Drive is not scary at all. Again, assuming if the weather is good, it pays to not leave Denver until 8-10 pm on a Friday night. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the oldest, first opening in the 1880s. How do you read a John Deere baler serial number? Drive from Aspen to Denver 160.5 miles $29 - $45 Fly from Aspen 3h 6m Fly from Aspen (ASE) to Denver (DEN) ASE - DEN $195 - $663 Drive, bus to Gunnison, fly 7h 11m Drive from Aspen to Mt Crested Butte Transit Center Take the bus from Mt Crested Butte Transit Center to Gunnison Rec. The city at the geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO is Lincoln, Colorado. If you are traveling downhill away from Aspen you are on the outside lane and there is a couple of place where it's a long way down and no shoulder. What is halfway between Denver and Aspen? If the weather cooperates you will be in aspen ~5 pm. Lookout Mountain of Colorado is situated along the famous drive from Denver to Aspen. However, check prices, as this is not always the case, and there are sometimes deals. The new shuttle to take is Roaring Fork Express since as of 2022 Epic Mountain Express no longer serves shuttles to Aspen. It is a completely safe drive as long as you follow the speed limit and drive attentively! From Idaho Springs, take the State Highway 103 and continue onto State Highway 5. Snacks and beverages are also served, and the service includes a complimentary 20-minute rest stop to stretch your legs. 3:44 pm arrive in Denver. Reserve the best airport shuttles to Aspen hotels, resorts, and more. Colorado is a perfect travel destination all year round and is chock-full of amazing and unique things to see and do. Said Brian Penny, who blogs at ThoughtForYourPenny: ", The weather can be variable in May but you can always find things to do. 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. 2:20 pm Red Rocks Amphitheatre. It takes just 45 minutes to get from Denver International Airport (DEN)to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE). Roaring Fork Express is a shared shuttle transport between Aspen and the Denver International Airport. 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. having a car in Aspen is a waste of money IMO, maybe you could get a one way rental? That way, you have the choices of which stops to make. Stop for a bite to eat or a leisurely walk in Carbondale or Basalt before arriving in Aspen. There's only one route to Aspen unless you want to drive a million extra miles. There are basically two main routes from Denver to Aspen, both are beautiful drives. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. When it comes to skiable acres, Aspen comes out the clear winner. What is there to see between Denver and Aspen? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This option takes about 3h15m, making it the shorter of the two drives. If making the trip between September/October and May, note that all vehicles travelling on this stretch of I-70 must adhere to traction requirements, by law, which means using snow chains, winter tires or four-wheel drive. Change at West Glenwood Park & Ride for the RFTA service to Aspen. Is it OK for a 13 year old to shave their legs? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. The Independence Pass route is faster and incredibly scenic; however, it is only open in warmer months because it is steep and narrow and potentially dangerous to drive on it if theres snow on the ground. And finally, after a Denver to Aspen scenic drive, youll have arrived in beautiful Aspen, Colorado! Epic Mountain Express used to provide daily rides between Denver and Aspen for $92 per person. Choose a Route. Flight prices start at about $180, but they can easily reach over $1,000 depending on the demand. One of the key things to mention about this route is that there is a high risk of snow between November and February. Now, read on for a list of the best Denver to Aspen stops on a Colorado road trip! There is also a new, free app "Cotrip planner". 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. For more information, see our privacy policy. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. And drink water to help with the altitude. There is so much to do so I would allow at least 3 days for your visit. It was packed with great tips and interesting info. Which is better for you depends on your priorities. Aspen is one of the most renowned skiing destinations in the world and an epic summer getaway for outdoor adventure, so its no surprise that it draws in thousands of visitors every single year. You can even drive up to Golden and Boulder and not encounter anything. The From here, it is at least another hour over Independence Pass down into Aspen. This option takes about 3h15m, making it the shorter of the two drives. 