Every year at this time we start looking for signs of summer in the high country, like melting snow, swelling rivers and moose munching on lawns.
Add to the list the opening of Highway 82 at Independence Pass.
Aspen Times confirms the classic mountain route between Aspen and Twin Lakes will open for summer travel today (May 22) at 4 p.m.
It took a team of plow drivers weeks to clear feet of snow from the road, which tops out at 12,095 feet. In late April CDOT thought they might open it earlier than ever, but Mother Nature spoiled those plans with several late-season storms. The agency eventually called in more plows than usual to make sure it opened for the holiday, despite the quickest spring thaw since 2018.
Later this summer Indy Pass is getting a much-needed facelift on the Twin Lakes side. CDOT is rebuilding bridges and repaving the road. Be ready for staggered closures and alternating traffic.