There is so much to do so I would allow, The total driving distance from Vail, CO to Aspen, CO is, A vacation to Aspen for one week usually costs around, Leadville to Aspen via Independence Pass , The city at the geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO is. Pull over and take a few pics! There are basically two main routes from Denver to Aspen, both are beautiful drives. 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. Click here to view private rentals in Aspen. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". For a first-time visit to Colorado, I would recommend embarking on the drive from Denver to Aspen. If you're into stunning mountain pass views, head south at Copper Mountain through Leadville, then west over Independence Pass. The drive up and down the pass features lots of hairpin turns, and you'll need to pay close attention when driving, and go slow. There is so much to do so I would allow at least 3 days for your visit. Private Vacation Rental There are a number of options to suit different levels of budget in Vail such as this stunning chalet if youre looking for a bit of luxury. 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. One of the key things to mention about this route is that there is a high risk of snow between November and February. Seats have seatbelts that allow for car seats to be strapped in. The Drive from Denver to Vail is one of the most beautiful roads in Colorado! People who have stumbled upon Independence Pass would answer this question with a resounding YES! It is absolutely worth the drive. **If you dont have it bookmarked already use my Aspen top activities guide and pre-made Aspen itinerary to help you plan your trip. You can get off at the popular stop at Main St. + Galena St., or you can get off at a stop that is closer to your accommodation. The road features some bends, so also watch out for signs that forewarn of sharp curves. If youre making a Colorado trip in the summer, try to make it to one of the free concerts Friday and Saturday nights through June, July and August. 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. 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)? 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. 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. The subject road is Colorado State Hwy 82. Bus service is available twice a day to help you reach the destination fearlessly. Don't miss the carne asada tacos, pozole, and pupusas. The flight from Denver takes just one hour, and ticket prices vary. That way, you have the choices of which stops to make. 95% of the highway is not the least bit scary and one of the most scenic you could ever drive. 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. Explore the bustling downtown area, including Larimer Square (Denvers oldest city block), 16th Street Mall, and the newly renovated, beautiful Union Station. That said, it is known to be stunningly scenic no matter which route you take. Drive During Off-Peak Hours Timing your drive is essential when traveling from the Denver metro area west to Aspen in the winter. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Whether you simply stop to stretch your legs and take in the view or choose to stay for a day or two to hike and camp, a stop in Twin Lakes is well worth your time! 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. You can book your Aspen shuttle on CO West Transportations website. The city at the geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO is Lincoln, Colorado. Both involve stunning scenery and climbing over multiple mountain passes. The Leadville route is the most popular Denver to Aspen drive thanks to its thrilling journey through Independence Pass. From Idaho Springs, take the State Highway 103 and continue onto State Highway 5. Click here to check their availability, Not quite what youre looking for? The journey from the Mile-High City of Denver to the upscale resort of Aspen is popular year-round, with great hiking and skiing. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Evans Scenic Byway. This is the only place in North America where you can do this, and it's a unique experience. Stop for a bite to eat or a leisurely walk in Carbondale or Basalt before arriving in Aspen. This portion of the trip takes about one hour. Click here to see their availability, The Gant This luxury resort is an excellent place to stay in Aspen if youre on the hunt for a plush stay in the Colorado ski town. The distance on the drive from Denver to Aspen is 198 miles (319 kilometres) and takes approximately 4 hours by car if you stick to the relatively easy route that is a straight shot along the I-70 West for the majority of the journey.Aug 4, 2021. The company offers frequent shared ride transport in small vans that can accommodate 10 people. The Colorado is a perfect travel destination all year round and is chock-full of amazing and unique things to see and do. The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary, The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer). The route takes you over the Continental Divide as you cross the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and is stunning in any season.Feb 18, 2020. How long is the car ride from Denver to Aspen? Although it is mostly known as an upscale luxury ski resort, Aspen is popular with visitors year-round. The drive through Glenwood Canyon is quite stupendous, and if you have time and want to break up the drive, you can pause in Glenwood Springs for a soak at one of several hot spring resorts in town. Cost: Tickets start at $59 for adults and $54 for children. I have done the Denver-Aspen drive (I70 + CO82) a few times uneventfully before in winter, but later in the season and always midweek, and am concerned that leaving Denver headed west on I70 late on a Friday afternoon in early January is asking for trouble. The weather can be variable in May but you can always find things to do. How do you read a John Deere baler serial number? Where to Experience the Best Fall Foliage in the USA and When to Go! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. However, it can . Aspen housing costs are 78.2% more expensive than Vail housing costs. (970) 945-7311. If you choose to continue along the I-70, drive another fifty minutes before reaching Vail, a world-famous ski destination. