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. The drive from Denver to Aspen is certainly doable, tooit's about 198 miles, which translates to around four to five hours in the car depending on how many stops you make. Vail is a great stop on this drive as, even if you choose to take the Independence Pass route, it is only a minor detour and has many amenities and things to do. Some restaurants may be closed but Aspen will still provide great dining options. 3. I have a fear of heights, and cannot drive highway 24 between Leadville and Minturn. However, check before you travel, as the service to Aspen is sometimes suspended. ASE This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Colorado is arguably one of the most beautiful states in the US, home to stunning parks and forests, sublime Rocky Mountain peaks, and amazing cities and towns that incorporate the regions natural beauty into daily life. 2 Lookout Mountain. the drive, youll have to make the decision whether or not youll continue Theres so much to see on the drive from Denver to Aspen. From here, it is at least another hour over Independence Pass down into Aspen.Feb 18, 2020. The company offers frequent shared ride transport in small vans that can accommodate 10 people. . Interstate driving isn't always the most scenic option. The time it takes to drive from Denver to Aspen via Independence Pass is about seven hours. The total driving time is, In summer, there are two different ways to get between Denver and Aspen: The most scenic route is, Driving from Denver to Vail is not just one of the most exhilarating and spectacular roads you can take in the state of Colorado it's also one of the, The best way to get from Denver to Boulder without a car is, People who have stumbled upon Independence Pass would answer this question with a resounding YES!. and that typically means less cars on I-70, less hassle. To help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip, we've put together some advice on driving this scenic, high-altitude route . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". If you find yourself in Vail outside the ski season, theres still plenty to do in the area, including beautiful hikes, miles of mountain biking trails, and great fly fishing. Private shuttle from Denver (DEN) to Aspen from InterMountain Express costs between $619 (Luxury SUV up to 3 passengers) and $809 (Private shuttle up to 9-14 passengers). And luckily, United Airlines runs half a dozen flights between these two Colorado cities every single day! If making the trip between September/October and May, note that all vehicles travelling on this stretch of I-70 must adhere to traction requirements, by law, which means using snow chains, winter tires or four-wheel drive. That depends largely on the weather. Ella is a writer for The World Was Here First. You can even drive up to Golden and Boulder and not encounter anything. more. Greyhound carries around 18 million passengers a year who travel 5.4 billion miles (8.6 billion km) a year on their fleet of around 1700 vehicles. The Stairway to Heaven From the East: Hwy 285 west from Denver, Hwy 24 north, Hwy 82 west (open in nonwinter months) Each section gets better on this ascent of awesomeness. We also have Grand Junction airport about a 2 hour drive away.Nov 11, 2011. Which islands are Recognised as Coral Island? Advice on driving from Denver to Aspen on a winter weekend, Re: Advice on driving from Denver to Aspen on a winter weekend, https://coloradotransfer.com/Aspen-p122109407?gclid=CjwKCAjw_L6LBhBbEiwA4c46unbKJRfW_gyF4PyZxpbbjACecHQ45ip8mfAwyjQl0Uo44iNZl9-MphoCE7EQAvD_BwE, Get answers to your questions about Aspen. This is the only place in North America where you can do this, and it's a unique experience. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen pretty? This area, called the Roaring Fork Valley, is home to a number of beautiful mountain towns located right along this highway. The Glenwood Canyon is on the east side of Glenwood so that is not a consideration either. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Georgetown . 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. We plan on renting a car (or taking the shuttle) and driving to Aspen for a couple of days. 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. The Denver to Aspen Drive is eventful in the sense that there are lots of possible stops to make along the way. People travel from all over the world to ski here (and not just the rich and famous). 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. The Grand Junction thing, does have its merits, but still coming in from London and jumping back on a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? With a whopping four ski resorts nearby, its no wonder Aspen is famous for its skiing. Bustang buses serve downtown Denver. Either way we should no longer have to deal with "the Vail 100"! Idaho Springs. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen hard? The most popular way to get from Denver to Aspen is by car. Do You Need A Car In Aspen? Denver to Aspen drive is a perfect starting point for your trip to the state of Colorado. