Taking A Semi Truck Over Independence Pass CO Hwy 82.. No Seriously.. I'm Not Joking!!

Filmed July 31st 2021
Mike Pierce
P. O. Box 2443
Granby Colorado 80446

[@matts_.4494]

I first went over independence pass on June 5, 1979. I was hitchhiking from Chicago to Glenwood Springs. I caught a ride out of Denver it took me out on 285 to Buena Vista. The guy who gave me a ride owned a machine shop in that town. He had me over for dinner and since it was nighttime and pretty cold he offered me the spare bedroom. In the morning we had biscuits and gravy at a café on the north end of town . I caught a ride almost instantly over to Aspen. The pass had only been open for a day or two and the snow was deep up near the top. Making my way through the Roaring Fork Valley, I felt like I'd been transported to a magical place. It took me four rides to get from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, but I got there and stayed for 10 years.

[@ridingshotgun1251]

Very nice..

[@rikkitikkitavi997]

You have an exceptional memory. 🙂

[@ljc.youtube]

life is so nice when the kindness of others is bestowed upon us, this drive is so beautiful, reminds me of Tahoe only nicer maybe?

[@suepeterson163]

I agree

[@davidconner-shover51]

Living in the area, Driven it with 4 and 6 wheelers lots. I've cashed in my mirrors on at least 30% of my drives. I've seen plenty of trucks hauled out of the two tightest turns, yes, against cliff faces. All above the Grottos

[@nigelstockwell8584]

HI from old trucker in uk now 87 yrs retired . What a fantastic journey loved every minute of it also find it very relaxing with your voice . Keep the videos coming , Keep safe Cheers Nigel

[@jamesa.7604]

Thanks for taking us along on this ride. Love the scenery and enjoy your stories. This is definitely a road I would want to see first hand. Keep making these videos please and keep traveling safe.

[@paulson6270]

Love watching your videos. Your calm voice always relaxes me. I do fall asleep sometimes so I watch it again. 😴😊

[@LottaFur56]

Right up til he says 'PEACE' - that'll wake you up real fast!

[@paulson6270]

@@LottaFur56 Yes true. LoL

[@cherylgarretson3441]

What a beautiful ride!!! Wish i could smell the fresh, pine scented air!

[@josefinevomberg8437]

Yes...me too.

[@billbabcock1833]

I've driven over Independence many, many times over the years, always as the driver. However 3 or 4 years ago I was the passenger in a friend's 3/4 ton GMC pick up going from Aspen to Leadville. I gained a new appreciation of how close the the drop off on the passenger side was in places. LOL

[@pinkywilliams8063]

Thanks for the shotgun ride.... Beautiful scenery and enjoyed the talk. PEACE!!!!!

[@BeautifulSpirit-kf5ld]

Im glad you have the physical/ mental fortitude for this; most don't . Ive had so many challenges thrown at me past 6 months. I watch this in amazement. you have such stamina and calm .wish i had some.

[@nancyhines5942]

Thanks for the ride. I went over the pass 26 years ago. Yes, the flat landers blew my mind. They were in the inside lane and drove down the middle of the road, completely blocking traffic. Again, thanks

[@sherwoodyoder830]

Thanks Mike! Loving this. The now ex wife and I work camped the summer of 15 at Arrowhead Point, Buena Vista. Camped at twin lakes and drove over this pass several times! Loving this

[@almeisam]

The last time I went over Independence Pass was in 1995, this time of year (end of August). Thanks for the ride and the memories. That ore bin looking thing is at the ghost town of Independence.

[@larimar48]

Thank you Darlin' for a beautiful ride. It meant a lot to me. ❤

[@johnheyer6188]

I ve been over this pass dozens of times with 45 footer in the 70 and 80s no problem if you pay attention to what your doing I grew up in Gilman Colorado until 1960

[@kasienimm7733]

I came across your videos last week and love watching them. I lived in CO back in the 70's thru '84. My favorite town was Leadville, my favorite mtn is Mt. Massive and my favorite pass was and still is Independence Pass. I used to camp at the Halfmoon Campground way before it became what it is now. I also love the drive down to NM, passing all the 14er's as you go. Will keep watching you as you travel thru CO. Brings back many memories of days gone by...I am 74yo now. Lol. Thank you!

[@suzanneb9989]

Hi Mike. Thanks for this ride today.a bit different but thoroughly enjoyable. A great Sunday night’s entertainment here in lockdown in Melbourne Australia

[@michaelmoore6998]

I worked highway maintenance on that pass for 12 years, met semi's with plow truck several times. Had to run escort so they could get across. Scary business.

