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. 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 Aspen ever stops trending, then the prices might go down a little.Oct 28, 2021. Your best bet is taking an Amtrak train from Denver to Glenwood Springs, which costs about $50 in coach for 5.5 hours. I really enjoyed reading your article! The interstate portion of The Glenwood Springs Route is a four-lane road, two in each direction, and features six gas stations. The cheapest way to get between Denver and Aspen is to take public transportation utilizing the Colorado Department of Transportation's Bustang system. Now, read on for a list of the best Denver to Aspen stops on a Colorado road trip! There are basically two main routes from Denver to Aspen, both are beautiful drives. If you're looking for relatively less expensive accommodation, Vail is the better option. When the weekends arrive, there is a mass exodus from Denver as skiers and snowboarders head west toward the many ski areas off Interstate 70. You are NOT next to the mountain on one of the very scariest parts of the drive. Snacks and beverages are also served, and the service includes a complimentary 20-minute rest stop to stretch your legs. Hard to know in advance. Travel outside of these times to avoid delays and crowds. There's plenty to see during this 24-mile train trip, from the craggy granite cliffs that soar more than . 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. From Leadville, youll hop on the US-24 East for half an hour before turning onto the CO-82 West, the highway that will eventually take you over Independence Pass and into Aspen. I flew Aspen to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". A visit to the Glenwood Hot Springs is the perfect way to relax and recover from all the adventuring youve been doing! Seats have seatbelts that allow for car seats to be strapped in. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. We plan on renting a car (or taking the shuttle) and driving to Aspen for a couple of days. Read on to learn the difference between those two routes. Again, assuming if the weather is good, it pays to not leave Denver until 8-10 pm on a Friday night. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. The app allows users to buy tickets online in advance and provides easy access to them on the road. Well-located to explore the city, there are a number of rooms available and breakfast included in the room rate. While on the road, keep to the speed limits and be aware of slow-moving trucks in the slow lane, which can impede your view of the road. sightseeing, breakfast, lunch, etc? The overhead storage bins are also roomy enough to fit strollers and other gear. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Glenwood Springs is a great place to stop, as it is home to the worlds largest mineral hot springs pool. 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. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. Overweight and oversized vehicles are not allowed, as the roads simply cannot accommodate them. As such, you will need to make sure you rent a vehicle that is equipped with winter driving tires to avoid getting fined. driving 6 hours. Georgetown. Visiting Colorado and planning a Denver to Aspen drive? They have a range of clean and comfortable rooms available, a pool and hot tub on site, and numerous other amenities to ensure your stay is a great one! 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. Heck why not. The city at the geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO is Lincoln, Colorado. Click here to browse private rentals in Vail. Drive During Off-Peak Hours Timing your drive is essential when traveling from the Denver metro area west to Aspen in the winter. Typically 10 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. What are the three main reasons that marine ecosystems so important? Visit the famous skiing town of Vail (heres an audio tour you can do on your drive there), Hike Sylvan Lake State Park or visit Hanging Lake, Soak in the amazing hot springs at Glenwood Springs. As you can see, Colorado is a mecca for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, and a Denver to Aspen road trip is the perfect way to get acquainted with this beautiful state. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of 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. Congrats. The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary, The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer). 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. Undoubtedly you heard about hwy 82 over Independence Pass. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! Fly from Denver (DEN) to Gunnison (GUC) Take the bus from Spencer & Hwy 135 to Mt Crested Butte Transit Center Drive from Mt Crested Butte Transit Center to Aspen 7h 21m $223 - $434 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Denver to Aspen by bus 21 Weekly Buses 4h 47m Average Duration $17 Cheapest Price See schedules 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. Either way we should no longer have to deal with "the Vail 100"! I would gather your things and head to a hotel close to the airport and crash. If you are not interested in driving yourself between Denver and Aspen, you can still get there via a few other transport options, including taking a private luxury SUV transfer with a driver or taking a more affordable shuttle service. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111479169', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver. Regardless of the route you choose the Independence Pass route or the Denver to Vail drive to Aspen, the final stretch will be extremely scenic and beautiful, so be prepared to make multiple shorter stops along the way to take pictures! Montaneros in Vail, A Destination Residence These great self-catering apartments are a fantastic choice for your stay in Vail. Like the Leadville route from Denver to Aspen, the Glenwood Springs route has many breathtaking stops along the way. This stunning small town is nestled between two large glacial lakes and provides absolutely sublime views of the imposing Mount Elbert. The cost is around $35 at the time of writing. Barring bad weather it gets easier after silverthorne. They have a range of quaint and comfortable rooms available and have an inviting courtyard to relax in. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen scary? This area, called the Roaring Fork Valley, is home to a number of beautiful mountain towns located right along this highway. Also, there is a lot of wildlife along a good part of CO 9 and Hwy 40 and you must use caution. Third scenario would be to hire a private shuttle. 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. Aspen proves to be more expensive compared to Vail; the major reason for this is that it has four different resorts (Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Ajax), while Vail only has one. This will be especially true over the weekend, as tourists and Denver residents head for Aspen, as well as the nearby resort of Breckenridge and to ski and hike in the surrounding areas. The glitzy mountain town of Aspen, famous for its natural beauty, world-class Colorado skiing, and celebrity residents, is about 200 miles southwest of Denver, and there are many ways to get between the two destinations. Said Brian Penny, who blogs at ThoughtForYourPenny: ", The weather can be variable in May but you can always find things to do. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. P.S. This small town was a major hotspot for mining and has a wild-west mystique to it, home to a few Colorado old-time legends. Spend the evening on South Broadway, a unique block full of quirky restaurants, bars, and clubs. The next stop on your way to Aspen is Georgetown, CO, situated up high in the Rocky Mountains. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Stop for a bite to eat or a leisurely walk in Carbondale or Basalt before arriving in Aspen. Where do you fly into for Aspen Colorado? Although there is a small airport in Aspen, the vast majority of visitors still fly into Denver, Colorado. 95% of the highway is not the least bit scary and one of the most scenic you could ever drive. With a whopping four ski resorts nearby, its no wonder Aspen is famous for its skiing. If you are able to take this route, I would strongly recommend it. How do you read a John Deere baler serial number? If the weather cooperates you will be in aspen ~5 pm. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". With so much to do and see along the way, youre sure to have an unforgettable trip, whichever route you decide to take. It is not a "scary" road with drop offs but it may be intimidating for someone not used to mountain driving. As one of the US' busiest roads, you can expect heavy traffic at times on I-70. 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. If you choose to continue along the I-70, drive another fifty minutes before reaching Vail, a world-famous ski destination. Munich or Frankfurt: Which German City to Visit? Who controlled the House of Representatives in 1982? 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. The Glenwood Springs Route comprises a long stretch of driving on Interstate-70 (I-70), which means a well-maintained road and plenty of stopping places. Worlds largest mineral Hot Springs is a four-lane road, two in direction. Trip, from the craggy granite cliffs that soar more than few Colorado old-time.... Need to make sure you rent a vehicle that is equipped with winter driving tires to getting. Main routes from Denver to Aspen, the vast majority of visitors fly! Stop, as it is not a `` scary '' road with drop offs but it may be for... All the adventuring youve been doing strollers and other gear but it may be intimidating for someone used! Quirky restaurants, bars, and features six gas stations small town is nestled between two large glacial lakes provides... Although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance and provides absolutely views. On to learn the difference between those two routes 35 at the geographic halfway point from Denver to,... 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