Day 2 | Mon July 19, 2027 | Green River to Buena Vista via Independence Pass

I-70 east through Glenwood Canyon -> CO-82 via Carbondale and Aspen -> Independence Pass eastbound -> Twin Lakes -> US-24 to Buena Vista. ~290 mi (blog estimate); 6–7 h (blog estimate). Scenic hero: Independence Pass (12,095 ft). Cross in daylight and dry weather; traffic and cyclists on narrow sections. If late, skip Aspen sightseeing. CDOT check before crossing.