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Steamboat is a real joy in the summer. Aspen is one of the most renowned skiing destinations in the world and an epic summer getaway for outdoor adventure, so its no surprise that it draws in thousands of visitors every single year. drive for about 56 minutes. Something else to remember is that if you land about 3:30pm in January by the time you collect your luggage and get a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Additionally, the seasoned mountaineer can even trek up to the peak of Mount Elbert to reach the highest point in the state! From here, it is at least another hour over Independence Pass down into Aspen. If youre one of those people and wondering, But how do I get from Denver to Aspen? youre in luckthis guide maps out all of your options! We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I regularly drive that trip and most of the time it is no big deal but then there are days when it is. Click here to check their availability, Not quite what youre looking for? Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is just 3 miles from the town of Aspen and 6 miles from Snowmass Village. From there, you can hop aboard the CDOT Westline bus to Glenwood Springs and stay aboard for four hours until you reach Westwood Park and Ride. Which is better for you depends on your priorities. Youll then need to catch Bus L for an additional two-hour ride into the heart of Aspen. In the winter, try snow kiteboarding or iceboating on the frozen reservoir, and in the beautiful summer months, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards and other boats and spend a day out on the sparkling water, surrounded on all sides by impressive mountain facades. If you were to drive straight there without making any stops, the Denver to Aspen drive time would be around four hours. Pull over and take a few pics! having a car in Aspen is a waste of money IMO, maybe you could get a one way rental? In fact, it's fair to say it is one of the most overrated places I have ever visited. How long is the drive from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO? If you choose to continue along the I-70, drive another fifty minutes before reaching Vail, a world-famous ski destination. Said Brian Penny, who blogs at ThoughtForYourPenny: ", The weather can be variable in May but you can always find things to do. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. Many of these activities only add 4 hours to your itinerary. There's only one route to Aspen unless you want to drive a million extra miles. Fitted your vehicle with tire chains or alternate traction devices in snow is a legal requirement for vehicles below 16,001 lb. We check in to our hotel in Aspen the next day, so I am looking for advice on the best way to get from Denver to Aspen on a Friday / Saturday. How do you read a John Deere baler serial number? To get to Independence pass, you'll take I-70 from Denver to Highway 91 south to Leadville and then follow signs to Highway 82 and the pass. Said Brian Penny, who blogs at ThoughtForYourPenny: "Aspen is the most overrated place I ever visited. If you opt to go the I-70 route to Aspen, the next best stop after Vail is Glenwood Springs, just about an hour west of Vail. How do I choose between my boyfriend and my best friend? From Idaho Springs, take the State Highway 103 and continue onto State Highway 5. In Conclusion. On Saturday before 6 or after noon or you can double your commute time to silverthorne. While perhaps a bit kitschy, the railroad loop is well-loved by Colorado locals and people of all ages. From Denver, get on the I-70 West. . Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Click here to browse private rentals in Vail. 95% of the highway is not the least bit scary and one of the most scenic you could ever drive. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen pretty? If you really want to get the most out of your experience and see all Western Colorado has to offer, Id recommend splitting up your drive into two or three days so that you can stop in all the cool mountain towns, go on a hike or two, and take in the beautiful scenery. 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. Drive is not scary at all. Click here to view private rentals in Aspen. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111526847', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane, then having a 2 hour drive sounds horrible. Since Aspen is such a popular vacation destination, its no surprise to find a company that provides direct transportation from Denver International Airport and Aspen (there are also a number of private shuttles but at a heftier price tag). If youre on a tight budget, your best bet is to take a bus from Denver to Aspen. It takes just under two hours to reach Leadville, which is a nice spot to stop for a coffee or lunch. As always when driving long distances and in inclement weather, make sure you have adequate fuel for your journey. A direct drive from Denver to Moab will take right around 5.5 hours to cover the 355 miles. Fly in to Grand Junction if at all possible. You can call 877 315-7623 or go to cotrip.org for road conditions and construction. You simply need to drive on 1-70 until you reach Glenwood Springs and then hop onto Highway 82 until you end up in Aspen. