144 miles up and back, this will take about 2 1/2 plus the mandatory pictures at the top. You will go very near the top of Mt. Elbert (over 14,000 ft) and to Independence Pass, which is snowed in and closed in winter. YES, there is still snow so check it out. Adventuresome? Go just a bit further down into Aspen (yes, you are that close) and enjoy the pass road, a windy, curvy 1 laner at times. Yes, I said that. MAYBE room for 2 MINIs to pass, but not much else. Guard rails? Forget it. Perhaps the ride of your life.

This one should not be missed. Go ahead and go all the way to Aspen. Check out the Hotel Jerome. Quite possibly the most expensive place in Colorado.

JPS

 

I googled this map for my own edification; hopefully it will help others too.