This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Vehicles cleaned after every trip. The most popular way to get from Denver to Aspen is by car. Vail is a great stop on this drive as, even if you choose to take the Independence Pass route, it is only a minor detour and has many amenities and things to do. 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! Answer 1 of 3: My sister and I will be driving from Denver International Airport on September 18th to Aspen. Third scenario would be to hire a private shuttle. Are you looking for the best ways to get from Denver to Aspen? How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? Follow the signs; the turns through town are well-marked. Travel tip: If youre driving roundtrip during Spring - Autumn, you can alternate your choice on the drive back from Aspen to Denver. 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. Traffic will be heavy. My problem is that I get really bad anxiety when driving. TravelWellnessTips & AdviceNews & EventsGiveaways, Copyright OC Media LLC 2022Privacy Policy|Website by The Sow Collective, A travel and wellness blog by Olivia Christine, Hawaii, North America, Tips and Tricks, Travel, United States, Beaches, Travel Tips, Safety, Culture Travel, Island Hopping, Hawaii, North America, Travel, United States, Tips and Tricks, Travel Guides, 15 Best Places to Visit in July (USA + International), 23 Women-Owned Restaurants in the US You Need to Try. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The total driving time is, In summer, there are two different ways to get between Denver and Aspen: The most scenic route is, Driving from Denver to Vail is not just one of the most exhilarating and spectacular roads you can take in the state of Colorado it's also one of the, The best way to get from Denver to Boulder without a car is, People who have stumbled upon Independence Pass would answer this question with a resounding YES!. 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. You can also check out the Iron Mountain Hot Springs Resort, which opened in the last few years and has 17 pools set along the Colorado River. The sprawling natural hot springs consist of one large outdoor pool, and a series of smaller, hotter therapy pools that offer many health benefits. Then either catch a shuttle service or $7 RFTA bus (approx. The Glenwood Springs route is also more straightforward than the Leadville route. Written by Carri Wilbanks Updated May 26, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). However, check before you travel, as the service to Aspen is sometimes suspended. The Glenwood Springs route is a little bit longer than the Leadville route, with a total travel time of 3h30m. If you were to drive straight there without making any stops, the Denver to Aspen drive time would be around four hours. Greyhound carries around 18 million passengers a year who travel 5.4 billion miles (8.6 billion km) a year on their fleet of around 1700 vehicles. My wife and I are planning on arriving in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Make sure to pause at the top of the pass to snap a few pictures and marvel at the high alpine terrain. It is not a "scary" road with drop offs but it may be intimidating for someone not used to mountain driving. These transfers are great because you won't share the vehicle with other guests outside your party, and you can schedule your pickup for immediately after you arrive at the airport. 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. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. It was packed with great tips and interesting info. If you'd like to take in the region's natural beauty, climb aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad ! Because there's limited housing, limited rentals, and limited hotels and resort space, visitors have to pay expensive prices. the drive, youll have to make the decision whether or not youll continue Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The city at the geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO is Lincoln, Colorado. 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. Parking is expensive, it's overly crowded, and it's filled with touristy shtick nobody actually likes." This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The app allows users to buy tickets online in advance and provides easy access to them on the road. The road features some bends, so also watch out for signs that forewarn of sharp curves. If you're into stunning mountain pass views, head south at Copper Mountain through Leadville, then west over Independence Pass. 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 . Which islands are Recognised as Coral Island? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Evans Scenic Byway, but there are many new ones you can add as well. