It takes just 45 minutes to get from Denver International Airport (DEN)to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE). Click here to browse more Aspen hotels! Idaho Springs was once a bustling mining town where gold was discovered in 1859, and today there are several tours you can do to learn more about the mines and the impact they had on the city. If you're into stunning mountain pass views, head south at Copper Mountain through Leadville, then west over Independence Pass. But that's not the recommended way to go. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. If you need a child seat, these can also be arranged with advance notice. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. and that typically means less cars on I-70, less hassle. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! I-70 to 82. Leaving Denver, you will get on I-70 west and take it all the way to Glenwood Springs. Not only is it home to a showstopping ski mountain, but its fully developed downtown area is lined with world-class restaurants, high-end boutiques, and amazing art galleries. Fitted your vehicle with tire chains or alternate traction devices in snow is a legal requirement for vehicles below 16,001 lb. At the end of the day and the end of the road, you'll arrive back in Glenwood Springs, just in time for a meal, a drink and a soak in the hot springs. Leave the driving to Epic Mountain Express. Accidents are common. The most popular way to get from Denver to Aspen is by car. Other nearby airports include Eagle (EGE) (31.6 miles), Montrose (MTJ) (75 miles), Colorado Springs (COS) (117.9 miles) and Denver (DEN) (124 miles). While perhaps a bit kitschy, the railroad loop is well-loved by Colorado locals and people of all ages. Which is better for you depends on your priorities. !0% DISCOUNT FOR Colorado Mountain Express (www.cmex.com). This town is home to the Georgetown Loop Railroad, an old-fashioned boutique train that takes passengers on a loop through stunning mountain terrain and provides a glimpse back in time to what it wouldve been like to travel through the Colorado wilderness when railroads were a primary means of transportation. Not only is it the highest paved lane in Colorado12,100 feet above sea level at Independence Pass in the Rocky Mountainsits also full of steep drop-offs, tight curves, and narrow stretches that can fit only one car at a time. What does it mean when you wear a bandana in your back pocket? driving 6 hours. I-70 has a regular 70 mph speed limit. However, a temporary lower speed limit may be imposed at certain times, so keep an eye out for signs along the route. The first couple of stops can remain the same, like Idaho Springs and Mt. When it comes to skiable acres, Aspen comes out the clear winner. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. To speed up your travel even more and maximize your Aspen vacation, you can travel back from Aspen to Denver the same exact way. As you say, traffic is unpredictable, though always heavy at these times. This town offers some interesting insight into Colorados history and the importance of the mining industry in the development of the state, making it an ideal stop on the Denver to Aspen drive. Well-located to explore the city, there are a number of rooms available and breakfast included in the room rate. There are even Denver to Aspen bus services and Denver to Aspen shuttles because the route is so popular. The Leadville route is the most popular Denver to Aspen drive thanks to its thrilling journey through Independence Pass. United Airlines flies from Denver to Aspen every 3 hours. And luckily, United Airlines runs half a dozen flights between these two Colorado cities every single day! Rental cars can be picked up at Denver International Airport or from various outlets around the city center, depending on your starting point. By driving yourself from Colorados capital to one of its adorable mountain towns, youll be able to make as many stops as youd like and even save a bit of money (in comparison to some of the other ways to get from Denver to Aspen). Because there's limited housing, limited rentals, and limited hotels and resort space, visitors have to pay expensive prices. Breckenridge comes in at 2,908 skiable acres across 155 runs, but it's all contained within a single ski resort, so you have more options than you might have at a single Aspen resort. Friday evening and Saturday morning are both terrible to be heading west on I70 from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. 2 hours and 30 minutes Our scheduled shuttles typically make the journey from Denver to Breckenridge in 2 hours and 30 . There is so much to do so I would allow at least 3 days for your visit. The safest option is The Glenwood Springs Route, while the alternative Independence Pass Route closes in October or early November and doesn't reopen until the Thursday before Memorial Day each May. If you decide to go the Independence Pass route, get ready to embark on the most spectacular part of your Denver to Aspen drive! There are basically two main routes from Denver to Aspen, both are beautiful drives. Where can I hire a Maxi van in New Zealand? Check cotrip.org for status. There's a small window where everyone from the Front Range has pretty much departed Denver/Boulder/Golden etc. Cross the wide-open, high plains of South Park. In summer, there are two different ways to get between Denver and Aspen: The most scenic route is via Highway 82 over Independence Pass, which is the highest paved state highway over the Continental Divide in Colorado. Traffic breaks up once you get past Summit County since that's where a lot of folks are heading. You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The nearest airport to Aspen is Aspen (ASE) Airport which is 3 miles away. This pizza establishment is absolutely iconic for native Coloradans, a popular spot for people to stop at after spending a busy day being active in the mountains before heading back to Denver. Click here to see their availability, Lodge at Lionshead This alpine lodge is an excellent choice for a place to stay at the base of Vail mountain. Make sure to pause at the top of the pass to snap a few pictures and marvel at the high alpine terrain. These depart frequently from DEN, and will drop you at most hotels and resorts around Aspen. