Between November 1 and the start of the Memorial Day Weekend, Independence Pass is typically closed to vehicular traffic. In the fall, depending on snow accumulation, the Colorado Department of Transportation closes Highway 82 at the Winter Gate 10 miles east of Aspen on the Pass. Closure generally occurs in November, sometime before Thanksgiving.

Independence Pass is the highest paved pass in Colorado.  Sunny and dry road conditions at lower altitudes can quickly change to snow and ice near the summit. Travelers need to be conscious of rockfall hazards and wildlife on the roadway as well as bike and pedestrian traffic.

CDOT reopens the Pass at the start of Memorial Day Weekend. The Pass opened this year on May 26, 2006.