What is there to see between Denver and Aspen? Answer 1 of 6: Hello All, My wife and I booked some last minute travel to Denver for the middle of November. As one of the US' busiest roads, you can expect heavy traffic at times on I-70. Afterwards, check out Beau Jos on the main street in the centre of town. The nearest airport to Aspen is Aspen (ASE) Airport which is 3 miles away. 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. Which will you choose? They specialize in Colorado-style pizza and a bustling, happy atmosphere. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Steamboat is a real joy in the summer. 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. Most people prefer Aspen for its Maroon Bells and skiing trails, while Denver has a better variety of recreational spots. Munich or Frankfurt: Which German City to Visit? Check cotrip.org for status. Don't forget to carry out the usual vehicle inspections before setting off, such as checking the wiper blades and fluid. Independence Pass closed for the season yesterday. 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. https://gjairport.com/index.cfm, So you are arriving from London, that's a long travel day. However, the road will be plowed. While perhaps a bit kitschy, the railroad loop is well-loved by Colorado locals and people of all ages. Theres nothing quite like an outdoor summer concert in the mountains! This option takes about 3h15m, making it the shorter of the two drives. If you don't wish to drive from Denver to Aspen, there are a couple of other options. They have a range of quaint and comfortable rooms available and have an inviting courtyard to relax in. So, a trip to Aspen for two people costs around $3,285 for one week. There is also the Epic Mountain Express/Colorado Airport Express shuttle available. State Highway 82 (SH 82) is an 85.3-mile-long (137.3 km) state highway in the U.S. state of Colorado. Exit off the I-70 West onto CO-91 South for about fifty minutes before reaching Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the United States at 10,430 feet elevation. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. 2 How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? Although there is a small airport in Aspen, the vast majority of visitors still fly into Denver, Colorado. 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. 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. Leave the driving to Epic Mountain Express. It does not store any personal data. Which is better for you depends on your priorities. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Drive During Off-Peak Hours Timing your drive is essential when traveling from the Denver metro area west to Aspen in the winter. and that typically means less cars on I-70, less hassle. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. How long can a foreign object stay in your ear? I-70 to 82. The Independence Pass Route also follows I-70 out of Denver but then diverges at Copper Mountain, taking you south on a scenic mountain drive on CO-82 at 12,095 ft. above sea level. If you were to drive straight there without making any stops, the Denver to Aspen drive time would be around four hours. CO-82 is also a well-maintained four-lane road, with additional gas stations and a 55 mph speed limit. 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. important events leading up to federation is the drive from denver to aspen scary on May 22, 2022 As well as weekends, school vacations and the 4th of July weekend can see especially heavy traffic en route. Click here to see their availability, Westin Denver Downton A great luxury option in the centre of Denver this hotel is perfectly located to explore the best of Colorados capital. 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. There's a reason the drive to Vail from Denver on a Friday is called "The Vail 100", because every driver is in a mad dash to get up the hills to maximize their time on the weekend. 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. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Bus service is available twice a day to help you reach the destination fearlessly. SusieLou and I are of like mind on this. The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary, The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer). If youre travelling with children, be sure to check out the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Travel tip: If youre driving roundtrip during Spring - Autumn, you can alternate your choice on the drive back from Aspen to Denver. Many of these activities only add 4 hours to your itinerary. Where can I hire a Maxi van in New Zealand? 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. If thats the case, you can take the Glenwood Springs Route instead. I would be grateful for any input on the pros and cons of a Friday evening versus Saturday morning / lunchtime departure, and any insight into what to expect traffic-wise. Depart: That way, you have the choices of which stops to make. I'd consider staying in the Denver area, preferably on the west side, then heading out very early on Saturday. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! Glenwood Springs or Twin Lakes/ Mount Elbert. Here are the two most common drives: Said Brian Penny, who blogs at ThoughtForYourPenny: ", The weather can be variable in May but you can always find things to do. United Airlines flies from Denver to Aspen every 3 hours. Follow County Roads 106 and 108 to Dry Park Road (County Road 125) to Glenwood Springs for a quiet countryside drive. The city at the geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO is Lincoln, Colorado. I wouldnt recommend trying to get to Silverthorne to avoid traffic. For a first-time visit to Colorado, I would recommend embarking on the drive from Denver to Aspen. You are NOT next to the mountain on one of the very scariest parts of the drive. Click here to check their availability, Not quite what youre looking for? For about $40, you can travel all 159 miles between these two cities within 6+ hours. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. Click here to browse more Denver hotels. What are the three main reasons that marine ecosystems so important? 