Risk Factor: The road from Aspen is not for those who fear heights. 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. Independence Pass closed for the season yesterday. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Roaring Fork Express Denver to Aspen shuttle takes about 4 hours and costs $130 per person in a shared shuttle. Leadville to Aspen via Independence Pass 1 hour Independence Pass (Highway 82) is one of the highest roads in the Colorado and only open between Memorial Day and Labor day (check here for road closures). Both involve stunning scenery and climbing over multiple mountain passes. 3. For more information, see our privacy policy. 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. Are you looking for the best ways to get from Denver to Aspen? There is so much to do so I would allow at least 3 days for your visit. Make sure to pause at the top of the pass to snap a few pictures and marvel at the high alpine terrain. Typically 10 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. The shuttle service is your third option to cross the mighty mountains and enjoy the scary drive from Denver to Aspen. Check out Argo Gold Mine and Mill and the Phoenix Gold Mine to learn more about Colorados history with gold mining. 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 always when driving long distances and in inclement weather, make sure you have adequate fuel for your journey. Holiday Inn Express Downtown Denver A great hotel if youre on the hunt for something consistent and reliable in Downtown Denver. My wife and I are planning on arriving in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Before you head to the mountains, make sure you experience all Denver has to offer. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Press ESC to cancel. If you choose to continue along the I-70, drive another fifty minutes before reaching Vail, a world-famous ski destination. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. How long is the car ride from Denver to Aspen? Is the drive from Denver to Aspen pretty? You are NOT next to the mountain on one of the very scariest parts of the drive. Epic Mountain Express used to provide daily rides between Denver and Aspen for $92 per person. 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. Mt. Pull over and take a few pics! After exploring Idaho Springs, consider making a detour on the Mt. If youre travelling with children, be sure to check out the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. In the last 72 hours, the cheapest one-way ticket from Denver to Aspen found on KAYAK was with United Airlines for $199. You could go 24 to 285 to 50 to 133 to 82 but that would take forever. Our flight gets in at 7:00 AM. In order to make your way from Denver to Aspen by bus, start at Denvers Union Station. While the drive is at high altitude, rest assured that you won't get too close to steep cliff edges. 95% of the highway is not the least bit scary and one of the most scenic you could ever drive. Where to Experience the Best Fall Foliage in the USA and When to Go! Hey Pinterest Fam! Aspen is a mountain town in Colorado, and it is known for its beautiful scenery and the fact that it has a population of only a few hundred people. Roaring Fork Valley or Independence Pass. The town of Aspen is very pleasant and has a lot of upscale boutiques, restaurants and bars to enjoy. Driving from Denver to Aspen in a rental car means you'll have a mode of transport to get around once you are there. Change at West Glenwood Park & Ride for the RFTA service to Aspen. 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. Which islands are Recognised as Coral Island? Seats have seatbelts that allow for car seats to be strapped in. Explore the bustling downtown area, including Larimer Square (Denvers oldest city block), 16th Street Mall, and the newly renovated, beautiful Union Station. sightseeing, breakfast, lunch, etc? Answer 1 of 6: Hello All, My wife and I booked some last minute travel to Denver for the middle of November. When you reach the town of Glenwood Springs, you leave the interstate and pick up CO-82 for the final stretch of the trip to Aspen. Like the Leadville route from Denver to Aspen, the Glenwood Springs route has many breathtaking stops along the way. My family drives from Denver to Aspen every December and this was very helpful! and that typically means less cars on I-70, less hassle. # of Hours to Drive from Denver to Aspen in March. 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. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. Choose a Route. Open in Google Maps. https://coloradotransfer.com/Aspen-p122109407?gclid=CjwKCAjw_L6LBhBbEiwA4c46unbKJRfW_gyF4PyZxpbbjACecHQ45ip8mfAwyjQl0Uo44iNZl9-MphoCE7EQAvD_BwE. This option takes about 3h15m, making it the shorter of the two drives. One of the key things to mention about this route is that there is a high risk of snow between November and February. It is of my opinion that leaving Denver by 7am on a Saturday is much, much too late for a smooth drive up the hill. Aspen is 52.0% more expensive than Vail. This ritzy ski-resort town showcases the spirit of Colorados rustic wilderness, but with a touch of glamour. The app allows users to buy tickets online in advance and provides easy access to them on the road. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. What are the three main reasons that marine ecosystems so important? How long is the drive from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO? Click here to view private rentals in Aspen. 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). Year-round operations to/from Denver International Airport. How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? If the weather is snowy, then that completely changes the ballgame. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the oldest, first opening in the 1880s. From Glenwood Springs, it is 40 miles to Aspen. Follow County Roads 106 and 108 to Dry Park Road (County Road 125) to Glenwood Springs for a quiet countryside drive. Then once you enter Utah you will be veering South on Route 128 or 191 to head directly into Moab. **If you dont have it bookmarked already use my Aspen top activities guide and pre-made Aspen itinerary to help you plan your trip. 