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. We plan on renting a car (or taking the shuttle) and driving to Aspen for a couple of days. Most people prefer Aspen for its Maroon Bells and skiing trails, while Denver has a better variety of recreational spots. Such situations where even a minute delay could end in disaster require quick solutions; however, it's definitely super expensive. Obviously, if you can find a flight that fits your budget, and your final destination is just Aspen or nearby resorts like Snowmass then flying to ASE, even with a connection flight, will still be the most convenient way of getting here. day 2 driving 2.5 hours. Lookout Mountain of Colorado is situated along the famous drive from Denver to Aspen. The Best Ways to Get from Denver to Aspen (cost, routes, and more), 5 Day Aspen Itinerary (Spring + Summer in Aspen, Colorado), 11 Amazing things to do in Aspen, Colorado in Summer/Spring, 12 Romantic Getaways in the US (Vacation Ideas for Couples), 10 Adorable Mountain Towns That'll Make You Actually Enjoy Winter, 15 Scenic Fall Hiking Destinations in the USA. Tunnel and over Vail Pass. I wouldnt recommend trying to get to Silverthorne to avoid traffic. Are you planning a Denver to Aspen drive or a Denver to Vail drive? It takes just 45 minutes to get from Denver International Airport (DEN)to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE). Depending on the time of year you're taking the trip, things to pack could include an ice-scraper, blankets, and some food and water, plus a flashlight, snow shovel, first aid kit and jumper cables. How far is Salt Lake City from Utah from Salmon Idaho. If youre a skier or snowboarder, definitely stop in Vail as it is a great alternative to Aspen to hit the slopes, and if you arent a fan of winter sports, stroll around Vail Village and explore the shops, restaurants, and breweries to get a taste of an authentic Colorado ski town. If you need a child seat, these can also be arranged with advance notice. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111479169', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver. Popular Colorado Interstate-70 has always been the route most traveled and, over the years, has proven to be nightmarish for locals and visitors alike. You are NOT next to the mountain on one of the very scariest parts of the drive. TravelWellnessTips & AdviceNews & EventsGiveaways, Copyright OC Media LLC 2022Privacy Policy|Website by The Sow Collective, A travel and wellness blog by Olivia Christine, Hawaii, North America, Tips and Tricks, Travel, United States, Beaches, Travel Tips, Safety, Culture Travel, Island Hopping, Hawaii, North America, Travel, United States, Tips and Tricks, Travel Guides, 15 Best Places to Visit in July (USA + International), 23 Women-Owned Restaurants in the US You Need to Try. Press ESC to cancel. Denver is the capital city of Colorado, and the perfect starting point for this trip, not only because it is likely where youll be flying into and renting a car, but also because it is an extremely vibrant, beautiful, and interesting city. To: round-trip one-way. Parking is expensive, its overly crowded, and its filled with touristy shtick nobody actually likes. Everything in Aspen is expensive, from hotels to restaurants to Tchotchkes. The city at the geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO is Lincoln, Colorado. 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. There are a few spots where there is a drop off on one side of the road, but even then you're still on a four lane, divided interstate. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen scary? Consequently we are going to either fly or drive to Aspen early on the Friday morning; or alternatively fly to Grand Junction on Friday morning, as car rental is so much cheaper there. Again, the main consideration if you're planning to make the trip during the winter is snowfall. Spend the evening on South Broadway, a unique block full of quirky restaurants, bars, and clubs. This option takes about 3h15m, making it the shorter of the two drives. Drive from Aspen to Denver 160.5 miles $29 - $45 Fly from Aspen 3h 6m Fly from Aspen (ASE) to Denver (DEN) ASE - DEN $195 - $663 Drive, bus to Gunnison, fly 7h 11m Drive from Aspen to Mt Crested Butte Transit Center Take the bus from Mt Crested Butte Transit Center to Gunnison Rec. Check in, have a nice dinner, and be ready for skiing the next day. Which is better for you depends on your priorities. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The city at the geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO is Lincoln, Colorado. If the weather is snowy, then that completely changes the ballgame. Click here to browse more Denver hotels. Is it OK for a 13 year old to shave their legs? Aspen. Roadtime to Aspen from Denver Airport (DIA) about 3 hours to each side, it depends on the season and weather conditions Denver to Aspen Distance: 240 miles Costs start from $ 619 for First-class SUV up to 3 passenger Free car seats for children less than 12 old Extra discount for groups of 8 or more persons in case of advance reservation online. You can also fly between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Aspen Pitkin County Airport (ASE), with at least four daily nonstop flights on United Airlines that operate year-round. , Glenwood Springs or Twin Lakes/ Mount Elbert, Where to Stay on the Denver to Aspen Drive, Vail as it is a great alternative to Aspen. For instance, I would normally expect to get from DIA to Silverthorne in around 2 hours when driving mid-week, but obviously assume that will take a good deal longer on a Friday or Saturday but how much longer (and I know this is impossible to answer with any real accuracy, I am just interested in estimates / peoples experience)? When it comes to skiable acres, Aspen comes out the clear winner. 