Independence Pass CO

INDEPENDENCE PASS at an elevation of 12,095’ feet connects two of my Colorado happy places. The chic ski town of Aspen and the laid-back desert locale of Twin Lakes and Buena Vista, Colorado. After settling into one of our favorite dry camp locations in the tiny hamlet of Twin Lakes, we headed to the Twin Lakes Inn and bellied up to the small, 5-seat wood bar for cocktails and dinner. Nothing fancy here at this down-home inn with upstairs rooms frequented by those hardy hikers traversing the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail, but we always feel welcome and enjoyed our time over a plate of pasta and a cool beverage.

Next day, it was a stop at Coffee, a converted VW bus near the Twin Lakes Inn where I picked up a latte and hit the road. It’s always exhilarating to take a spin over Independence Pass to Aspen. This 30-mile drive is stunningly scenic and thrilling to drive, yes, even in our Sexy Beast, the F250. With its 10 mph hairpin curves, 6% grades, steep drop-offs and picturesque pull overs to stop and soak in the beauty, it’s an amazing drive filled with history. This trip, however, I was competing with a 60-70 car crazy-fast Lamborghini Countach Road Rally which caused me to keep my eyes peeled for more than the occasional critter crossing the road. It was beautiful and exciting to see the cars, but whoosh!! they are fast! I shared my adventure with a shopkeeper who said, “It’s just another day in Aspen!”

Early days on the Independence Pass

Founded in 1879, the town of Aspen has retained several of its early buildings, however, the shops have changed and include all the high end boutiques which are frequented by locals and tourists alike. The sunny day was perfect to grab an ice cream and people-watch before I made my way back over the pass.

The town which really surprised me was Buena Vista, 25 miles south of our Twin Lakes campsite. Over the years this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town has evolved into an up and coming destination with a great walkable downtown area filled with a city park, restaurants, shops, breweries, and more to come based on the construction going on.

When you camp ON the Twin Lakes in the town of Twin Lakes, you gotta head down to Johnny Canoe on the shore and take a kayak for a paddle. On the water we reminisced about the years we’ve been coming here including several with our Goldens, Tyler & Tucker when we rented a cabin; and now with our mutties, Boone & Piper. Good memories, while new ones continue to be made. Life is good in an Airstream!