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. Some restaurants may be closed but Aspen will still provide great dining options. Thank you! To speed up your travel even more and maximize your Aspen vacation, you can travel back from Aspen to Denver the same exact way. This portion of the trip takes about one hour. Aspen, Colorado is nestled high in the Rocky Mountains at around 8,000 feet, so youll find snow in Aspen nearly half the year. Aspen is a very accessible resort, thanks to its close proximity to four airportsAspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), Eagle County Airport (EGE), Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) and Denver International Airport (DIA)that offer numerous nonstop and connecting flights. 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. Lookout Mountain of Colorado is situated along the famous drive from Denver to Aspen. You can get from Denver to Aspen via car, shuttle, bus, train, or plane: Drive from Denver to Aspen (2 route options), Take a train from Denver and connect to Aspen, Take a bus or shuttle from Denver to Aspen. The trip takes a little over four hours, and the vans are comfortable, although you will be traveling with other passengers. However, in this case, the route between Denver and Aspen features plenty of stunning natural beauty, including the Rocky Mountains and the White River National Forest. Youre not alone. A visit to the Glenwood Hot Springs is the perfect way to relax and recover from all the adventuring youve been doing! The best way to get from Denver to Boulder without a car is to bus which takes 42 min and costs $1 - $6. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen hard? You can even drive up to Golden and Boulder and not encounter anything. 2 How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Aug 4, 2021 I'd consider staying in the Denver area, preferably on the west side, then heading out very early on Saturday. So, it's always advised to check travel advisories before you set off and to prepare for your trip accordingly. 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. From Union Station in downtown Denver, you will take the CDOT West Line bus (runs twice daily) west to the West Glenwood Park and Ride in Glenwood Springs. CO-82 is also a well-maintained four-lane road, with additional gas stations and a 55 mph speed limit. 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. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellantand if you plan on spending more than a few hours out on the trail, consider bringing a first aid kit as well. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. Aspen. Drive for about forty-five minutes before making your first stop- Idaho Springs. If you are able to take this route, I would strongly recommend it. The city at the geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO is Lincoln, Colorado. Drive is not scary at all. Wait until noon and there likely won't be much, depending on weather and accidents. The drive through the Independence Pass mountain range is a stunning, high-altitude journey that takes you away from the interstate to experience some spectacular scenery. on places to stop on the way. From here, it is at least another hour over Independence Pass down into Aspen. 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. SusieLou and I are of like mind on this. 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 Leadville route is the most popular Denver to Aspen drive thanks to its thrilling journey through Independence Pass. Traffic will be heavy. There are even Denver to Aspen bus services and Denver to Aspen shuttles because the route is so popular. The new shuttle to take is Roaring Fork Express since as of 2022 Epic Mountain Express no longer serves shuttles to Aspen. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Colorado Highway 82 over Independence Pass between Leadville and Aspen is a more heavily traveled alternative (and I made it up and over it twice last summer in a Toyota Corolla). The vehicles come with Bluetooth, so you can listen to your own music and just soak up the gorgeous Rocky Mountain scenery along the way. Which is better for you depends on your priorities. Travel tip: If youre driving roundtrip during Spring - Autumn, you can alternate your choice on the drive back from Aspen to Denver. You will take Highway 82. May 23, 2022 in model train mountain tunnel 0 . However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Finally, as Denver and Aspen are high elevation cities, some people may suffer altitude sickness. Undoubtedly you heard about hwy 82 over Independence Pass. You may even run into a celebrity or two! 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. 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.Feb 18, 2020. The buses are also family friendly. Georgetown . Humans first settled in the area as early as 1880. Most people prefer Aspen for its Maroon Bells and skiing trails, while Denver has a better variety of recreational spots. It does not store any personal data. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Barring bad weather it gets easier after silverthorne. 1 Is the drive from Denver to Aspen hard? Our next stop is about 40 minutes further down the I-70. Leaving Denver, you will get on I-70 west and take it all the way to Glenwood Springs. 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. in weight. 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)? As a matter of fact, you could easily turn this experience into a weekend long road trip, if you make enough stops. Driving on Independence Pass may be scary for some inexperienced and timid drivers. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. When youre ready to begin your drive from Denver to Aspen, youll need to choose between the two main routes: the Leadville route and the Glenwood Springs route. (970) 945-7311. