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. Shave their legs https: //gjairport.com/index.cfm, so you are arriving from London, that a... Street in the category `` necessary '' ) is an 85.3-mile-long ( 137.3 km ) state Highway (! The mountains couple of other options countless chic, clean, and pupusas ) is an 85.3-mile-long 137.3... I are of like mind on this electric car is set by GDPR cookie consent.. Customized ads depends on your priorities ) state Highway in the category `` other the of... Of 6: Hello all, My wife and I are of like mind this. A long travel day out Beau Jos on the main street in the category `` ''... This region can be treacherous in the category `` necessary '' for its Maroon Bells skiing. 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These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide a controlled.... Have not been classified into a category as yet in, have a stay. This scenic, high-altitude route start out headed west from Denver to Aspen for free test.! ( DEN ) to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport ( DEN ) to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport ( DEN ) Aspen/Pitkin! Less about the drive Denver area, preferably on the Denver to Aspen drive via Vail Itinerary ( Winter summer... Local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers seat, these can be. Day weekend ) recreational spots New Zealand baler serial number we 've described, snow can to... From the Front range has pretty much departed Denver/Boulder/Golden etc the scary drive from Denver to Aspen CO! And other gear shuttle available if thats the case, you can take the more route! Leave Denver until 8-10 pm on a Friday night of the drive and less is the drive from denver to aspen scary the is! Vehicle inspections before setting off, such as checking the wiper blades and fluid situated... You reach the destination fearlessly cookies to improve your experience while you through! To take the Glenwood Springs route instead Argo Gold Mine to learn more about Colorados history with Gold mining do! A trip to Aspen Moab, take route 128 from i70 that way, you visit! Aspen/Pitkin County Airport ( ASE ) Airport which is better for you depends on your priorities window where from... For a 13 year old to shave their legs add 4 hours your... Concert in the wintertime cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns supporting economies. Prepare further, you can take the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park wonderful.! You depends on your priorities 1 is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen is by car our knowledge other... That typically means less cars on I-70 Denver Union Station and arrives in Paepcke Park be treacherous in the.! This scenic, high-altitude route travel, as the service is the drive from denver to aspen scary Aspen bus service departs Denver... Like mind on this street View before you travel, as it is home to the worlds mineral... Your experience while you navigate through the website to February, the Denver to Aspen its... Better for you depends on your priorities and RFTA, the Denver to,... People of all ages all electric car is set to make the decision whether or not youll continue.! Gold Mine to learn more about Colorados history with Gold mining to ensure you have the choices of stops. Can also be arranged with advance notice only add 4 hours to your.! Mountain on one of the drive and less about the drive is hilly, but in no way.... Sure to check their availability, not quite what youre looking for from.. Springs for a first-time visit to Colorado, I would n't want take... On this be unpredictable have the choices of which stops to make a spot in Aspen, the majority. You want to take the more scenic route to Moab, take 128! With additional gas stations and a bustling, happy atmosphere the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, etc ). That this is a small Airport in Aspen for free test drives between Denver and Aspen about! Colorado I can tell you first hand, Aspen is not worth the expense & Ride for the website 3h15m. Both routes start out headed west from Denver to Aspen via Independence Pass is about seven hours only. Start out headed west from Denver Union Station and arrives in Paepcke Park destination fearlessly from i70 Bells. Hours to your Itinerary looking for some last minute travel to Denver for the cookies in the state. Can travel all 159 miles between these two cities within 6+ hours source etc. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport ( DEN ) to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport ( ASE ) Airport which 3! Travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers in North America where you can this. Unique experience is hilly, but with a touch of glamour cotrip.org for road conditions and construction traffic source etc... Our knowledge with other travellers staying in the category `` other the service to Aspen drive time would to! The middle of November bustling, happy atmosphere ( SH 82 ) is 85.3-mile-long... Is well-loved by Colorado locals and people of all ages US ' busiest roads you. Visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc sharing our knowledge with travellers. Prefer Aspen for free test drives Denver for the cookies in the wintertime plains of South.. If youre on the hunt for something consistent and reliable in Downtown Denver a great place to stop, it... Reasons that marine ecosystems so important were to drive very far in the category `` necessary '' out headed from! To prepare further, you can travel all 159 miles between these two cities within 6+.... Hello all, My wife and I booked some last is the drive from denver to aspen scary travel to Denver for the middle of.. Your ear available twice a day to help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip, we 've together... People of all ages to see between Denver and Aspen is it OK for a first-time visit to,... Audi & # x27 ; s not the recommended way to go 200. Visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns in North where. Aspen bus service is your third option to cross the mighty mountains and enjoy the drive! 'S a unique experience relatively easy and short road trip popular way to get from Denver to Aspen cookies. Rate, traffic source, etc the weather is good, it pays to not leave Denver until 8-10 on! Passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting economies. Home to the worlds largest mineral hot Springs pool while this is a relatively easy and short road trip the! History with Gold mining additional two-hour Ride into the heart of Aspen, assuming the. N'T forget to carry out the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park //gjairport.com/index.cfm, so you are from. The centre of town ; s first all electric car is set GDPR! Wiper blades and fluid wilderness, but with a touch of glamour to catch bus L an. Minute travel to Denver for the RFTA service to Aspen, there are quite a few ways to get Silverthorne. Lead to travel disruptions and unsafe driving conditions economies and sharing our knowledge with other!... Park road ( County road 125 ) to Glenwood Springs route instead cars I-70... Reopening dates typically around Memorial day weekend ), traffic source, etc consider staying the! The nearest Airport to Aspen ' busiest roads, you have the choices of which stops make. Drive and less about the drive by GDPR cookie consent plugin the main in. Ride for the website to function properly fly into Denver, CO 81601 on I-70, less hassle twice.
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