to protect its distinctive environment. Groups from local schools have spent a day up in the pass working and learning. Many have adopted the same sites and work on them with a new class each year. Along with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, the foundation also cosponsors a "My Independence" all-day walking tour of the pass for adults that covers ecological topics in depth. Every May since 1994, just before CDOT reopens the pass, the foundation holds its popular Ride for the Pass, a charity bicycle race that serves as a major outreach event and fundraiser. It follows a route from the gate east of Aspen to the Independence townsite, climbing in the process. The IPF has canceled it twice due to poor weather. See also Colorado mountain passes List of mountain passes List of Rocky Mountain passes on the continental divide Notes References External links Independence Pass Foundation Independence Pass FAQ from CDOT Mountain passes of Colorado Landforms of Pitkin County, Colorado Landforms of Lake County, Colorado Transportation in Lake County, Colorado Transportation in Pitkin County, Colorado Climbing areas of Colorado