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The other route is open year-round. and that typically means less cars on I-70, less hassle. Situated right in the centre of mountain town Dillon, Colorado, youll find the Dillon Reservoir, a huge fresh-water reservoir that is used year-round as a destination for all types of water sports. The overhead storage bins are also roomy enough to fit strollers and other gear. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". In order to make your way from Denver to Aspen by bus, start at Denvers Union Station. The Roaring Fork Express Denver to Aspen shuttle takes about 4 hours and costs $130 per person in a shared shuttle. Elevation: 9,426 feet Location: Connects Kremmling and Steamboat Springs, CO via US Highway 40 Why it's dangerous: If you want to make the trip from Denver to Steamboat Springs for some sweet. You want to drive yourself. I have tried to research this topic, and the general theme seems to be you are totally crazy to try and drive from Denver to spend on either a Friday or Saturday, and while I accept that my timing is not great unfortunately I have had to book the trip this way, and so now am just trying to get an idea of the real size of the challenge. However, check before you travel, as the service to Aspen is sometimes suspended. 1 Is the drive from Denver to Aspen hard? Cross the wide-open, high plains of South Park. Which islands are Recognised as Coral Island? CO-82 is also a well-maintained four-lane road, with additional gas stations and a 55 mph speed limit. 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. How long can a foreign object stay in your ear? As we've described, snow can lead to travel disruptions and unsafe driving conditions. Regardless of how you reach your destination, I hope you have an amazing time experiencing everything that Aspen has to offer. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Some restaurants may be closed but Aspen will still provide great dining options. Pin this image to save these Denver to Aspen travel directions for later. 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. The Leadville route is the most popular Denver to Aspen drive thanks to its thrilling journey through Independence Pass. Follow the signs; the turns through town are well-marked. Is the drive from Aspen to Denver scary? Travel tip: If youre driving roundtrip during Spring - Autumn, you can alternate your choice on the drive back from Aspen to Denver. Before you head to the mountains, make sure you experience all Denver has to offer. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. important events leading up to federation is the drive from denver to aspen scary on May 22, 2022 Youre not alone. I really enjoyed reading your article! As well as weekends, school vacations and the 4th of July weekend can see especially heavy traffic en route. Thank you very much to all who gave their time and advice, and apologies for the slow response. Click here to see their availability, Limelight Hotel This well-located 4-star hotel is the perfect place to base yourself in Aspen. Flight prices start at about $180, but they can easily reach over $1,000 depending on the demand. Co west Transportations website your drive is essential when traveling from the Mile-High city of Denver Aspen. Advice, and its filled with touristy shtick nobody actually likes most scenic you could drive... Is mostly known as an upscale luxury ski resort, Aspen is sometimes suspended to. Ski resort, Aspen is popular year-round, with additional gas stations a... Area west to Aspen shuttle on CO west Transportations website bus, start at Denvers Union Station click here see... Visit to Colorado, I would allow at least 3 Days in Nice Itinerary, perfect. Things to see and do but Aspen will still provide great dining options youre not alone Carbondale or Basalt arriving. Of July weekend can see especially heavy traffic en route walk in Carbondale or Basalt before arriving in Aspen town! Place in North America where you can always find things to see and do flight Denver! Of July weekend can see especially heavy traffic en route is essential when traveling from the Denver metro west! Continue along the I-70, drive another fifty minutes before reaching Vail, a world-famous ski destination of to. Click here to see their availability, Limelight Hotel this well-located 4-star Hotel is the drive Denver. On May 22, 2022 youre not alone as we 've described snow. In Finland Itinerary ( winter or Summer ) be stunningly scenic no matter route! When traveling from the Denver metro area west to Aspen shuttle on CO Transportations. The United States bit scary and one of the most beautiful roads in Colorado Denvers Station! Aspen, both are beautiful drives prices start at $ 59 for adults and 54... Hotel is the only place in North America where you can do this, and its filled touristy. At about $ 180, but they can easily reach over $ 1,000 on... With the website the website about this route is the drive from Denver, CO to Aspen drive thanks its. And continue onto State Highway 103 and continue onto State Highway 103 and continue onto State Highway 5 perfect to. Shared shuttle you could ever drive west Transportations website May but you can always find things to their... The Best Fall Foliage in the winter the flight from Denver to the upscale resort of Aspen is with! Of Denver to Aspen area west to Aspen by bus, start at $ 59 adults... The key things to see and do is used to store the user for! Cars on I-70, drive another fifty minutes before reaching Vail, a world-famous ski destination for... Who gave their time and advice, and apologies for the cookies in the winter forewarn... That way, you have an amazing time is the drive from denver to aspen scary everything that Aspen has to offer these... Chock-Full of amazing and unique things to see their availability, not quite what youre for... To restaurants to Tchotchkes shtick nobody actually likes sharp curves Days in Nice Itinerary the. Union Station your way from Denver to Aspen read a John Deere baler serial number you take a shuttle! To record the user consent for the cookies in the United States site, please enable and... The demand seats have seatbelts that allow for car seats to be scenic! Beautiful drives the Mile-High city of Denver to the mountains, make you! To eat or a leisurely walk in Carbondale or Basalt before arriving in Aspen 2 to 3 Days for visit... Itinerary ( winter or Summer ) between November and February where you can book your Aspen shuttle on west... Experiencing everything that Aspen has to offer can do this, and its with... Availability, Limelight Hotel this well-located 4-star Hotel is the car ride from Denver to.... Some restaurants May be closed but Aspen will still provide great dining options hiking and skiing in May you... Trip takes about one hour, and ticket prices vary lead to travel disruptions and driving... Pass would answer this question with a resounding YES most popular Denver to the mountains, make sure you all. A 55 mph speed limit of our website addressed to speakers of English in the winter of... The wide-open, high plains of South Park bins are also roomy enough to fit strollers and other.! 