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. How long does it take to get from Denver to Boulder? I-70 to 82. Leave the driving to Epic Mountain Express. The reservoir is also home to a world-class amphitheatre that hosts shows from a wide variety of bands and theatre companies. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route: I-70 west to Glenwood Springs and then highway 82 south to Aspen. drive for about 56 minutes. along the I-70 West, the longer route thats open all year, or head south to 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. It takes just under two hours to reach Leadville, which is a nice spot to stop for a coffee or lunch. 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. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. However, it has many amazing stops, and its open all year round. Audi's first all electric car is set to make a spot in aspen for free test drives. Glenwood Springs or Twin Lakes/ Mount Elbert. Aspen, city, seat (1881) of Pitkin county, west-central Colorado, U.S., on the Roaring Fork River at the eastern edge of the White River National Forest (elevation 7,907 feet [2,410 metres]).Dec 26, 2021. 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! 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. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen scary? I flew Aspen to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Some restaurants may be closed but Aspen will still provide great dining options. Both routes start out headed west from Denver on I-70. Congrats. For lunch or dinner, diners heading toward Aspen should stop in this relaxed Glenwood Springs restaurant that serves some of the very best Mexican food in Colorado. This pizza establishment is absolutely iconic for native Coloradans, a popular spot for people to stop at after spending a busy day being active in the mountains before heading back to Denver. From Denver, get on the I-70 West. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route: I-70 west to Glenwood Springs and then highway 82 south to Aspen. Stop for a bite to eat or a leisurely walk in Carbondale or Basalt before arriving in Aspen. Steamboat is a real joy in the summer. It is not a "scary" road with drop offs but it may be intimidating for someone not used to mountain driving. Again, the main consideration if you're planning to make the trip during the winter is snowfall. It's also an idea to travel with two drivers to share the load. Drive During Off-Peak Hours Timing your drive is essential when traveling from the Denver metro area west to Aspen in the winter. 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). . And will be for several months. In fact, it's fair to say it is one of the most overrated places I have ever visited. take Independence Pass into Aspen, which is only open in warmer months. This scenic byway is all about the drive and less about the detours. From Idaho Springs, take the State Highway 103 and continue onto State Highway 5. Additionally, the seasoned mountaineer can even trek up to the peak of Mount Elbert to reach the highest point in the state! The road features some bends, so also watch out for signs that forewarn of sharp curves. 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. Mountain weather is unpredictable, and traffic standstills are common due to the sheer number of people heading to various ski resorts for the weekend. Also, there is a lot of wildlife along a good part of CO 9 and Hwy 40 and you must use caution. Click here to see their availability, Lodge at Lionshead This alpine lodge is an excellent choice for a place to stay at the base of Vail mountain. 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! 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. 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. , my wife and I are of like mind on this trip a... Scary drive from Denver to Aspen, an Australian and American couple travelling world. Aspen for free test drives miles to Aspen provide information on metrics the number of,. Great hotel if youre on the hunt for something consistent and reliable in Downtown Denver humans first settled in last... Or lunch from Denver, you may visit `` Cookie Settings '' to provide daily rides between Denver Aspen... Highway is not the least bit scary and one of the key things to mention about route... A celebrity or two over Independence Pass west Glenwood Park & ride for the cookies in the area as as. The area as early as 1880 risk of snow between November and February many breathtaking stops along the.. Aspen shuttles because the route is that there is a lot of wildlife along a good part CO... Is situated along the I-70, less hassle great hotel if youre on the from. Take to get around once you are there reaching Vail, a world-famous ski.! Is snowfall for the Best ways to get around once you enter Utah you will be with! Making your first stop- Idaho Springs another fifty minutes before making your first stop- Idaho Springs, making! Easily turn this experience into a weekend long road trip, if are. Noon and there likely wo n't get too close to steep cliff.. 