Colorado Highway 82 - Twin Lakes to Aspen

[Samanthahhi]

My mother lived in Snowmass many, many years ago and swore that she would never drive Hwy 28 that takes you by Twin Lakes.

Has anyone every pulled a trailer via that route? Has the road been improved at all?

Samantha

[4runnerguy]

We live near there, so take the pass from time to time. Despite what Heisenberg may have done, it's no place for trailers. As far as saving time, from Glenwood Springs it is actually time-wise faster to go through Minturn and Leadville to Twin Lakes than to drive CO 82 via Aspen.

[Bipeflier]

Don't do it. That is a great road for motorcycles but not campers/RV's.

[Samanthahhi]

Well...I guess the DOT thing settles it as my trailer is 28" and I have a Yukon, not XL, but still....that would run pretty close. That would've saved so much time. Alas...

Thank you all for the feedback!

Samantha

[Thom02099]

Also, early in the season, there's still a LOT of snow up there on the approaches to Independence Pass. Snow Eater plows work hard to get the pass open and keep it open until it gets sufficiently warm. That said, there's snow walls that can be in excess of 15-20 feet tall and makes the road narrower than it already is. I would not take a trailer over it early in the season, probably wouldn't consider until after July 4th.

NOTE on opening. Independence Pass is currently closed, but CDOT is working on it, with a projected opening date of May 22; subject to change due to weather conditions.

[jolooote]

There is one short section if that Hyway west of Twin lakes that is a ONE lane blind curve. You must be very careful on that turn even in a car. That curve is why there is length restrictions. Other than that spot the road is good altho a long steep climb up to the pass at 12400'.

[GizmosMom]

From Colorado DOT:
It is important to note that oversize and overweight vehicles are strictly prohibited from using the Pass at any time due to narrow and winding roads and steep inclines. Absolutely no vehicles over 35 feet in length (this includes a vehicle and trailer that, together, exceed 35 feet) may use the Pass at any time. These pass restrictions lie between MP 42 (Aspen side) and MP 84.2 (Leadville/Twin Lakes side, about one mile west of the junction with US 24).

[Heisenberg]

Highway 82 entails Independence Pass which I pulled a 1973 24 foot Road Ranger over in 1981 using a 1961 Dodge Pickup with a 318 V8 and a three on the tree transmission. A beautiful drive. The road is much better today. The key to any pass is taking your time even with better equipment than I had in 1981.