Early Travel Over the Pass

Early Travel Over the Pass. . The first travelers over Independence Pass came from the east because most of western Colorado was Indian territory until the relocation of the White River Utes in 1881. Prospectors from the Leadville area explored the Roaring Fork Valley in the 1870s but the first records of travel over the Pass come from 1879, when prospectors found gold near the Independence Ghost Town. Mining fueled the development of a toll road over the Pass and mineral development thrived for a number of years until the ore played out. The road fell into disrepair until the State of Colorado designated State Highway 82 over the Pass in the 1920's and rebuilt the road on its current alignment. Remnants of the original road and the way stations that serviced it can still be found alongside the current highway. Ruins of old mines and cabins are scattered throughout the woods and valleys of the Pass., [Captions] , Left: The stretch of road known as "The Narrows” just below the Weller Campground has always brought thrills or terror. Steep drop-offs, loose rock, narrow roadways and changeable weather made early travel a risky undertaking. Even today the road can be treacherous, particularly during early spring and late fall when cold temperatures can cause icing. Photo: Aspen Historical Society , Top middle: The original road over the Pass featured long stretches of "corduroy” where logs were laid down to counter the effects of water, mud and soft soils. Original corduroy logs can still be found next to Highway 82, just east of the summit on the north side. Photo: Aspen Historical Society , Bottom middle: Originally, travel over the Pass was on foot paths worn by Native Americans, prospectors and pack animals. In 1881-82 a toll road was built over the Pass. The road saw heavy traffic from wagons, horses and foot travelers until the railroads came to Aspen in 1887. The remains of the old road can still be found at various locations along the Pass. Photo: Aspen Historical Society , Top right: The road over the Pass was sometimes crowded even before Aspen became a popular tourist destination. This photo shows a funeral procession pausing at the top of the Pass in 1930. Photo: Aspen Historical Society , Bottom right: (Left) Citizens of Aspen turned out for "Good Roads Day” every spring to open the Pass. Photo: Aspen Historical Society (Right) Modern snow removal is still dangerous. Opening the Pass on Memorial Day weekend is always CDOT's goal. Photo: Mark Fuller, Did you know? The original toll road (1882-87) over the Pass was open all year round.