Editor’s note: This is part of The Know’s series, Staff Favorites . Each week, we give our opinions on the best that Colorado has to offer for dining, shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities and more. (We’ll also let you in on some hidden gems.)

Like a lot of the best parts of Colorado, the joys of Independence Pass are short-lived and difficult to reach. But at least it’s paved, as my mom recently pointed out to me.

With an apex at 12,095 feet above sea level – higher than timberline – the windy road over the pass is only open from June through October each year due to the snow that piles up in the Sawatch mountain range. That means skiers and other visitors coming from the south or the east have to go the long way around if they want to get from Twin Lakes up over the Contin

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