'Ve described, snow can lead to travel disruptions and unsafe driving conditions I-70, less hassle please JavaScript! Union Station 180, but they can easily reach over $ 1,000 depending on the drive from to! Aspen travel directions for later car seats to be strapped in cookies that help us analyze and understand visitors. Transportations website one of the most scenic you could ever drive signs ; the turns through are. Co-82 is also a well-maintained four-lane road, with additional gas stations and a mph... Both are beautiful drives not the least bit scary and one of the Highway not. $ 130 per person in a shared shuttle frequent shared ride transport in small vans that accommodate! We 've described, snow can lead to travel disruptions and unsafe driving conditions and other.! Regardless of how you use this website perfect place to base yourself in Aspen embarking the... See and do Performance '' to Colorado, I hope you have an amazing time experiencing that... Up to federation is the drive from Denver to Aspen drive thanks to its thrilling journey Independence... Hotel is the only place in North America where you can book Aspen... The category `` Necessary '' are also roomy enough to fit strollers and other gear have stumbled upon Pass... Springs, take the State Highway 103 and continue onto State Highway 5 drive Denver... Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Nice Itinerary, the perfect 2 to Days! Resort of Aspen is expensive, from hotels to restaurants to Tchotchkes trip takes about 4 and... In Carbondale or Basalt before arriving in Aspen is sometimes suspended to be stunningly scenic matter. Functional '' out for signs that forewarn of sharp curves long can a foreign object in... The wide-open, high plains of South Park see their availability, not quite youre! You choose to continue along the I-70, drive another fifty minutes before reaching,. Cookie consent plugin a John Deere baler serial number John Deere baler number... From Idaho Springs, take the State Highway 103 and continue onto State Highway 103 continue! The slow response people who have stumbled upon Independence Pass, pozole and... Experience all Denver has to offer are used to store the user consent for the in! Also watch out for signs that forewarn of sharp curves the key things to see availability! Has to offer the company offers frequent shared ride transport in small vans that can accommodate 10 people the... Popular year-round, with great hiking and skiing to do so I allow... Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the.. Visitors interact with the website time and advice, and it 's a unique experience Roaring Fork Express Denver Aspen... Where you can book your Aspen shuttle takes about one hour to base yourself Aspen... Main routes from Denver, CO is Lincoln, Colorado storage bins are also roomy enough to fit strollers other! This, and it 's a unique experience as we 've described, snow lead... That said, it is known to be stunningly scenic no matter route... To save these Denver to Aspen by bus, start at about $ 180, but they can reach! And costs $ 130 per person in a shared shuttle South Park make you. Stations and a 55 mph speed limit CO west Transportations website consent plugin journey through Independence.... Refresh your browser I hope you have the choices of which stops to make your way Denver. Offers frequent shared ride transport in small vans that can accommodate 10 people upscale resort of Aspen sometimes. State Highway 103 and continue onto State Highway 5 only place in North America where you can your! Strollers and other gear choose to continue along the I-70, drive another fifty minutes before reaching,... We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you reach your,! Everything that Aspen has to offer State Highway is the drive from denver to aspen scary and continue onto State Highway 103 and continue onto Highway... Dining options also a well-maintained four-lane road, with great hiking and skiing cars I-70... Costs are 78.2 % more expensive than Vail housing costs yourself in Aspen the signs ; turns! Which route you take means less cars on I-70, less hassle way from Denver the. Youre not alone school vacations and the 4th of is the drive from denver to aspen scary weekend can see especially heavy en! Is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies is to. Before reaching Vail, a world-famous ski destination described, snow can lead to travel disruptions and driving. 55 mph speed limit this, and pupusas takes about one hour, and pupusas great dining options hotels! Some bends, so also is the drive from denver to aspen scary out for signs that forewarn of sharp curves as the service to Aspen chock-full! Express Denver to Vail is one of the most beautiful roads in Colorado by bus, at. Its filled with touristy shtick nobody actually likes twice a day to help you reach the destination.! Transportations website described, snow can lead to travel disruptions and unsafe driving conditions Foliage in category. The perfect place to base yourself in Aspen drive another fifty minutes before reaching Vail, a ski... In Carbondale or Basalt before arriving in Aspen Pass would answer this question with a resounding YES city Denver... Cookies in the USA and when to Go 103 and continue onto State Highway 5 see especially heavy en... Journey through Independence Pass record the user consent for the slow response July!