[@joycemcfee1829]

This was a beautiful ride. My husband said we drove over the pass, but I must have closed my eyes a lot. Thanks for giving me another chance to see it.

[@FlorentinoRebuildingCo.5644]

Holy sh#t.....!!! I had to replay that video portion just to make sure. ".....he'll get his". You're so right. Gracias....!!!

[@rotormaxx]

Hi M.; Great video! Refreshing drive up in the mountains seeing some rain after all the heat. As for the trucker's mistake in a restricted road, running flagger stop sign, double fine in work zone, WOW. R.

[@frankieatlookan5587]

Best ride yet, keep them coming.

[@cyndikarp3368]

Thanks for the video over Independence Pass. I has been 50+ years, since I was on this road. Thanks for the memories.

[@lyndamoore6896]

I enjoy your scenic views that you take us on! Keep on bringing it!!! 😃

[@andreamiller9645]

My husband and I just found your videos. My husband drove a truck from 1972 until he retired in 2010. He delivered liquor throughout the state of Colorado. On one trip to Aspen in fall of 1972 he decided to take his Peterbilt..with suicide gears..over Independece pass. No paved road..he made it over the pass but he never did it again. He said the road looks better now but he still wouldn't take a truck over it! Thanks again for the video as we enjoyed seeing the pass 49 years later!

[@neeterb5584]

Thanks for the ride over Independence Pass. That's one pass I've not been over. The mountains are so green and beautiful. My last visit to Aspen was not pleasant so I've not been in a hurry to go back.

[@nicolasgabrieldeazevedo6353]

Thanks for the ride. I spent the whole afternoon studying and I had to find a way to chill out. Beautiful scenery and cool conversation. Appreciate it 😉👍🏼

[@sunnyray2048]

🍭SWEET🍭BEEEEEEEEEUUUTIFUL!!! I was there last in the late 1960’s! I miss Colorado so very much! Thanks for the ride Mike! 🚛Rubber Down, Metal Up MM Mike🚛💖ML💖 SunnyRay Woods🌞🌲🌲🌲🇺🇸✌🏻

[@ecole3139]

Loved the trip & and hearing you chatting, which make all your vids so enjoyable! Thnks Mike 🇬🇧

[@kenlodge3399]

So I just want to know if you heard about that guy on the news? Somebody had to do a whole lot of backing up. I went over Independence back in '73, in a car, and as I recall (just barely) there weren't any guard rails and a whole lot less greenery. Also keen to see the look on his face when he met that lil' stretch of cliff face.

[@normandbertrand1202]

Thank you for the nice video. Love riding along in the rain. Very relaxing. Have a great day & take care

[@virginiatolles1664]

Beautiful! You're a brave man to take that road in a semi.

[@londa6290]

He was in his jeep..🙂

[@popsicle777channel]

Thanks so much for posting! Used to go there a lot, but now this helps as I'm missing Colorado from Illinois

[@stellarproductions8888]

Mountain Main Mike, thank you for bringing me so much entertainment. That trucker we saw go by is totally foooked, both physically, and lawlly. Woohoo! :D

[@slowknit45]

Enjoying your trip over Independence Pass. Just had to write because of something you said, brought back some wonderful memories. So, you mentioned Chapman Dam and Reid Res. My husband created a road off that road so equipment could be brought up to a water diversion project done by Harrison-Western Corp. I believe it was 1979. We made many trips up to that job site hauling heavy equipment. Most definitely the scariest job site i had ever been to. Don't want to bore you with more details...just nice to have that place mentioned. Safe travels. Good thing you're not in Boston today. Lol Hope that upcoming trip is a good one for you.

[@billhillify4924]

Hey… it snowed there a couple days ago!…and holy smokes! That truck!…He is going to have (had) a terrible afternoon and evening.

[@chorleycake7942]

Hi from Australia Mike, that’s some awe inspiring country you drive through. Thanks for sharing the ride.

[@anne-marieolka6540]

Beutiful country. Thanks for an awesome trip. Greatly enjoyed your running commentary. Very entertaining.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Here in the Philippines someone asked me what I missed about the USA. I traveled many of the western states for years and I must say I do miss the drives and scenery....and wide roads. There is a lot of tolerance and little road rage here by Filipinos. They actually often make 3 lanes out of 2 by moving over to share the road. The US has its strict enforcement of traffic rules and that is fine but the "chaos" on the roads here seems to be pretty efficient. Few traffic signals and stop signs. People just make it work and give way to others. Safe travels!

[@LadyMarie880]

Great video, 👍 as always,Mike thankyou Sir .....

