Vail to Aspen via Independence Pass
 

I will be staying in Vail in August. I wish to make a trip from Vail to Aspen. I would like to drive one way thru Independence Pass. Is the drive very scary ? I have driven Trail Ridge road. How do the drives compare ? Is there a difference if you are going from Vail to Aspen or from Aspen to Vail ? (are you most of the time on the inside lane on one of the directions ?)

You are mostly on the inside lane going to Aspen from Vail, and it is a spectacular drive not to be missed - the windy road a little narrow with very steep drop-offs at times (mostly experienced going the opposite - Aspen to Vail) but totally worth it. Have not driven Trail Ridge road, so can't compare. I'm sure someone else will chime in. Go for it!

Agree that it's a spectacular drive with some drop-offs that can be a little unnerving but well worth it. Beautiful drive. I also can't compare with Trail Ridge Road.

It is a modern, paved road with barriers and plenty of markings. Probably a little more winding than Trail Rail but I don't view it as being scary at all. If you want scary, try O'My God highway between Idaho Springs and Central City. That road will tighten you gut a bit.

If you've driven Trail Ridge Road without a problem, then you should have no trouble with Independence Pass. They're rather similar. There are a couple sections between the top of the pass and Aspen where the road narrows down from two lanes to about one and a half lanes, making it a little tighter in those short sections than anything on Trail Ridge. Just watch your speed and anticipate that you will encounter oncoming traffic.

Keep your eyes on the road.

I have one question. I have Toyota Camry 1998 model. Is it possible to drive through the independence pass with this vehicle.