The Environment

The Independence Pass corridor contains irreplaceable natural habitat, much of it protected in federally designated Wilderness Areas that prohibit motorized recreation and mountain bikes while providing low-impact recreation and sanctuary for native plants and animals. These protections also preserve the unique tundra environment at the summit, where specialized plants and animals have adapted to a short growing season, harsh weather, and extreme temperatures in the highest life zones, and where disturbance can take decades to heal. Mountain goats in the area are probably descended from a herd transplanted from Montana in 1948 and may spend their entire lives above tree line. The yellow-bellied marmot, nicknamed a whistle pig by pioneers for its high-pitched squeaks, lives here as well, along with tundra wildflowers that bloom during the six-week high-altitude growing season, year-round ptarmigan with seasonal camouflage, and wind- and cold-stunted Krumholtz trees. The pass also supports recreation including bike events, winter snowmobiling limited to road corridors in Wilderness areas, rock climbing, hiking the Continental Divide Trail, and spring skiing when the highway opens and snow remains abundant near the summit.

Colorado · United States