3   (0=Paved, 6=Very Difficult 4WD)

Follow CO 82 (Independence Pass Road) approximately 11 miles southeast out of Aspen or 8 miles below the summit of Independence Pass on the west side of the pass. Turn south onto the dirt Lincoln Creek Road (signed). Pass Lincoln Gulch Campground at .4 miles. Beyond this point the road gets rougher, there are several rocky sections and lots of potholes that fill with water when it rains or in run-off season and the road can be muddy in spots. The worst sections of road are along the 22 dispersed campsites. This section of road may turn back many vehicles, but the road is surprisingly drivable by many lower clearance and 2WD vehicles with the proper line. It is time consuming, however, taking 45 minutes to an hour to reach Grizzly Reservoir from pavement. The road eases to more of a traditional 2WD dirt road after the last numbered campsite, but continue to watch for potholes. Just before Grizzly Reservoir there is a road split, stay left (signed) to bypass private land. The Grizzly Lake trailhead is signed "trailhead" (no name) on the left at 6.4 miles from CO 82. Note: You can drive another 1/4 mile to the Portal Campground. Camping is only allowed in the 2 campgrounds or the 22 dispersed sites. Beyond the Portal Campground the road narrows and becomes rougher as it ascends to the Ruby Townsite.

Gated at CO 82, also note that the Lincoln Creek road turnoff is above the normal Independence Pass winter closure by several miles. The road usually opens a couple of weeks after Independence Pass.