[@childoftheking7143]

had to look at the news and see if that driver got caught - couldn't find that one... BUT I did find this one out of the Aspen Times: a deputy ticketed the driver of a car carrier semi-truck who drove over the Pass from the Twin Lakes side and held up a line of about 20 cars heading down into Aspen, he said. The ticket will cost the driver, who was pulled over in front of the Aspen Police Department, more than $1,100.

[@natem3977]

I drove that pass in early July this year. Loved it. Got coffee at the yellow Volkswagen bus in twin lakes.

[@harrietetter9321]

thanks for the ride -- reminds me of many trips over loveland before I70 in our '59 belaire -- putting on chains because of the idiot flatlanders slowing it all down -- changing a diaper over the backseat and feeling the car slip in the snow -- aw those were the days

[@steveamurray59]

Scenic Route, lol. Colorado High Country is Beautiful. A good Sunday drive.

[@deborahthomas409]

Love the scenery,

[@moonshiner5412]

I have driven this pass many times but it has been about 15 years. That narrow section is wicked! Camped up the pass for a week in the 80's and had to drive to Aspen for supplies a couple of times and that was the only part that was difficult and I think that is why no semi's are allowed. Someone was working on restoring some of the buildings in Independence in the 80's. So has anyone heard if anything happened with the semi? Traffic up on 40 was terrible! I drove parts of it both ways a couple weeks ago. Just had to drive as traffic allowed. I am like you in that if someone wants to maintain a good pace and stay off the brakes then I can follow them just fine. I have a 2005 Durango that will get up and go! Very fun to drive and I can go off road with it.

[@stephenhudson6543]

I'll bet that area is beautiful when the sun shining

[@terryoneill4869]

Terry O'Neill is from Australia and loves this utube show , takes me back to some of the many trips I have on around the great USA

[@LadyMarie880]

I did I enjoy again hahaha thankyou for this awesome video

[@tomt.denver6662]

You are an amazing driver, very impressive.

[@jay3368]

I was thinking the same.

[@777Timberwolf]

Comments here... 1. Love watching today's video drinking my coffee and relax... Beautiful scenic drive, thank you. 2. driving your Jeep with no wonky wipers... lol. 3. That Semi truck that went by = Good Luck!

[@SalsaShakers]

Getting your AUSTRIA mixed up with your AUSTRALIA mate!

[@robertpaiva4481]

If I had been on my motorcycle I would have made a u-turn and followed that semi up Independence Pass just to see how that trucker faired and recorded it with my Go Pro camera even up to when the Colorado State Police wrote him up to several pages of tickets "INTERESTING" wouldn't you say, also mountain man Mike: that accent isn't, Austrian isn't Australian or New Zealand or British English

[@mrrobertwolfiii1079]

That is so much more fun working with two persons that travel in a semi truck nice pass

[@davideldridge5972]

An A+ ride. Thank you. My last time on that road was '91. A rainy summer day, like this one. The big difference? We were almost alone, it was not a detour route that day.

[@millvee1005]

What a lovely scenic ride, I didn't think a huge semi with a trailer could fit on this narrow curvy highway, that guy in the semi with the trailer i bet found out the hard way. Nice trip.

[@jonathanbolos1751]

Hey brother, love watching your videos while I work. God bless and stay safe.

[@williamtuton6178]

I really appreciate and miss do going through Colorado eve seeing my uncle Monty in Grande Junction.

[@orangehoof]

About 30 years ago, my sister's family took us to Independence Pass in June and we walked through a ghost town. Took some great pictures. There was still snow in some parts. Video in the Jeep looked pretty good, even in the rain. Hope you do more Mike.

[@joannford5860]

Thanks for another great ride Mike

[@cinn1217]

Did you ever hear anything about that crazy driver who blew thru the flagger and up the mountain?

[@childoftheking7143]

No WAY ! ! ! Oh my goodness! I cant believe that driver thought he could take a semi where the signs are all over the place (both ways) WOW what a dope! There was a Ranger at the top - I hope that trucker gets to meet him$$. I am in Montana now but every time you drive this area, I, with ya Mt Man Mike.. Thank you SO much - you were driving my ole stomping grounds I miss it SO MUCH but I cant do commierado - I will not comply :) Still praying for you - Thank you brother - be safe!

[@harrietetter9321]

hey -- thats commie-denver-rado -- dont blame the rest of us

[@childoftheking7143]

@@harrietetter9321 lol I hear you - it was filtering into the "high country" when I left - Blessings to you

[@karenecurran7895]

This trip sure fit a Sunday drive. All except those sharp turns and drop offs, that is. TY. MMM God bless you

[@ridingshotgun1251]

You don't like the turns?.. I love em.. lol

[@redsorgum]

Looking forward to seeing your snow ride videos. Great view from the Jeep.