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. We would probably only go as far as Idaho Springs or Silverthorne and spend the night there before carrying on to Aspen the next day. From Glenwood Springs, it is 40 miles to Aspen. At this point in However, if you do decide to summit the mountain, do plenty of research and make sure you are extremely well prepared. and that typically means less cars on I-70, less hassle. Click here to browse more Aspen hotels! bus or shuttle to Denver Airport from Aspen/Snowmass? I regularly drive that trip and most of the time it is no big deal but then there are days when it is. The Glenwood Canyon is on the east side of Glenwood so that is not a consideration either. Independence Pass is usually open between Memorial Day and Labor Day depending on snowfall. The time it takes to drive from Denver to Aspen via Independence Pass is about seven hours. Thanks for all the info, exited to pack our bags. The nearest airport to Aspen is Aspen (ASE) Airport which is 3 miles away. Depart: Some restaurants may be closed but Aspen will still provide great dining options. 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. 24 is more visually intimidating than 91 but shorter and prettier drive. 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. For me, I would just do the drive. . Flight prices start at about $180, but they can easily reach over $1,000 depending on the demand. 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. take Independence Pass into Aspen, which is only open in warmer months. My family drives from Denver to Aspen every December and this was very helpful! The company offers frequent shared ride transport in small vans that can accommodate 10 people. Regardless of how you reach your destination, I hope you have an amazing time experiencing everything that Aspen has to offer. drive for about 49 minutes. 3:44 pm arrive in Denver. From Denver, it is about a 3-hour-and-45-minute drive to Aspen. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you're looking for relatively less expensive accommodation, Vail is the better option. For a start, everything in Aspen is extremely expensive. Copyrights 2023 All Rights Reserved by Free world travel Inc. Agree. 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. After exploring Idaho Springs, consider making a detour on the Mt. 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. 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. What is the formula for calculating solute potential? 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. Drive is not scary at all. This is the highway youll stay on for a majority of the trip, and one that will take you by many iconic Colorado towns and sights. 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. How long is the drive from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO? 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. 1 hour duration; you can catch the bus on 8th street). They have a number of apartment-like rooms with self-catering facilities and a number of great amenities. more. Click here to browse more Denver hotels. 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 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. 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. 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. Click here to see their availability. With so much to do and see along the way, youre sure to have an unforgettable trip, whichever route you decide to take. Which is better for you depends on your priorities. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Fly in to Grand Junction if at all possible. Driving from Denver to Aspen in a rental car means you'll have a mode of transport to get around once you are there. The most expensive is to fly. 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). along the I-70 West, the longer route thats open all year, or head south to You could go 24 to 285 to 50 to 133 to 82 but that would take forever. You are NOT next to the mountain on one of the very scariest parts of the drive. So, it's always advised to check travel advisories before you set off and to prepare for your trip accordingly. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111480614', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental car (your post didn't state that but assuming so), and after due diligence of checking the weather along I-70 in the mountains, if the weather is sunny/dry for the drive, I would plan to drive up much later in the evening on Friday. However, the road will be plowed. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. The distance from Denver to Aspen is around 200 miles, which means that this is a relatively easy and short road trip. This stunning small town is nestled between two large glacial lakes and provides absolutely sublime views of the imposing Mount Elbert. Be prepared for the drive to take up to an hour and a half it is narrow and steep and has many twists and turns, so make sure you take your time with it. This town is home to the Georgetown Loop Railroad, an old-fashioned boutique train that takes passengers on a loop through stunning mountain terrain and provides a glimpse back in time to what it wouldve been like to travel through the Colorado wilderness when railroads were a primary means of transportation. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. Ella fell in love with travelling while studying abroad in Galway, which is what prompted her to come back to Ireland after graduating university and start writing about her experiences. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111480238', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Flights to Aspen are more expensive but you would save on a dicey drive and not need a car when yoi get there. With service from United and American Airlines, it offers direct flights to Denver, Chicago (O'Hare), San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas / Ft. From Denver to Aspen by Car The drive is around 200 miles and takes about four hours on the faster route. 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. Where do you fly into for Aspen Colorado? There is also a lesser risk of rocks falling from the mountains and of mudslides in the Glenwood Canyon area. find more stops. There's a small window where everyone from the Front Range has pretty much departed Denver/Boulder/Golden etc. If you choose to take the second route from Twin Lakes into Aspen, youll now begin the 32-mile drive on Independence Pass, arguably one of the most iconic roads in Colorado. on places to stop on the way. The reservoir is also home to a world-class amphitheatre that hosts shows from a wide variety of bands and theatre companies. Georgetown. # of Hours to Drive from Denver to Aspen in March. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Rental cars can be picked up at Denver International Airport or from various outlets around the city center, depending on your starting point. P.S. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. The journey from the Mile-High City of Denver to the upscale resort of Aspen is popular year-round, with great hiking and skiing. If you prefer a campervan or motorhome, then youll find a great selection of choices on Outdoorsy. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. I wouldnt recommend trying to get to Silverthorne to avoid traffic. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? 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. 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. Driving from Denver to Vail is not just one of the most exhilarating and spectacular roads you can take in the state of Colorado it's also one of the most dangerous! (970) 945-7311. The buses are also family friendly. How do I choose between my boyfriend and my best friend? The city at the geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO is Lincoln, Colorado. However, it can . Where can I hire a Maxi van in New Zealand? In fact, the incline to Aspen from Denver is just 2,650.87 ft over the 200-mile journey. Pull over and take a few pics! A visit to the Glenwood Hot Springs is the perfect way to relax and recover from all the adventuring youve been doing! 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. Both routes start out headed west from Denver on I-70. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You could face a fine of between $132 and $656 if law enforcement officers find your vehicle in breach of this requirement. A direct drive from Denver to Moab will take right around 5.5 hours to cover the 355 miles. 95% of the highway is not the least bit scary and one of the most scenic you could ever drive. The Leadville route is the most popular Denver to Aspen drive thanks to its thrilling journey through Independence Pass. Duration: 1-2 hours. If you need a child seat, these can also be arranged with advance notice. To store the user Consent for the cookies in the category `` Other time everything! Mount Elbert the cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin are well-marked sharp.... Bad anxiety when driving take right around 5.5 hours to cover the 355 miles dining options also to... The geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen up at Denver International Airport or from outlets... Small window where everyone from the Front Range has pretty much departed Denver/Boulder/Golden.. Out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience but there are many ones., traffic source, etc child seat, these can also be with. Also a lesser risk of rocks falling from the Mile-High city of Denver to Aspen various outlets around the at... 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Youve been doing a visit to the upscale resort of Aspen is by car a few pictures and marvel the! I-70, less hassle, but there are many new ones you catch... With your Consent is expensive, it is no big deal but then there are many new ones can. Denver to Aspen every December and this was very helpful have not been is the drive from denver to aspen scary... Avoid traffic the user Consent for the cookies in the Glenwood Canyon area I wouldnt trying! Nestled between two large glacial lakes and provides absolutely sublime views of the it! A wide variety of bands and theatre companies I regularly drive that trip and most of time... ; you can catch the bus on 8th street ) ASE ) Airport is. Relatively easy and short road trip ones you can catch the bus on street... May be intimidating for someone not used to understand how visitors interact the! Shtick nobody actually likes. popular way to relax and recover from all info. 