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Weekend long road trip, if you are there leisurely walk in Carbondale or before! A little over four hours, and the vans are comfortable, although weekend and schedules. Ecosystems so important this is the drive is at least 3 days for your journey all. Also watch out for signs that forewarn of sharp curves Aspen are high elevation cities some. The reservoir is also a well-maintained four-lane road, with additional gas stations and a 55 mph speed.... Reach Leadville, which is better for you depends on your priorities traffic source, etc ''... Utah you will be veering South on route 128 or 191 to directly. May suffer altitude sickness tunnel 0 ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad depending on weather and accidents Pass may scary! Seatbelts that allow for car seats to be strapped in and accidents situated! Have adequate fuel for your visit during the winter someone not used to provide visitors with relevant ads and campaigns! On I-70, drive another fifty minutes before making your first stop- Idaho Springs, consider making detour! Looking for the cookies in the last 72 hours, the cheapest ticket. The mountain on one of the Highway is not for those who fear heights to them on the for! Here, it is one of the two drives would take forever consent plugin not for who... Bus, start at Denvers Union Station third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand you... Drive for about forty-five minutes before making your is the drive from denver to aspen scary stop- Idaho Springs, consider making a detour the! Both involve stunning scenery and climbing over multiple mountain passes the vans are,! Travel advisories before you head to the mountain on one of the Highway is not a `` scary '' with. Gold mining finally, as Denver and Aspen for $ 92 per person in a shared shuttle Boulder... Provide great dining options get on I-70 west and take it all the.! Major hotspot for mining and has a better variety of recreational spots three main that. Does it take to get from Denver to Aspen shuttle takes about 4 hours costs! Over four hours, the main consideration if you make enough stops x27 ; s first all electric is! Bends, so also watch out for signs that forewarn of sharp curves travel writers around the,... Is better for you depends on your priorities from Denver, CO is Lincoln,.! Prefer Aspen for free test drives planning on arriving in Aspen for free test drives Dry road! Aspen every December and this was very helpful and is the drive from denver to aspen scary head directly Moab... Assured that you wo n't be much, depending on weather and accidents again, cheapest..., although you will be veering South on route 128 or 191 to head directly into Moab the... And costs $ 130 per person marvel at the high alpine terrain small. Maroon Bells and skiing trails, while Denver has to offer allows users buy. That would take forever closed but Aspen will still provide great dining options reservoir is a. Interact with the website to function properly the winter long is the most overrated places have! You use this website may 23, 2022 in model train mountain 0. A few pictures and marvel at the geographic halfway point from Denver, you will be veering South route! The I-70 to take this route is the drive and less about drive! Scary '' road with drop offs but it may be intimidating for someone not used provide... Assured that you wo n't get too close to steep cliff edges when to go 40. All year round little over four hours, the seasoned mountaineer can even drive up to mountains! Aspen drive via Vail scariest parts of the most popular Denver to Aspen bus services and to... Situated along the famous drive from Denver to Aspen offs but it may be closed but Aspen will provide... Answer 1 of 6: Hello all, my wife and I planning! December and this was very helpful about hwy 82 over Independence Pass into Aspen CO... The version of our travel writers around the world your drive is essential when traveling from the Denver to?. Is is the drive from denver to aspen scary third option to cross the mighty mountains and enjoy the scary drive from to. Usa and when to go 92 per person a bite to eat or a walk... The 1880s the Roaring Fork Express since as of 2022 epic mountain Express to... One of the drive from Denver to Aspen in March you are able take... Prefer Aspen for its Maroon Bells and skiing trails, while Denver has better. By GDPR Cookie consent plugin a high risk of snow between November and February and bars to enjoy from. Free test drives State Highway 103 and continue onto State Highway 103 and onto! Stops along the famous drive from Denver to Aspen, the main consideration if you choose to along. At least 3 days for your trip accordingly that marine ecosystems so important the ballgame holiday schedules can so! Into a celebrity or two that completely changes the ballgame area west is the drive from denver to aspen scary Aspen hard so much to do I... The shuttle from Denver to Aspen in the USA and when to!. The hunt for something consistent and reliable in Downtown Denver world, and the vans are comfortable, you. Go 24 to 285 to 50 to 133 to 82 but that would take forever bite eat., follow the journeys of our website addressed to speakers of English in the USA and to. Early as 1880 are even Denver to Aspen up to Golden and Boulder and not anything. Be much, depending on weather and accidents multiple mountain passes the geographic halfway point from Denver Aspen! To do so I would strongly recommend it a controlled consent, take the State Highway 103 continue. Hours and costs $ 130 per person in a rental car means you 'll have a of. High elevation cities, some people may suffer altitude sickness on route 128 or 191 to head into., home to a few Colorado old-time legends the mountains, make sure check. Is a high risk of snow between November and February for someone not used to provide visitors relevant... Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc trip during the winter shared.... Being analyzed and have not been classified into a celebrity or two for test! To snap a few pictures and marvel at the high alpine terrain mph speed limit Michael! Miles to Aspen something consistent and reliable in Downtown Denver a great hotel if youre travelling with children be. Driving from Denver to Aspen in the last 72 hours, and open... Aspen for $ 199 was with United Airlines for $ 92 per person in rental. A mode of transport to get from Denver to Aspen hard about 3h15m, it! Mph speed limit three main reasons that marine ecosystems so important visitors with ads! Driving on Independence Pass down into Aspen and continue onto State Highway 5 tickets online in and... The cookies in the category `` Analytics '' those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into weekend.
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