[@BrendaHaltom-cs6ck]

I just watched this one again! I couldn’t believe it!😀🇺🇸🚙

[@maryelse3417]

Your video make me happy your video are beautiful

[@ridingshotgun1251]

Thank you Mary.. I'm so glad I was able to make you smile . Peace baby!!👍

[@cyndikarp3368]

If the smaller trucks are allowed, they should be able to use the road. The one truck that can't turn around is going to get a big ticket. Running through a CDOT mandatory stop is going to cause driver big trouble too. He should not have a CDL & is endangering others.

[@tinkerlynch5276]

Great trip, love Riding Shotgun !!!

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Thanks Mike Nice ride, even witnessed a crime. Southern California Watching

[@germanshepherd2579]

The fine for trucks caught on Independence Pass is $1000 plus the tow fees, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

[@ridingshotgun1251]

Do you believe that guy??. I'm coming thru.. lol

[@DDA40Xman]

Really great video, worth watching again.

[@mikeservais888]

That was funny. Nice ride along MMM peace!!!

[@GhostStylez]

Looks like a beautiful rainy day well l just hop into the passenger seat Riding Shotgun bout to buckle up ready for this ride!!! Let's roll Mountain Man!!! PS: hope all is Well ^ Good with you and FAM too, always thank you for what you do hint: Trucking and your Entertainment... Stay safe Mike and PeAce Brotha.....

[@mrrobertwolfiii1079]

slow through town that looks even more fun and the people are still there and real that is what I like to see Real Persons living out there

[@kathyayoder2550]

Mountains are so beautiful!!

[@joesphbest3120]

When I was in High-school 1957 gas was 10 cents a gallon and sometimes cheaper with gas wars. in 1970 was around 55 cents a gallon.

[@MadeInNewYork73]

Best I saw was 21 cents in Ft Worth in 1970...only 15 years old then. In home state was 10 cents more! Land o'Taxes 🤣🤣

[@HardRockMaster7577]

My Senior year in HS in 1973, during the 2nd semester, gas war had the price of Regular down to 19 cents!

[@MadeInNewYork73]

@@HardRockMaster7577 YAY to Class of '73 HS grads!! My group & we're all very proud. Had the best of everything - music, cars, no draft except beer...still able to drink at 18 😍

[@HardRockMaster7577]

@@MadeInNewYork73 We had no idea how Good we had it!! An embarrassment of Musical Riches -- on albums, and, in concert!!

[@MadeInNewYork73]

@@HardRockMaster7577 Lol..getting called a Boomer is such a compliment. They have no idea. Makes me Smile (Kath reference)!

[@donaldseabolt8720]

I own a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and it's been a dependable car has the 4.7 V8 gets decent gas mileage I think I will keep it as long as I can keep it running older jeeps are best in my book. Good luck with your Jeep mike

[@jamesparks1966]

Have not been over that pass but many others when we lived in fountain then the springs not a big fan of Denver or the springs love the smaller towns up in the mountains thanks mountain man mike

[@jackball4201]

Hey Mike, love the trip and the video of the pass.I guess you cant fix stupid. " Well my GPS told me to turn there." Wonder how he felt in the one lane part.. Oh i know, someone who does that kind of thing has no regard. Let the little cars get out of my way That is really HDS coming through HA

[@daveyheeren182]

Mike what a exciting and unbelieveable video let us know if you hear of anything on that semi truck LOL

[@canamm]

@ 10:56, you drove past my favorite free campground, on the left. I've been staying there since my kids were little, back in the early 90's. There's a little creek along the backside of it, to draw water from.

[@richardbeee]

Thanks for the ride. That "trucker" was a joke. Still laughing:) Great trip.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

That semi driver was one toke over the line! They do it at Smugglers Notch all the time in VT and never fail to get stuck and close the road to thru traffic. Just blow right past all the warning signs.

[@NorRavel]

yes Sir, keep it between the Mustard and the Mayo... enjoyed the ride along once again...

[@gainingmomentum5392]

Reminds me of last year when 70 was closed due to fires. We were headed east and were going to take Independence Pass as our alternate route. However our F450 & 36ft toyhauler push a total of 56 ft. Got turned around, spent the night near Rifle and took 13 the next morning (13 was undergoing construction, sure its better now). I think we'd have been okay on the pass, but who knows. P.S. - Having now watched to the end, I'm certain that I could have comfortably taken this route. I really didn't see anything that was that much worse than Million Dollar, but I know it has to be as there is no prohibition of trucks and trailer length there. Thanx for the ride. 👍

[@lockednloaded7830]

Beautiful ride, I would like to do it myself someday but hopefully not so much traffic. I'm assuming if i-70 is open the traffic isn't as heavy on this pass.

