The length of the byway is 115 miles long and takes approximately three hours to drive, although you may allow more time for stops and photo opportunities.

The entire route is a paved, two lane highway with access to a vast network of trails and recreational activities including  hiking, climbing, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, horseback riding, off-road 4WD touring,and  ATVs. The numerous lakes and streams offer some of the finest trout fishing in the country, kayaking, canoeing or just relaxing by the shores. You may start the drive from Copper Mountain on Highway 91, from Leadville at the juncture of Highways 91 and 24, from Minturn on Highway 24 or from Aspen on Highway 82. The Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Commission has adopted the Columbine, the Colorado state flower, as its logo. As you tour the byway, the Columbine signs will identify your route.

1. Don’t forget you camera breath taking view and abundant wildlife life all along the byway. Please pull of the road safely when taking pictures.
    
2. Plan your “peak” touring times around peak commuting times. Many locals of the communities on the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway work in outlying resorts and commute during the early morning and evening hours.
    
3.  Don’t forget to carry water with you; Altitude sickness is sometimes a problem at these heights. Symptoms include nausea, lightheadedness, headaches and shortness of breath. In case of emergency, call 911. Drinking lots of water may prevent Altitude sickness. 
    
4. Please help us keep the byway clean, carry out what you carry in, and stay on marked paths.
    
5. Remember to keep your distance from wildlife.  They are not pets and are not friendly and may carry ticks and fleas that can carry diseases. Please don’t feed the wildlife. It is harmful to the birds and other animals.
    
6. Take advantage of travel information, and when traveling in the winter it may be good to call road condition for road closure and condition information.
    
7. Beware of changing weather conditions. You may wish to bring along warm clothes and rain gear as it is cooler at higher elevations, thunderstorms, or snow showers, are not uncommon, even in the summer months.
8. Independence Pass is a seasonal road typically open from Memorial Day to November 1^st.  Road closure is based on snow conditions.  Please check the Colorado Department of Transportation link to determine if the road is open or closed in May/June and October/November.