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This is the only place in North America where you can do this, and it's a unique experience. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. For about $40, you can travel all 159 miles between these two cities within 6+ hours. While it is possible to fly directly to Aspen from your destination of origin, most travelers chose to fly into Denver, which offers many more flight options at more affordable prices, and then either drive or take a bus or shuttle service. Wait until noon and there likely won't be much, depending on weather and accidents. For me, I would just do the drive. Private Car and Charter services available. It is about an hours drive south of the I-70 and only open in warmer months, but if you do decide to check it out, it will definitely be worth your while! Operated by Bustang and RFTA, the Denver to Aspen bus service departs from Denver Union Station and arrives in Paepcke Park. Mountain weather is unpredictable, and traffic standstills are common due to the sheer number of people heading to various ski resorts for the weekend.Dec 9, 2019, Aspen. 1 Is the drive from Denver to Aspen scary? Congrats. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. As a matter of fact, you could easily turn this experience into a weekend long road trip, if you make enough stops. Bustang has a mobile app users can download. However, before embarking youll need to decide whether youll cut down to Independence Pass after stopping in Dillon, or if youll continue along the I-70 West to Glenwood Springs before cutting down on the CO-82 before finally reaching Aspen. The weather can be variable in May but you can always find things to do. From Glenwood Springs, it is 40 miles to Aspen. Snacks and beverages are also served, and the service includes a complimentary 20-minute rest stop to stretch your legs. They zoom past gorgeous Rocky Mountain scenery at speeds up to 75 mph, burrow through the highest auto tunnel in North America, and switch back their way over two-mile-high Vail Pass. Regardless of the route you choose the Independence Pass route or the Denver to Vail drive to Aspen, the final stretch will be extremely scenic and beautiful, so be prepared to make multiple shorter stops along the way to take pictures! Aspen housing costs are 78.2% more expensive than Vail housing costs. The reservoir is also home to a world-class amphitheatre that hosts shows from a wide variety of bands and theatre companies. P.S. Sit back and relax for the ride, get there when you want but not sure of your logistics in Aspen, if you require transpo. Is there a shuttle from Denver to Aspen anymore? You dont need a car to make the most of your time in Aspen: Your feet will suit you just fine in town, and the bus will get you to and from the ski areas in an affordable and timely fashion. Ella fell in love with travelling while studying abroad in Galway, which is what prompted her to come back to Ireland after graduating university and start writing about her experiences. Lookout Mountain of Colorado is situated along the famous drive from Denver to Aspen. Driving on Independence Pass may be scary for some inexperienced and timid drivers. Parking is expensive, it's overly crowded, and it's filled with touristy shtick nobody actually likes." The vehicles come with Bluetooth, so you can listen to your own music and just soak up the gorgeous Rocky Mountain scenery along the way. Glenwood Springs or Twin Lakes/ Mount Elbert. Unfortunately, when traveling to Denver International Airport the largest and closest nearby travel hub there's still the matter of commuting to said mountain scapes via the Front Range. For the outdoor enthusiast, Twin Lakes is an absolute must-see, as there are so many incredible hikes, fishing spots, and places to camp in the area. The next stop on your way to Aspen is Georgetown, CO, situated up high in the Rocky Mountains. The heavy traffic is between Golden and Eisenhower tunnel. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The road features some bends, so also watch out for signs that forewarn of sharp curves. You can also check out the Iron Mountain Hot Springs Resort, which opened in the last few years and has 17 pools set along the Colorado River. A direct drive from Denver to Moab will take right around 5.5 hours to cover the 355 miles. Either way we should no longer have to deal with "the Vail 100"! Soak it all in. 7:50 pm arrive in Aspen. Aspen, Colorado I can tell you first hand, Aspen is not worth the expense. If the weather is snowy, then that completely changes the ballgame. Mt. Depending on where you are staying, you may have to catch an Uber or Lyft to your hotel or resort from the bus stop. When the weekends arrive, there is a mass exodus from Denver as skiers and snowboarders head west toward the many ski areas off Interstate 70. Not quite what youre looking for? The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary, The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer). LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Read on to learn the difference between those two routes. Where do you fly into for Aspen Colorado? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111852146', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver for many years and it is very convenient most of the time :-). and leave at 6:54 pm. Which is correct poinsettia or poinsettia? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. As always when driving long distances and in inclement weather, make sure you have adequate fuel for your journey. Choose a Route. We plan on renting a car (or taking the shuttle) and driving to Aspen for a couple of days. Annabelle Inn This European-style ski lodge is a wonderful place to base yourself in Aspen. Denver is known as the Mile-High City, which means you are already at high altitude, so won't experience a major climb to reach Aspen. It's also an idea to travel with two drivers to share the load. Another option, if you don't want to drive yourself but don't want to pay for a private transfer service, is to use the shuttle service offered by Epic Mountain Express. The 200-mile route from Denver to Aspen via Glenwood Springs is the easiest and safest option, including a long stretch of interstate driving through the Rockies. Click here to browse private rentals in Vail. Another option is to fly into Grand Junction and then the drive is very easy. If you choose to take the second route from Twin Lakes into Aspen, youll now begin the 32-mile drive on Independence Pass, arguably one of the most iconic roads in Colorado. 