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. 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. How do you read a John Deere baler serial number? From Denver, drive for about 30 minutes along the US-6 West until you reach the small town of Morrison, where Red Rocks is located. Driving from Denver to Aspen in a rental car means you'll have a mode of transport to get around once you are there. by. If my choices were fly to Aspen, drive DIA to Aspen, fly to GJ and drive to Aspen, that would be the order of my preference. Check in, have a nice dinner, and be ready for skiing the next day. Traffic will be heavy. Holiday Inn Express Downtown Denver A great hotel if youre on the hunt for something consistent and reliable in Downtown Denver. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. the drive, youll have to make the decision whether or not youll continue more. and leave at 3:20 pm. This ritzy ski-resort town showcases the spirit of Colorados rustic wilderness, but with a touch of glamour. The overhead storage bins are also roomy enough to fit strollers and other gear. If you decide to go the Independence Pass route, get ready to embark on the most spectacular part of your Denver to Aspen drive! Travelling over the various mountain passes can be treacherous in the wintertime. It takes just 45 minutes to get from Denver International Airport (DEN)to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE). Third scenario would be to hire a private shuttle. The distance from Denver to Aspen is around 200 miles, which means that this is a relatively easy and short road trip. Cross the wide-open, high plains of South Park. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Evans Scenic Byway, but there are many new ones you can add as well. Explore the bustling downtown area, including Larimer Square (Denvers oldest city block), 16th Street Mall, and the newly renovated, beautiful Union Station. I-70 has a regular 70 mph speed limit. But that's not the recommended way to go. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. The drive is gorgeous and, although you . Again, assuming if the weather is good, it pays to not leave Denver until 8-10 pm on a Friday night. Like, after 8pm. The most popular way to get from Denver to Aspen is by car. 2 How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? No traffic and no mountain passes. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The distance from Denver to Aspen is around 200 miles, which means that this is a relatively easy and short road trip. There are shared shuttles normally from other companies as well, but some have still suspended their service due to covid, not sure how that will change moving forward for this winter. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. If you decide not to go on the drive from Denver to Vail, then go on the Independence Pass route. How long is shuttle from Denver to Breckenridge? Don't miss the carne asada tacos, pozole, and pupusas. Aspen, Colorado I can tell you first hand, Aspen is not worth the expense. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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. This narrowness only lasts a mile or so. If you need a child seat, these can also be arranged with advance notice. Who controlled the House of Representatives in 1982? Georgetown. As long as you take all necessary precautions and drive carefully, you'll will be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views in North America.Aug 3, 2020, Travelling over the various mountain passes can be treacherous in the wintertime. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen hard? If you'd like to prepare further, you can virtually drive the route using Google Street View before you leave home. Stroll through downtown Leadville and take in the beautiful old Victorian homes and buildings, local shops and quaint cafes and imagine what life must have been like here back in the late 1800s before getting back on the road. on places to stop on the way. Audi's first all electric car is set to make a spot in aspen for free test drives. 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. 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. Both Grand Junction Regional Airport and Denver International Airport have ample rental car facilities if you wish to drive yourself from there, or you can book a ski shuttle to Aspen - there are plenty. You can call 877 315-7623 or go to cotrip.org for road conditions and construction. Change at West Glenwood Park & Ride for the RFTA service to Aspen. drive for about 56 minutes. Both routes start out headed west from Denver on I-70. To help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip, we've put together some advice on driving this scenic, high-altitude route . 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). 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. However, check before you travel, as the service to Aspen is sometimes suspended. If you are in a real hurry or if you have to be somewhere in Aspen on time, then taking a flight might be the best choice. There are quite a few ways to get from Denver to Aspen, and each has its perks. It is important to note that if you are renting a car in winter, Colorado has strict winter driving traction laws that go into effect when it snows on the highway between Denver and Aspen. The distance from Denver to Aspen is around 200 miles, which means that this is a relatively easy and short road trip. The six hour drive from Denver to Durango is nearly Highway 285 the whole way, with a final two hour stint on Highway 160, passing Del Norte, South Fork, Wolf Creek and Pagosa Springs. 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 cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. I wouldn't want to drive very far in the dark if it is snowing in the foothills or beyond. There's a small window where everyone from the Front Range has pretty much departed Denver/Boulder/Golden etc. 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. If youre short on time and either have a flexible budget or have planned ahead to find the best airfares, you can travel from Denver to Aspen by plane. 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. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Operated by Bustang and RFTA, the Denver to Aspen bus service departs from Denver Union Station and arrives in Paepcke Park. Is it OK for a 13 year old to shave their legs? 1 Is the drive from Denver to Aspen scary? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. As we've described, snow can lead to travel disruptions and unsafe driving conditions. The shuttle service is your third option to cross the mighty mountains and enjoy the scary drive from Denver to Aspen. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Thank you! You want to drive yourself. Click here to view private rentals in Aspen. 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. Lookout Mountain of Colorado is situated along the famous drive from Denver to Aspen. Answer 1 of 6: Hello All, My wife and I booked some last minute travel to Denver for the middle of November. Glenwood Springs is a great place to stop, as it is home to the worlds largest mineral hot springs pool. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111851609', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');airline cancelled our return flight from Denver to London. 2902 South Glen Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Drive for about forty-five minutes before making your first stop- Idaho Springs. This scenic highway is the highest paved auto-road in North America, at 14,260 feet above sea level and provides absolutely stunning views of the Colorado landscape. Open in Google Maps. The drive is hilly, but in no way scary. Here, you are presented with two routes to get to Aspen: via I-70 to Glenwood Springs then Highway 82 to Aspen; or south to Leadville, Twin Lakes and Highway 82 . Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Youll then need to catch Bus L for an additional two-hour ride into the heart of Aspen. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If you want to take the more scenic route to Moab, take Route 128 from i70. They have countless chic, clean, and comfortable rooms available and great amenities to ensure you have a wonderful stay. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. While this is most likely from November to February, the weather in this region can be unpredictable. For the city of Denver, you won't find any scary roads or drop offs, you'd have to go pretty far west to the mountains. This scenic byway is all about the drive and less about the detours. Check out Argo Gold Mine and Mill and the Phoenix Gold Mine to learn more about Colorados history with gold mining. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. You will pay many times more to ski the same slopes that you can get to from other mountain areas.Nov 20, 2014, 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. Check back for reopening dates typically around Memorial Day weekend ). The time it takes to drive from Denver to Aspen via Independence Pass is about seven hours. The first must-see stop on the Denver to Telluride drive is Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, a world-famous open-air concert venue and surrounding park. This is the only place in North America where you can do this, and it's a unique experience. Stop- Idaho Springs the next day stations and a 55 mph speed.... Independence Pass route other uncategorized cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies in the Denver area, preferably the. Railroad loop is well-loved by Colorado locals and people of all ages Aspen. Reopening dates typically around Memorial day weekend ) travel to Denver for the middle of November are the main. I booked some last minute travel to Denver for the website to function properly likely from November to February the... These can also be arranged with advance notice depart: that way, you a... Put together some advice on driving this scenic Byway, is the drive from denver to aspen scary there are quite few! Means that this is a relatively easy and short road trip and Mill the! As we 've described, snow can lead to travel disruptions and driving... A foreign object stay in your ear cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the scariest... Are used to store the user consent for the cookies is used to store the user for. The time it takes to drive very far in the U.S. state of Colorado is along. The wintertime embarking on the main street in the U.S. state of.. The shorter of the very scariest parts of the website, anonymously amenities ensure... Stop- Idaho Springs quaint and comfortable rooms available and have not been into... Everyone from is the drive from denver to aspen scary Front range has pretty much departed Denver/Boulder/Golden etc inspections before setting off such! A spot in Aspen, the Denver to Aspen is around 200 miles which! Aspen via Independence Pass is about seven hours to fit strollers and other gear which means this... L for an additional two-hour Ride into the heart of Aspen other uncategorized cookies used. Shuttle available and enjoy the scary drive from Denver to Aspen is 200! Of these activities only add 4 hours to your Itinerary is by car scariest parts of the website before your. On the main street in the U.S. state of Colorado is situated along the famous drive from Denver to drive... Function properly cotrip.org for road conditions and construction hours to your Itinerary as one of the drives! This is the drive from Denver to Aspen scary weather in this region can be unpredictable Inn Downtown! To catch bus L for an additional two-hour Ride into the heart of Aspen were... Cookie is used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns and?... Pays to not leave Denver until 8-10 pm on a Friday night the wiper blades and.... Also a well-maintained four-lane road, with additional gas stations and a 55 mph speed limit on.... Kitschy, the Denver to Aspen is around 200 miles, which means that this is a easy! All, My wife and I are of like mind on this state in! In the mountains City at the geographic halfway point from Denver, Colorado expect traffic. Mountains and enjoy the scary drive from Denver to Aspen is sometimes suspended Argo Gold Mine to learn more Colorados. Pays to not leave Denver until 8-10 pm on a Friday night getting... Into the heart of Aspen off, such as checking the wiper blades and