[@jefflynch3524]

Awesome scenic drive, what is the highest elevation of independence pass?

[@alsup11]

Hey good to see you back. Not quite the same. But enjoyed the video. Stay safe and have a blessed day.

[@londa6290]

Awesome video! It's beautiful country there. I wonder how that trucker made it...he had to be extremely experienced to make it without going over the cliff or running people off...🤔😰😱

[@lesd9783]

Mountain Man Mike, another awesome video! I'm still sitting here LMAO at that semi driver for even thinking about taking his rig over Independence Pass Hwy 82, at least you and I have enough sense to check it out before going. It must have been one of those famous stupid drivers that can't speak English much less read English and we know his butt is in big trouble and hopefully he will lose his CDL too! We don't need drivers like that on the highways! Thanks again for the ride along and let me ride shotgun!

[@christinesales7786]

Sunday, August 22. 2021. Your video, might have been taped in another time zone. But always stay safe on your deliveries. NC again.

[@nwilcox1120]

Just starting to watch this. I also went over Independence Pass in a semi riding shotgun 4 times. It was in 1978. The rig wasn’t as big as the new ones. There were no guard rails at all. The three single lane areas just had the rock edges. We were early enough we didn’t meet any traffic in the single lanes. I lived in Aspen then and worked for the White River National Forest at there’ll Jebel Tree Nursery. We were hauling ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine to the forests on the front ranges.

[@nwilcox1120]

You just passed through the narrows without having to back up. But you passed a semi going up the pass. So I was really happy that you weren’t in a semi. Semis do get stuck up there and it is a mess. Even in the 70s the pass would get shut down and Aspen at that time was one square mile, and there was no place to park. The only choice would be to head back to Glenwood Springs. It’s a mess. Don’t go over independence pass in a semi. We were working for the federal government hauling their trees and our bosses told us that we were going that way. The first time we knew what was ahead of us and talk about nervous until we got to top and through the first hairpin and made it around. Then we finally were able to relax and enjoy the trip.

[@nwilcox1120]

Thanks for the video and the memories.

[@donnalangley117]

It is a gorgeous drive. Thank you for sharing. Your insurance company should cover your windshield so you can get it replaced. Some do it without any costs, others will have a 50 or 100 costs. Hope this information helps.

[@suesanchez5831]

Oh my!! That dude is in trouble 😳 🤣!!!

[@ericmoyes4917]

Thanks Mike haven't taken the trip over independence pass this year that's some really old stomping grounds for me

[@StorminNorvin]

Looks like the highway for the intro to "The Shining". "See, it's okay. He saw it on the Riding Shotgun".

[@parsons585]

Glad to have you drive those touristy areas! I get too frustrated with the slow pokes in front and tailgaters behind! The trucker who blew through the stop sign must have a hot load to take a chance like that! Wish I could of seen what happened with him or her!!

[@tonyz6421]

Nothing wrong with driving slow through the passes! Pull your head out.

[@ruthaquilina908]

Thanks for another great video Mike.. Glad to hear you were a Mustang guy.. I had three myself, A1966 and two 1972s , one was a Mach 1 , White with Black stripes, wish I still had it too.. Stay safe ..

[@terrylynch1259]

Hi...From the Isle of Harris!...Off the West Coast of Scotland!....Did you find out if the semi made it over?...Get stopped...Make the news......A Cracking channel....Cheers

[@cathyreed6180]

Foreign truck drivers, I guess nowadays some companies are so desperate for truck drivers they will take anybody a CDL. Which is really sad.

[@neidespinellidasilva1630]

Maravilhoso, obrigado por compartilhar !! ✌

[@tomgray6123]

Well Mike you never told us if you have a brother, but if you do that was probably him drivin that semi over the pass. And despite how dumb it was, I think perhaps you were a little jealous, because after all :These are the voyages of Mountain Man Mike. His mission: To go where no semi has gone before !

[@ridingshotgun1251]

I do have brothers.. but they are step bros and don't drive.

[@georgeerhard1949]

A few years ago I rode over this pass on a sport-touring motorcycle, and I was still a bit freaked by the one-lane section! Can't imagine doing it with a semi truck. But yeah, with Glenwood Canyon flooded out, you have to get creative. Was thinking a lot of east-west truck traffic diverted north to I-80 (Cheyenne) while the canyon was closed.