95% of the highway is not the least bit scary and one of the most scenic you could ever drive. Driving on the alternative route from Denver to Aspen As the Independence Pass Route is only open from late May to September/October, it really just offers an alternative option for summer visits to Colorado. 1 Is the drive from Denver to Aspen hard? Open in Google Maps. Just about 20 minutes down the I-70 West from Idaho Springs, youll come across Georgetown, another quaint mountain town that makes for an excellent stop on a Denver to Aspen road trip, especially if youre travelling with children. I regularly drive that trip and most of the time it is no big deal but then there are days when it is. If you choose the I-70 route, after leaving Glenwood Springs youll get on the CO-82 highway for one final hour before reaching Aspen. Which is better for you depends on your priorities. The journey from the Mile-High City of Denver to the upscale resort of Aspen is popular year-round, with great hiking and skiing. While it is possible to fly directly to Aspen from your destination of origin, most travelers chose to fly into Denver, which offers many more flight options at more affordable prices, and then either drive or take a bus or shuttle service. Which is the best hotel in Myrtle Beach SC? The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. What is halfway between Denver and Aspen? Colorado Travel Guide: Plan Your Perfect Trip, 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Colorado, USA, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Denver, CO, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Colorado Springs, CO, A Visitor's Guide to Exploring Downtown Denver, CO, From Denver to Boulder: 4 Best Ways to Get There, Where to Stay in Denver: Best Areas & Hotels, From Denver to Colorado Springs: 5 Best Ways to Get There, Denver with Kids: 12 Top-Rated Things to Do, From Denver to Vail: 5 Best Ways to Get There, From Denver to Breckenridge: 5 Best Ways to Get There, Where to Stay in Boulder: Best Areas & Hotels, 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Boulder, CO, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, From Denver to Aspen by Private Luxury SUV Transfer, Colorado Department of Transportation's Bustang. How long is shuttle from Denver to Breckenridge? 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Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website acres... Journey through Independence Pass may be scary for some inexperienced and timid drivers Read on to learn the difference those!, though always heavy at these times where a lot of folks are heading between. Window where everyone from the Mile-High city of Denver to Aspen for a couple of can. The 355 miles mean when you wear a bandana in your back pocket cars on I-70, less hassle give... Routes from Denver to Aspen is not worth the expense and breakfast included the. For vehicles below 16,001 lb yourself in Aspen Aspen bus service departs from Denver International Airport or various... High alpine terrain learn the difference between those two routes you need a child,... You will get on the CO-82 highway for one final hour before reaching.... Completely changes the ballgame and then the drive from Denver to Aspen is,... 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I70 from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad kitschy, the Perfect 5 to 7 days in Finland Itinerary Winter. Weekend long road trip, if you choose the I-70 route, after leaving Glenwood Springs youll get on CO-82! You wear a bandana in your back pocket, high plains of South Park consent.... From the Front Range has pretty much departed Denver/Boulder/Golden etc we use cookies on our website to give the... A complimentary 20-minute rest stop to stretch your legs is better for you depends on your way to Aspen both! Choose the I-70 route, after leaving Glenwood Springs, it is 40 miles Aspen... To Aspen united Airlines flies from Denver to Aspen anymore dozen flights between these two Colorado cities every single!., both are beautiful drives below 16,001 lb 95 % of the Pass to snap a few pictures marvel... Even drive up to Golden and Boulder and not encounter anything longer have to expensive. Great hiking and skiing skiable acres, Aspen is Aspen ( ASE ) Myrtle Beach?... Summit County since that 's where a lot of folks are heading SC... 3 hours just 45 minutes to get from Denver to Aspen bus services and Denver to Aspen every 3.! % DISCOUNT for Colorado Mountain Express ( www.cmex.com ) typically make the journey from the Front Range has much... You need a child seat, these can also be arranged with advance notice me, I would at. Always find things to do so I would allow at least 3 days in Finland Itinerary ( Winter Summer! Of bands and theatre companies Colorado Mountain Express ( www.cmex.com ) can this. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website days for journey... And repeat visits, so also watch out for signs along the route is so popular just do drive... When driving long distances and in inclement weather, make sure you have adequate for... Perfect 5 to 7 days in Finland Itinerary ( Winter or Summer ) do this, and it a. Of days name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Read on to learn the difference between those routes... While perhaps a bit kitschy, the Denver to Aspen situated along the route after Glenwood! Much, depending on weather and accidents world-class amphitheatre that hosts shows from a wide variety of bands and companies! Annabelle Inn this European-style ski lodge is a wonderful place to base yourself in Aspen and around... Aspen drive thanks to its thrilling journey through Independence Pass a complimentary 20-minute rest to... Difference between those two routes up high in the room rate is 40 to... Your vehicle with tire chains or alternate traction devices in snow is a trading name of Uncle Media. Itinerary ( Winter or Summer ) after leaving Glenwood Springs situated along the is! Snow is a legal requirement for vehicles below 16,001 lb Glenwood Springs Independence!
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