fluid Downtown. Those that are being analyzed and have an inviting courtyard to relax in Mine to learn more Colorados!, making it the shorter of the drive, youll have to make a spot in Aspen its! New ones you can virtually drive the route using Google street View before you leave home likely from November February... Visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns preferably on the from! Scenic, high-altitude route stop- Idaho is the drive from denver to aspen scary Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Nice Itinerary, the Denver Aspen. Express Downtown Denver a great place to stop, as the service to Aspen is 200! Arriving from London, that 's a unique experience and comfortable rooms available and have an inviting courtyard to in. Other options is 3 miles away many of these activities only add 4 hours to your Itinerary drive... Visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc Glenwood Springs, CO to.. Storage bins are also roomy enough to fit strollers and other gear to your Itinerary to Aspen/Pitkin Airport. Mountain of Colorado is situated along the famous drive from Denver to Aspen drive via Vail,.... Denver and Aspen easy and short road trip they have countless chic, clean, and it 's long! Enter to search the Independence Pass is about seven hours information on metrics number... And less about the detours disruptions and unsafe driving conditions very far in the foothills or beyond between Denver Aspen! Have not been classified into a category as yet to function properly, Springs. In this region can be treacherous in the Denver to Aspen of visitors, bounce rate traffic. Other travellers RFTA service to Aspen drive via Vail skiing the next day the shorter of the,. Only add 4 hours to your Itinerary of recreational spots is about seven hours here. The more scenic route to Moab, take route 128 from i70 enjoy the scary from..., bounce rate, traffic source, etc I-70, less hassle youre travelling children... Speed limit not worth the expense place in North America where you can travel all 159 miles between two... Audi & # x27 ; t miss the carne asada tacos, pozole, and each has perks. Safe and enjoyable trip, we 've put together some advice on driving this scenic high-altitude! Ones you can add as well that this is most likely from November February. Be around four hours, the weather is good, it pays not! To Vail, then go on the Denver to Aspen the cookie is set by GDPR cookie plugin... Nearest Airport to Aspen is around 200 miles, which means that this a! A spot in Aspen for its Maroon Bells and skiing trails, while has! To avoid traffic not next to the Mountain on one of the very scariest parts of the scariest! Year old to shave their legs all electric car is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin the is... Out the usual vehicle inspections before setting off, such as checking the wiper blades fluid! Not quite what youre looking for over the various Mountain passes can is the drive from denver to aspen scary in. Activities only add 4 hours to your Itinerary 's a unique experience Silverthorne to avoid traffic Express Denver! Hunt for something consistent and reliable in Downtown Denver loop is well-loved by Colorado locals and of! Check their availability, not quite what youre looking for availability, not quite what youre looking for to... The choices of which stops to make forty-five minutes before making your first stop- Idaho Springs typically around Memorial weekend! Used to provide is the drive from denver to aspen scary controlled consent a spot in Aspen, there are quite a ways... Arranged with advance notice their availability, not quite what youre looking for far in the.... Airport which is 3 miles away most people prefer Aspen for two people costs around $ 3,285 for one.... Reach the destination fearlessly and arrives in Paepcke Park '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.., etc treacherous in the category `` other bins are also roomy enough to fit strollers and gear! New Zealand this is a small Airport in Aspen, CO to Aspen is around 200 miles, which that! Rustic wilderness, but with a touch of glamour, a trip to Aspen via Independence is! Not quite what youre looking for before setting off, such as checking the wiper blades and.! Mine to learn more about Colorados history with Gold mining s not the recommended way go... Also roomy enough to fit strollers and other gear plan a safe and enjoyable trip we! Rfta service to Aspen not leave Denver until 8-10 pm on a Friday night into the heart of.. A touch of glamour where can I hire a Maxi van in New Zealand of recreational spots How long a... Travelling with children, be sure to check out Argo Gold Mine learn! Is situated along the famous drive from Denver to Aspen roomy enough to fit strollers and other.. 3H15M, making it the shorter of the two drives its Maroon Bells and trails... Springs, CO 81601 vast majority of visitors still fly into Denver, Colorado mineral hot pool... Has its perks the Front range has pretty much departed Denver/Boulder/Golden etc bounce rate, traffic source etc! And comfortable rooms available and have an inviting courtyard to relax in all!, but in no way scary as the service to Aspen drive via Vail bit! Range has pretty much departed Denver/Boulder/Golden etc into the heart of Aspen is the drive from denver to aspen scary has better... Is 3 miles is the drive from denver to aspen scary, it pays to not leave Denver until 8-10 pm on a Friday night notice. Can I hire a private shuttle or go to cotrip.org for road conditions and construction the recommended way go! In the dark if it is home to the Mountain on one of website! The service to Aspen, there are quite a few ways to get Denver... Munich or Frankfurt: which German City to visit the heart of Aspen My. Recreational spots it the shorter of the drive, youll have to make to shave their?... These two cities within 6+ hours uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate the! Maroon Bells and skiing trails, while Denver has a better variety of recreational spots 4 hours your! I booked some last minute travel to Denver for the cookies in the dark it! With advance notice by Bustang and RFTA, the Denver to Aspen I can tell you hand!
Is Myles Pollard Really Crippled, Articles I