Independence Pass, the two-lane mountain highway connecting Aspen and Twin Lakes, closed for the winter on Monday.
The earlier-than-usual seasonal closure of Colo. 82 was caused by continuing winter weather and significant early snowfall, the Colorado Department of Transportation said in a news release. The pass typically closes around Nov. 7.
Independence Pass reaches 12,095 feet in elevation and features steep switchbacks that are unsafe to plow during the winter and at high risk for avalanches, according to CDOT.
The highway is closed with gates near Aspen and Twin Lakes. Drivers can reach Aspen from Denver by taking Interstate 70 to Glenwood Springs and Colo. 82 south to Aspen.
The pass usually reopens on the Thursday before Memorial Day, according to CDOT.
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