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Independence Pass Summit - East of Aspen
Independence Pass allows access to Aspen, CO from the east.
The pass has narrow winding roads on both sides with rock walls and steep dropoffs.
It is not open in winter. And not passable by large vehicles at any time!
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Independence Pass - Truck/SUV Impass!
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Independence "Impass"- Closeup
Ouch! - Fortunately no injuries. But one very sorry truck driver!
He missed the sign warning that large trucks are prohibited
on the pass.
A large fine and loss of his license and job were undoubtedly the consequences.
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Independence "Impass" - Spectators
Fortunately for us, we were only ten or so cars
behind the SUV and had to wait only about 30 minutes until someone figured out how to clear the jam. But by that
time traffic was backed up for miles coming up behind the truck.
Ultimately the road had to be cleared of traffic and then closed to allow the truck to proceed up over the pass.
No way to back down. Undoubtedly many people were
delayed for hours.
Folks in Aspen told me that this wasn't all that uncommon an occurence and it had already happened once before
this year. Sounds like they need a bigger sign!
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Independence Pass - Veltins Beer Man
He was directly ahead of us and gave each bystander a free sample bottle of Veltins!
Excellent beer! And the bottles (soon empty!) made great souvenirs of the adventure.
Unfortunately the big storm brewing in the distance spoiled our drive through Aspen.
Traffic was also terrible between Aspen and Glenwood Springs.
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