MS Global 2008 : Stage 3
INDEPENDENCE PASS
Independence pass at 12,093' is the highest paved mountain pass in Colorado. It leads us from just South of Leadville which was our starting point for the day. It climbs up a beautiful mountain valley and finally well above tree line where spectacular views of the Elk Range's 14,000+ foot Peaks can be seen. Along the way we stopped for a cup of coffee at Twin Lakes and enjoyed a small classic car show that was going on in the village. We then wound our way up Independence pass. On the climb we were kept cool by a little bit of precipitaion but, before our descent to Aspen the clouds had blown away and we were greeted by a warm sunny coast down to Aspen. After cleaning up at the Mountain Chalet in downtown Aspen (A big thank you to the Folks at the Mountain Chalet for that.) we enjoyed a short walk around, ate some lunch and (of course) found some coffee before shuttling back to Vail.