Guides/Overland routes/Colorado
Overland route115 midifficulty: easy

Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway

RegionColoradoAgencyU.S. Forest Service, Colorado Department of TransportationLast verified—
Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway — overland route near Leadville, Colorado, Colorado
Photo by Federal Highway Administration via Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
115mi
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Point to point
Vehicle
Any street-legal vehicle. Paved its full length. Independence Pass closes seasonally with snow.
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
None on Independence Pass; service in Leadville, Twin Lakes, Aspen, and along I-70.
Take action
Plan in Epic PlansOpen in Google MapsOfficial site

Top of the Rockies is a 115-mile paved national scenic byway along CO-91, US-24, and CO-82 between I-70 at Copper Mountain and Aspen, looping through Leadville, Twin Lakes, and Independence Pass. The route tops Independence Pass at 12,095 feet, the highest paved through-pass on Colorado's interstate-feeder network. Pike-San Isabel and White River National Forests cover most of the surrounding land.

The road is paved its full length. Independence Pass closes from late October to Memorial Day weekend; the rest of the byway is plowed year-round. Most drivers run the full route in three to four hours, longer with stops in Leadville for the historic mining district or at the Twin Lakes overlooks.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Independence Pass closure. From late October through Memorial Day weekend.
  • High elevation. Leadville sits at 10,152 feet; Independence Pass tops 12,095 feet. Watch for altitude effects.
  • Switchback descents. The Independence Pass descent into Aspen has tight switchbacks. Use engine braking.
  • Length restrictions. Vehicles longer than 35 feet should not attempt the Independence Pass section.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms. Build over the high pass in summer. Plan to be off the high stretch by early afternoon.

Location

115 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 39.248, -106.293

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service, Colorado Department of Transportation
Nearest townLeadville, Colorado
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r02/psicc
ClosedDec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Approx. location39.248, -106.293

Getting there

Directions

From Copper Mountain / I-70 (north entrance). From I-70 Exit 195, take CO-91 south over Fremont Pass to Leadville.

From Aspen (west entrance). Take CO-82 east from Aspen over Independence Pass to Twin Lakes, then continue north on US-24.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The byway begins at I-70 at Copper Mountain, runs south on CO-91 over Fremont Pass to Leadville, continues south on US-24 past Twin Lakes, then crosses Independence Pass on CO-82 to Aspen. Pike-San Isabel National Forest's Leadville Ranger District covers the central section; White River National Forest's Aspen-Sopris Ranger District covers the western descent.

Trail Overview

One hundred fifteen miles, point-to-point, paved. Three named passes punctuate the route: Fremont Pass (11,318 ft), Tennessee Pass (10,424 ft), and Independence Pass (12,095 ft). Fremont and Tennessee are open year-round; Independence closes seasonally. There are no off-road sections and no technical obstacles. RVs handle the eastern and central sections; Independence Pass restricts vehicles longer than 35 feet on the descent into Aspen.

Points of Interest

  • Independence Pass (12,095 ft). The byway's high point, on the Continental Divide.
  • Leadville. Historic 1870s silver-mining city at 10,152 feet, the highest incorporated city in the United States. Multiple museums and the Leadville-Colorado & Southern Railroad.
  • Twin Lakes. Glacial lakes south of Leadville on US-24 with a Wilderness trailhead and the historic Inter-Laken hotel ruin.
  • Mount Massive Wilderness boundary. West of Leadville; multiple FS trailheads.
  • Climax Molybdenum Mine. On Fremont Pass north of Leadville, one of the largest active mines in Colorado.
  • Independence ghost town. Historic mining camp at 10,900 feet on the eastern descent of Independence Pass.
  • Aspen. Resort town at the western end with full services.

Where to Camp

Multiple FS campgrounds on the route: Twin Peaks, Lakeview, and Parry Peak (US-24 near Twin Lakes); Belle of Colorado, Sugar Loafin', and May Queen (Turquoise Lake near Leadville); Difficult Campground on the Aspen side. Dispersed camping is allowed on FS land off side roads with the standard 16-day stay limit. Leadville has private campgrounds and motels.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Independence Pass closes from late October through Memorial Day weekend. Plan around the closure or detour via I-70 and Glenwood Springs.
  • Leadville's altitude affects most visitors. Allow time to acclimate.
  • Vehicles longer than 35 feet are not advised on the western descent of Independence Pass. Use the I-70 detour.
  • Top off in Leadville, Twin Lakes, or at I-70 stops. Aspen has services on the western end.
  • Pair with the Collegiate Peaks Byway (US-24 / US-285) for a longer Sawatch tour.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway?
Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway is rated easy. The route runs 115 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway?
Any street-legal vehicle. Paved its full length. Independence Pass closes seasonally with snow.
When is the best time to visit Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Is there cell service at Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway?
None on Independence Pass; service in Leadville, Twin Lakes, Aspen, and along I-70.