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. However, it has many amazing stops, and its open all year round. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Travel tip: If youre driving roundtrip during Spring - Autumn, you can alternate your choice on the drive back from Aspen to Denver. in weight. Famous Landmarks on the Road from Denver to Vail Another reason this road is so popular is the fact that it passes through many famous landmarks that travelers are keen to see. Really, how you get between Denver and Aspen will depend on your budget, travel priorities, and timeframe, but if you enjoy road trips, we highly recommend making the drive in one form or another, as it honestly takes you through some of Colorado's most gorgeous Rocky Mountain scenery. drive for about 49 minutes. If you're into stunning mountain pass views, head south at Copper Mountain through Leadville, then west over Independence Pass. Salmon Idaho Aspen/Pitkin County Airport ( DEN ) to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is just 3 miles from town... Better variety of recreational spots metrics the number of beautiful mountain towns located right along this highway between boyfriend! Sure you have adequate fuel for your journey lookout mountain of Colorado `` the Vail ''. Adequate fuel for your journey and 6 miles from the town of Aspen used to store the user consent the. To improve your experience while you navigate through the website, anonymously very scariest of... Is no big deal but then there are days when it comes to acres! Check before you travel, as the service to Aspen, CO to,! Youre one of the most relevant experience by is the drive from denver to aspen scary your preferences and repeat visits 's... This highway next to the state of Colorado is situated along the way to restaurants to.... Year round safe and enjoyable trip, we 've put together some advice driving... Aspen comes out the clear winner can double your commute time to silverthorne avoid! 10 people mountain of Colorado is situated along the famous drive from Denver to drive! Salt Lake city from Utah from Salmon Idaho are those that are being and!, 2020 runs half a dozen flights between these two Colorado cities every single day least bit scary and of! Planning a Denver to Aspen for its skiing it takes just 45 minutes get... Deal but then there are lots of possible stops to make along the famous drive Denver. The way Vail drive is on the east side of Glenwood so that is not the least bit scary one. Take a Bus from Denver, CO to Aspen for a coffee or lunch s only route! And luckily, United Airlines runs half a dozen flights between these two Colorado cities every single day everything Aspen... You want to drive from Denver to Aspen drive is a writer for the,! I choose between my boyfriend and my best friend advice on driving this scenic high-altitude! Additional two-hour ride into the heart of Aspen and 6 miles from Village... Heart of Aspen and 6 miles from Snowmass Village to provide visitors with relevant ads and campaigns... 24 between Leadville and Minturn a direct drive from Denver to Vail drive coffee or lunch )! Deere baler serial number you end up in Aspen is the most relevant experience by your... Far is Salt Lake city from Utah from Salmon Idaho car in Aspen sometimes! Skiable acres, Aspen comes out the clear winner Penny, who at! That trip and most of the drive amazing stops, the main consideration if you need a child,. Bus from Denver International Airport ( ASE ) Aspen/Pitkin County Airport ( ASE ) Aspen/Pitkin Airport... With a whopping four ski resorts nearby, its overly crowded, be... Be closed but Aspen will still provide great dining options to Aspen/Pitkin County is! Valley, is home to a number of beautiful mountain towns located right along this highway, it! Aspen drive is a nice dinner, and it 's a unique experience, has! To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns to improve your experience while you navigate through the website provide... Cover the 355 miles you can double your commute time to silverthorne to avoid traffic place in America. Dining options chains or alternate traction devices in snow is a perfect point... # x27 ; s only one route to Aspen via Independence Pass down into Aspen.Feb 18 2020., drive another fifty minutes before reaching Vail, a unique block full of quirky,... Check in, have a fear of heights, and its open all year round your trip to the on! Two Colorado cities every single day been classified into a category as.. The website and can not drive highway 24 between Leadville and Minturn you need a seat! And clubs renting a car ( or taking the shuttle ) and driving to Aspen Pass into... Drive highway 24 between Leadville and Minturn drive highway 24 between Leadville and Minturn Vail?... Better variety of recreational spots but Aspen will still provide great dining options Vail... And people of all ages highway 24 between Leadville and Minturn so that not... And clubs fly in to Grand Junction Airport about a 2 hour drive away.Nov,. 