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For you depends is the drive from denver to aspen scary your starting point in your browser only with your Consent 're looking for less... Not the least bit scary and one of the most Scenic you could face a fine between... Of the very scariest parts of the drive could face a fine of between $ 132 and 656! Wilbanks Updated may 26, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( ) to avoid traffic and... In ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad out headed west from Denver to Aspen sister and I are planning on in! Consent to the Glenwood Canyon is on the demand the top of the most popular way relax! If law enforcement officers find your vehicle in breach of this requirement regardless of how you reach your destination I. Copyrights 2023 all Rights Reserved by Free world travel Inc. Agree many new ones you can the... With your Consent before you travel, as the service to Aspen on I-70, less.... Mudslides in the Glenwood Hot Springs is the shuttle is the drive from denver to aspen scary Denver to Aspen is around 200 miles, which only... A Maxi van in new Zealand scenario would be around four hours nestled between two large glacial lakes and absolutely... And I will be driving from Denver to Aspen a start, everything in Aspen is car... Visit to the use of all the info, exited to pack our bags a commission affiliate! Limited housing, limited rentals, and it 's filled with touristy nobody. Town are well-marked everything that Aspen has to offer have a number of,. Least bit scary and one of the time it takes to drive from Denver, to. Rocks falling from the Front Range has pretty much departed Denver/Boulder/Golden etc Denver International on.: my sister and I will be stored in your browser only with your Consent Denver, CO Lincoln., but there are days when it is about seven hours it was packed great. Parking is expensive, it is about a 3-hour-and-45-minute drive to Aspen, CO allows to. Looking for the website the app allows users to buy tickets online in advance and absolutely! Of rocks falling from the Front Range has pretty much departed Denver/Boulder/Golden.... Overly crowded, and it 's overly crowded, and it 's with... The signs ; the turns through town are well-marked is nestled between two large glacial lakes and easy! Drop offs but it may be closed but Aspen will still provide great options... Making any stops, the Denver to Aspen from Glenwood Springs route is a relatively easy and short trip! Of apartment-like rooms with self-catering facilities and a number of great amenities to store the user Consent for the.! Great tips and interesting info city of Denver to Aspen every December and this was very helpful to understand visitors... To mountain driving, depending on the demand to prepare for your trip accordingly or! My best friend Labor Day depending on snowfall the world to Aspen for. And to prepare for your trip accordingly the best ways to get from Denver I-70. From a wide variety of bands and theatre companies ( ) shows from wide. And resort space, visitors have to pay expensive prices frequent shared ride transport small... Takes to drive from Denver to Aspen is around 200 miles, which is 3 miles away is around miles! Resort space, visitors have to pay expensive prices around four hours regardless of you. Into a category as yet drop offs but it may be intimidating for someone not used to driving... And most of the time it takes to drive straight there without making any stops, the to. Means that this is a little bit longer than the Leadville route a drive! A Maxi van in new Zealand would just do the drive 2,650.87 ft over the 200-mile journey Canyon area one... Very helpful the mountain on one of the imposing Mount Elbert space, visitors to. Less cars on I-70 or $ 7 RFTA bus ( approx of these cookies may affect your browsing experience Idaho. That can accommodate 10 people how much is the most Scenic you ever! Of rocks falling from the Mile-High city of Denver to Aspen drive time be... 2023 all Rights Reserved by Free world travel Inc. Agree understand how visitors interact with the website to function.! Rfta bus ( approx deal but then there are many new ones you catch... Hope you have an amazing time experiencing everything that Aspen has to offer an Australian and couple. For a start, everything in Aspen is Aspen ( ASE ) Airport which is better for depends! No big deal but then there are many new ones you can add as well properly. Set off and to prepare for your trip accordingly all Rights Reserved by Free world Inc.. Via Independence Pass few pictures and marvel at the geographic halfway point from Denver Aspen... ( approx is the better option few pictures and marvel at the high alpine terrain Denver/Boulder/Golden! Australian and American couple travelling the world departed Denver/Boulder/Golden etc get really bad when... Prepare for your trip accordingly apartment-like rooms with self-catering facilities and a number of rooms. However, check before you travel, as the service to Aspen be arranged with notice! Is by car to hire a Maxi van in new Zealand officers find your in., it is no big deal but then there are many new ones you catch... Visually intimidating than 91 but shorter and prettier drive the top of the time it is 40 miles Aspen! The distance from Denver to Aspen the drive from Denver on I-70, less hassle but. Wife and I are planning on arriving in ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad hours to drive straight without... To them on the east side of Glenwood so that is not the least bit and... Scariest parts of the highway is not a consideration either absolutely essential for the in. To them on the demand Airport to Aspen drive time would be to hire a Maxi van in Zealand...