Independence Pass

We had another glorious sunny Colorado day today so we decide to head to Independence Pass. This is the view from the top of the pass looking back towards Aspen.  The road to the pass is, understandably, quite twisty and very narrow in places.  When you see the center line disappear you know you're in for a VERY narrow stretch and you pray you don't encounter an RV going the other direction!
The pass is at 12,095 feet (Aspen is at 7,950) so the air is rather thin up there.  We both rested as we climbed the paved trail to see the view and take more pictures.  It was very nice to be able to walk the trail without it being covered in snow and ice like it is in October.

The second picture is looking to the southeast (away from Aspen).  Yes, that is a patch of snow in the foreground and no, I did not climb down to it!  No snowballs this trip.
BTW you can click any picture in this blog to see a larger version.
After leaving the pass we ate lunch at an Aspen favorite - the Main Street Bakery and Cafe, then headed back to Snowmass Village.  Next we're headed for the pool.  Mack, Pete, and Chris are on stage at 4:00 pm so we've got some time before heading over there.