Independence Pass, Colorado

At 12,095 ft above sea level, Independence Pass is only open during the summer months and we drove it as a scenic route from Breckenridge to Aspen.  It is part of the Continental Divide, which delineates between rivers which drain out to the west coast and rivers which drain to the east coast of North America.

First stop was the historic town of Leadville, which showed no evidence of benefiting from the nearby mollybdenum mine. ''(I had to look it up, but I'm sure chemists are familiar with this element on the periodic table.) 

This was in the shop window where we parked the car.

Independence Pass is visible in the far distance at the end of the valley.

Almost at the top.

Looking back the way we came.

Entertainment while eating our lunch.  Unfortunately no fish caught while we were watching.

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Colourful gardens in Aspen.