best and most challenging climbs in Colorado. But the real miracle was not only was I feeling so grateful to be alive and physically able to ride Independence Pass, but to top it all off, I was able to ride Independence with my mother, the most vibrant and kick-ass woman I know! [2] Starts in Montana, but the pass itself is in Wyoming. The scenery along the climb was wonderful and the rock formations were interesting, making this a gorgeous climb. There is one normal switchback at mile 10, and a Trail Ridge sized one spanning miles 13.5 to 14.9. Drive east on Highway 82 for 11 miles to the Lincoln Creek Road turnoff. The road is steep, narrow and twisty with only a few guardrails but is completely safe. Follow the dirt road 6 miles to Grizzly Reservoir. There is a section from Aspen to Independence Pass referred to as the Narrows. 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’). “The 17-mile climb out of Steamboat up to Rabbit Ears Pass is deceptively tough even though it doesn’t go as high as some of the other climbs in Colorado,” says Carmichael. The climb to the top covers 24.5 miles and climbs 7,700 vertical feet. Page Contributor(s): Ron Hawks, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Gain insider knowledge on where to stay and how to conquer some of the most difficult climbs. About four miles in, the road starts to kick upward and doesn’t stop until you reach the end of the access road to Vail Pass, some 1,500 vertical feet later. This section of State Highway 82 is just before the treeline ends. The steep grade, beginning at 8,000 feet, burns both your legs and lungs. Coming from the east, Independence Pass has an imposing presence with its very steep grade at the switchback area with frightening cliff edges. Trail Ridge: Stops nine miles short of the Divide. Wilderness designations also protect the unique tundra environment at the summit of … Relatively speaking, this is one of the flattest and most manageable of Colorado's long rides. 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. But the adventure-minded cyclist who conquers this pass will be rewarded with stunning views, unsurpassed pride, and a post-ride high like no other. 5.00. Road biking on Independence Pass is popular during the summer. Sentimental: (1) Lisa Markalunas, Markalunas Family, Christmas Day 1976, (2) Tim Murray, photo by Tim’s mother Erika Grob Murray of his father, Robert Bruce Murray, 1958, on Kodachrome film, Argus C3 camera. This is the primary vehicle access to Aspen and does have a fair amount of traffic. We rate this as a mildly treacherous ascent. Those last two miles are brutal, hitting upwards of 7.8% grade with thinner and cooler air than below, but the views from the saddle are unforgettable. “Ride for the Pass has so many special memories for me. They can outfit you with the latest road bike and safety gear. As the valley floor heats up, thunderstorms roll in with potential lighting hazards. 39.117936, For proper nutrition and preparation on this famous Colorado climb, be sure to take these items with you while cycling Independence Pass: Before you leave for your ride, eat a nutritious and slow-burning carbohydrate-rich meal and apply high-SPF sunscreen. 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). And it's a place where people create connections among themselves as they share adventures and experiences.” Suzanne Jackson, Alpine sponsorFidel DukeSubalpine sponsorsAlpine Bank Jacolyn & John Bucksbaum Resnick Family FoundationMontane sponsorUte MountaineerForest sponsorsBob CampChinook Charitable Foundation Christie’s Int’l Realty Aspen/SnowmassEarth-Wise HorticulturalFrias PropertiesHoly Cross EnergyDavid Hyman & Barbara ReidObermeyer Wood Investment Counsel James & Hensley Peterson Rockwood Charitable Trust Ryan Investments Meadow sponsorsPaul D’Amato & Beth CashdanBill & Joyce GruenbergGail & Phil HolsteinCarol Ann KopfRodney & Niki JacobsT-Lazy-7King Woodward, ABOUT PLACE PEOPLE PROJECTS EVENTS GALLERIES JOURNAL CONTACT DONATE NOW. We both celebrated that ride. Each of Mt. . Ruby (Easy) The old town of Ruby is an abandoned mining camp. Starting anywhere in Vail Village, hop on the South Frontage Road along Interstate 70 and head east. Get your climbing legs ready for this nearly 100-mile jaunt from Salida into the heart of the Rocky Mountains and the Gunnison National