Biking Independence Pass From Aspen

Views are Incredible!

After receiving a road bike for my birthday at the end of July I started going on a few road rides. I never thought this was a sport that I would get in to, and even my boyfriend who gifted me the bike said he expected it to be used by me as a great little townie bike! But I have a few road biking friends and I decided to give the harder stuff a try.

Map View of the Ride

My first big ride was Castle Creek Road to Ashcroft, though very challenging the first few times, it has now become a regular ride for me. I next ventured the Maroon Bells, much more challenging in my opinion as it is a steady uphill the whole way offering little to no downhills to take a break on. Next was McClain Flats to Snowmass and a great ride up through Missouri heights in Carbondale. I discovered a few short routes, McClain Flats to Starwood Mesa Drive, and Red Mountain road for off days. And to date my furthest ride has been McClain Flats to St. Benedictine Monastery looping back through Snowmass to Aspen.

Miles Vs. Elevation Gain

It is now only weeks before it becomes too cold to road ride around here and I decided to ride Independence Pass, the 4th highest paved road in Colorado. From Aspen its a 4,200 foot (19 mile) climb to the summit. The road is generally steep, curvy, and with little shoulder to ride on. It is definitely the hardest route Aspen has to offer on a road bike and something of a rite of passage as a road biker in Aspen! Though I have been riding my bike for over a month now, putting about 264 miles on my bike, I was definitely a bit nervous.

Us at the top!

We set out from my front door making the ride 40 miles in total and 4,500 feet of elevation gain, not too much different from starting at the gate. The ride took us about 3 hours and 40 mins and we ate about 200 calories worth of food every hour and LOTS of water. The ride is long with very little downhill areas or even flat areas for rest, but the views along the way are worth every ounce of sweat! The ride is incredible and not impossible for a new biker, just bring plenty of fuel! I would suggest doing a few easier rides if you are not used to the altitude as the air does get a little thin when nearing the top.

Such a blast and can now be crossed off my bucket list!

Rock Climbing (begginers version) in Aspen

Need a little adrenaline rush? Or a full body workout without having to think about the fact that you're working out? I found rock climbing to be the perfect way to get in shape and have a blast at the same time with very little equipment costs. I started by finding a friend to take me, and borrowed shoes and a harness. But you can also climb through an experience company such as Aspen Expeditions.

We are lucky to have Independence pass that boasts some really incredible rock climbing walls, even for those of us who are just starting out. Here are my favorite spots so far.

5 Spots for Beginner Rock Climbers

• Power line: Right after mile marker 52 this site is perfect for beginners. rating no larger than 5.8, it has something that everyone can get up and start climbing on (yes even if you have no upper body strength). If you are not comfortable lead climbing you can hike around and top-rope here with no problems.
• Pooh Corner: Another nice easy route, but there are some slightly harder routes here, check it out when you are ready to take your climbing to the next level (mostly 5.8 but goes up to 5.9). Also up the pass a little ways past mile marker 52.
• Lower Bulldog: I have done a few climbs here, "The Other White Meat" is the easiest that gives you the chance to climb out around an Arete (the corner out-jutting of the rocks) and great view from the top. Be careful on the approach with this one, it is short but it is very steep. There is also a couple of walls above lower bulldog with some harder climbs if you are ready to advance.
• Junior Olympic: The hike to this wall is pretty steep, and not exactly short, but totally worth it. The view is great even before you start climbing! This wall goes 5.8, 5.9 (shown below), 5.10 i believe so there is really only one easy climb. The 5.8 here would be a great climb for someone to do their first lead...
• Gold Butte: I love this wall because I can hop up there before work and still have cell service and be 5 mins from town. All of the other spots I wrote about before are up Independence Pass, but Golden Butte is just a little ways down Cemetery Lane (right across from Sunnyside Trailhead). It is fairly new to the public and I don't think there is a guidebook yet, although you can see it on the Ute Mountaineers website here. This would be good place to bring a helmet, the rocks are pretty crumbly. Lots of tougher climbs, go with someone experienced.

Junior Olympic. 5.9

There are so many spots in and around Aspen, and I highly suggest if this is something you want to get into to get the independence pass climbing book (either at the Ute, Explore bookstore, or here) and feel free to ask me anything!

Need Gear, for a while Outdoorplay.com is having come climbing sales, check it out here: