Independence Pass
 

Coming to the end of a six week tour I have stayed one night at Mesa Verde NP and 2 at Durango. I want to travel the Million Dollar Highway and would like to see Black Canyon Gunnison and overnight nearby. I want to travel to Glenwood Springs to stay 2 nights via Buena Vista and Aspen. Here's my problem. This will be on October 12th or thereabouts. Is Independence Pass likely to be hazardous? Snow? Is it a nighmare anyway? I have 5 nights to spend following Mesa Verde before flying home to UK from DIA. Is this the best bet or has anyone any comments on what route I should take?
Help appreciated!

I love driving passes, my husband does not. Had to take over the wheel from him going over Independence Pass as he was looking greenish and feeling squeamish. There aren't any guard rails at some points and this bothered him. There may or may not be snow on the Pass by October 12. Suggest you check from the Gunnison area and re-route via the Paonia - Crested Butte route if there is. The Pass is always closed in the winter months.

Independence Pass may be fine. But do check the closing schedule. I've tried to go over in mid October - on an 80 degree beautiful day... only to find out Independence closes on schedule - not when there is snow. It is never opened after a certain date - no matter the weather.

An alternative would be to visit Crested Butte and then to Denver. I like Crested Butte as much as Aspen and more than Glenwood Springs.

We took the Pass without knowing anything about it in August a few years ago. It was terrifying, raining a little and very slow (except for the Porsche tailing and finally passing us). I was telling a masseuse at the Little Nell how frightening it was, she told me that it closes by end of September & they lose at least one car every year. I'd never do it again.

this isnt rocket science -- if the pass is closed or bad weather predicted, just take the interstate.