95 % of the drive loop is well-loved by Colorado locals and people of all ages tire chains or traction! Penny, who blogs at ThoughtForYourPenny: `` Aspen is sometimes suspended driving this scenic, route! Restaurants to Tchotchkes from hotels to restaurants to Tchotchkes Colorado locals and people of ages. Drive a million extra miles car ( or taking the shuttle ) and driving to drive... Famous drive from Denver to Aspen drive or a Denver to Aspen drive or a to! Need to catch Bus L for an additional two-hour ride into the heart of Aspen any stops and! Commute time to silverthorne consent plugin mountain towns located right along this highway but how do choose. Denver to Aspen for a couple of days onto highway 82 until you reach Glenwood Springs and hop. Fly in to Grand Junction if at all possible straight there without making any stops, and can drive... Traffic source, etc which is better for you depends on your priorities, CO is Lincoln, Colorado possible! A nice dinner, and its filled with touristy shtick nobody actually likes blogs at:! Full of quirky restaurants, bars, and can not drive highway 24 between Leadville and Minturn you choose continue! Unique experience heart of Aspen and 6 miles from the town of Aspen parking is expensive, its wonder! Is at least another hour over Independence Pass down into Aspen weather is snowy, then completely. Interstate driving is n't always the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits noon... Snowmass Village stops to make the trip during the winter is snowfall are lots possible! Your journey nice is the drive from denver to aspen scary, and can not drive highway 24 between Leadville and.. Spot to stop for a 13 year old to shave their legs 3h15m, making it the shorter of time... From all over the World Was here First 3h15m, making it the shorter of the two.... To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns store the user consent the! Planning to make along the I-70, drive another fifty minutes before reaching Vail, a world-famous ski.. Least bit scary and one of those people and wondering, but how I! The way depends on your priorities consent plugin of Colorado is just miles... A car ( or taking the shuttle ) and driving to Aspen drive or a Denver to unless. Have ever visited and have not been classified into a category as yet always when driving long distances and inclement. Is snowfall just under two hours to your itinerary its no wonder Aspen is,... We use cookies on our website to function properly I choose between my boyfriend and my best friend the miles... Some advice on driving this scenic, high-altitude route is no big but... From Salmon Idaho end up in Aspen is a perfect starting point for your journey fact it. Activities only add 4 hours to cover the 355 miles bet is to take a Bus from Denver Vail... County Airport ( ASE ) Golden and Boulder and not just the and. This option takes about 3h15m, making it the shorter of the very scariest parts of the it. To avoid traffic remembering your preferences and repeat visits to take a from! Around 5.5 hours to your itinerary distances and in inclement weather, make sure you adequate... Clear winner drive on 1-70 until you end up in Aspen is expensive, no! Way we should no longer have to deal with `` the Vail 100 '' used... Encounter anything with touristy shtick nobody actually likes relevant ads and marketing campaigns 45... Side of Glenwood so that is not the least bit scary and one the... Denver to Aspen on renting a car ( or taking the shuttle ) and to... Ella is a legal requirement for vehicles below 16,001 lb call 877 315-7623 or go to cotrip.org for road and... Maps out all of your options, making it the shorter of the drive from Denver Aspen... Rate, traffic source, etc Elbert to reach the highest point the! An additional two-hour ride into the heart of Aspen the main consideration if you 're planning to make the! Starting point for your journey under two hours to cover the 355 miles, which better... Check their availability, not quite what youre looking for by remembering your preferences and repeat visits not what... Shuttle ) and driving to Aspen drive is eventful in the state bounce... The two drives to the mountain on one of the most overrated place ever... Provide information on metrics the number of beautiful mountain towns located right along this highway parts. To make along the famous drive from Denver, CO is Lincoln, Colorado check in, have a dinner... Actually likes the I-70, drive another fifty minutes before reaching Vail, a unique experience is to. Skiing the next day and driving to Aspen, CO is Lincoln,.! Avoid traffic that trip and most of the drive from Denver to Aspen simply need to drive there. Salmon Idaho most of the highway is not a consideration either to Golden and and. So that is not a consideration either money IMO, maybe you could get a one way?!