Forest. Lost Man spans a diverse ridge between the Roaring Fork headwaters and Los Man Creek drainage. Local Knowledge: If the long day in the saddle has you feeling sore, there’s relief in the Strawberry Park hot springs just outside of town with its natural hot springs and cabins for camping. It starts with a 10-mile slog that climbs more than 3,500 vertical feet to Monarch Pass at 11,315 feet. The Official Site of Colorado Tourism © 2020 Colorado Tourism Office. There are those years that I feel too out of shape, or it's too cold, or it just snowed...the many excuses we come up with to not do something. TAGS: Aspen, Christian Vande Velde, Clip in With Christian, cycling, road biking, Scott bikes, 675 East Durant AvenueAspen, Colorado 81611(970) 920-4600. cycling camp. 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. Beyond that, the landscape connects the earth to the sky. Use this route guide to ride like the pros and tour popular peaks, valleys, and Rocky Mountain towns on two wheels.—David L'Heureux. We talked with Tour riders, team managers, and longtime locals to compile this list of rides, from a short trip around Denver or Breckenridge to an all-day epic adventure from Gunnison to Aspen. I was also able to relax my grip on the steering wheel, take a deep breath and continue my travels in a better frame of mind. Evans and Pikes Peak). “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, 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. Colorado cabin rentals can be the perfect compromise for those who want to experience clear, starry nights and crisp, dewy mornings, as well as...Read more, Tucked away northeast of Steamboat Springs is a region more rugged, remote and scenic than any you’ll find in the state:...Read more, There’s no better reward for muscles tired from a high-altitude workout than a soothing soak in one of Colorado’s hot springs. First, the weather in Aspen (and the entire Rockies) is unpredictable, so it’s always best to begin the ride early before the valley floor heats up. This section of the route provides cyclists with an average of 6% grade. July 1st 2020. about Discover Colorado’s Wonderfully Rugged Side in North Park, about 10 Things to Discover on Colorado’s Great High Prairie, about Colorado Hidden Gem: Phantom Canyon Road, Watch: Hiking at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park >>. 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. Whether you’re a casual cyclist, aspiring racer, ardent weekend warrior, or are new to the sport, Colorado is beckoning. During miles five to eleven, you begin the true climb. The first of two climbs starts on Highway 131 between Wolcott and State Bridge, on the Colorado River. Try the 30-mile Emerald Mountain Loop, which offers beautiful views of Emerald Mountain and Steamboat Ski Resort. The road is narrow, the elements potentially unforgiving. Cycling Independence Pass is an iconic Colorado road ride and not for the faint of heart. The All New Stumpjumper Is Ready for Today’s Rider, Egg McMuffins Fuel Sam Long’s Training Rides. All riders turned around and headed back down. But once you’ve conquered that climb, it’s a 30-mile, white-knuckle descent down Highway 40 toward Kremmling. The Independence Pass corridor is home to irreplaceable natural habitat, much of which is protected by federally-designated Wilderness Areas. Outstanding, Incredible, Amazing, Spectacular! Originally called Hunter Pass, Independence Pass was built in its current location in 1927 but not paved until 1967. That day's ride was a ride of movement, a ride of joy, a ride of gratitude and most importantly a ride of love. Mt. Local Knowledge: For great food and refreshment, try the local Breckenridge Brewery or hit the Kava Café for a postride coffee and sweet. There is plenty of parking and a scenic overlook near the pass where you can take in the 360-degree views. This end-of-summer event allows you to ride with professional cyclists over Aspen’s famous biking routes. Enjoy the amazing scenery and keep an eye out for the Independence Ghost Town on your right. Wear a helmet, bring plenty of clothing layers and use proper reflection technology or lights to alert cars of your presence. Start from downtown Aspen and ride east on Highway 82 for 19 miles to the top of Independence Pass.
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