local
1968 plane wreck on Independence Pass remains to be cleaned up
By Beau Toepfer Follow
btoepfer@aspentimes.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· June 15, 2026
· 1 min read
The wreck of a small aircraft that has been sitting in the trees above Independence Ghost Town and slowly deteriorating in the harsh subalpine environment for the past 58 years is still waiting to be cleaned up.
Independence Pass Foundation’s Executive Director Karin Teague suggested staffing ...
Key takeaway Independence Pass Foundation’s Executive Director Karin Teague suggested staffing ...
Why this matters in Aspen News
The presence of the 1968 plane wreck on Independence Pass has significant implications for the City of Aspen , given its proximity to the city and the shared risks associated with the greater Aspen metro area. As the city's residents and visitors frequent the Independence Pass area for recreation, the hazardous conditions posed by the plane's sharp metal and glass fragments are a concern. The fact that the U.S. Forest Service has deemed the cleanup a low priority due to staffing and budget cuts may also raise questions about the city's own preparedness for similar incidents, particularly in light of the region's vulnerability to Gulf hurricane and flooding risks. The experience of the Independence Pass Foundation in subsidizing the cleaning of bathrooms on the pass may also inform potential collaborations between the city and local organizations to address the plane wreck cleanup and other maintenance needs in the area.
About this story
Original reporting by Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 15, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The wreck of a small aircraft that has been sitting in the trees above Independence Ghost Town and slowly deteriorating in the harsh subalpine environment for the past 58 years is still waiting to be cleaned up.
Independence Pass Foundation’s Executive Director Karin Teague suggested staffing ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 15, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Beau Toepfer Follow
btoepfer@aspentimes.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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