Independence Pass in CO?
#1
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Independence Pass in CO?
Hi:
I'm planning a trip the last week of April to Colorado. My main reason for going is to take the drive through Independence Pass. Is it open that early in the year? I went last year of Memorial Day and it was open already.
Thanks.
I'm planning a trip the last week of April to Colorado. My main reason for going is to take the drive through Independence Pass. Is it open that early in the year? I went last year of Memorial Day and it was open already.
Thanks.
#2
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Independence pass usually doesn't open until Memorial Day. Even with the low snowpack I doubt if they'll get it open much earlier. The mountains in late April can have all kinds of wierd weather, including huge blizzards. I wouldn't recommend coming here until June, after "mud season" ends.
#4
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I'd call the National Forest Service in Leadville or Aspen to see if they can give you a date for when they plow the road. They don't usually plow until the snow is in a few isolated spots. I wouldn't be too hopeful. Although the snowpack so far is 50-60% of normal, as the previous poster mentioned, anything can happen in April. Could be a huge blizzard or a huge warm spell. Don't forget Independence Pass is quite high is altitude, and even in mid-summer there are still pockets of snow. You might choose some lower in altitude areas to visit. Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction is good that time of year.