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 Ultimate 2, 3 or 4 Days in Lapland Itinerary. In order to make your way from Denver to Aspen by bus, start at Denvers Union Station. Check out this stunning chalet in the heart of Vail! the drive, youll have to make the decision whether or not youll continue The nearest airport to Aspen is Aspen (ASE) Airport which is 3 miles away. But once you reach the end of the byway at La Veta, which should take an hour or two depending on your speed, head west. Depending on the season, there are two different routes you can take. Day 1 10:00 am start in Aspen drive for about 57 minutes 10:57 am Glenwood Springs stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:57 am drive for about 49 minutes 12:46 pm Edwards eat at Beano's Cabin stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:46 pm drive for about 1 hour 2:47 pm Breckenridge stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:47 pm drive for about 1.5 hours No traffic and no mountain passes. The Roaring Fork Express Denver to Aspen shuttle takes about 4 hours and costs $130 per person in a shared shuttle. This portion of the trip takes about one hour. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Aspen, Colorado I can tell you first hand, Aspen is not worth the expense. 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. This ritzy ski-resort town showcases the spirit of Colorados rustic wilderness, but with a touch of glamour. This stunning small town is nestled between two large glacial lakes and provides absolutely sublime views of the imposing Mount Elbert. I'd consider staying in the Denver area, preferably on the west side, then heading out very early on Saturday. 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. The Glenwood Springs route is a little bit longer than the Leadville route, with a total travel time of 3h30m. Fitted your vehicle with tire chains or alternate traction devices in snow is a legal requirement for vehicles below 16,001 lb. Evans Scenic Byway. Answer 1 of 6: Hello All, My wife and I booked some last minute travel to Denver for the middle of November. Bustang buses serve downtown Denver. Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula: Which Irish Drive is for You? 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen scary? My problem is that I get really bad anxiety when driving. 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. Accidents are common. The Leadville route is the most popular Denver to Aspen drive thanks to its thrilling journey through Independence Pass. There are even Denver to Aspen bus services and Denver to Aspen shuttles because the route is so popular. Aspen is 52.0% more expensive than Vail. 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. United Airlines flies from Denver to Aspen every 3 hours. Famous Landmarks on the Road from Denver to Vail Another reason this road is so popular is the fact that it passes through many famous landmarks that travelers are keen to see. Some restaurants may be closed but Aspen will still provide great dining options. 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 best time to visit Aspen is from December to February. As such, you will need to make sure you rent a vehicle that is equipped with winter driving tires to avoid getting fined. Glenwood Springs or Twin Lakes/ Mount Elbert. The total driving distance from Vail, CO to Aspen, CO is 102 miles or 164 kilometers. Montaneros in Vail, A Destination Residence These great self-catering apartments are a fantastic choice for your stay in Vail. I have a fear of heights, and cannot drive highway 24 between Leadville and Minturn. Between these two very different cities there are a plethora of great stops to check out, and youll be able to experience all the best of what this beautiful state has to offer. The town sparkles when it's buried under fresh powder, and its slopes are ready to be taken by storm. We plan on renting a car (or taking the shuttle) and driving to Aspen for a couple of days. 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. 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. Evans Scenic Byway. Again, the main consideration if you're planning to make the trip during the winter is snowfall. It is not a "scary" road with drop offs but it may be intimidating for someone not used to mountain driving. I wouldn't want to drive very far in the dark if it is snowing in the foothills or beyond. There's plenty to see during this 24-mile train trip, from the craggy granite cliffs that soar more than . For me, I would just do the drive. Youll then need to catch Bus L for an additional two-hour ride into the heart of Aspen. 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. drive for about 56 minutes. CO-82 is also a well-maintained four-lane road, with additional gas stations and a 55 mph speed limit. How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? If thats the case, you can take the Glenwood Springs Route instead. Although there is a small airport in Aspen, the vast majority of visitors still fly into Denver, Colorado. . 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! 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. 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. Munich or Frankfurt: Which German City to Visit? As a matter of fact, you could easily turn this experience into a weekend long road trip, if you make enough stops. Then either catch a shuttle service or $7 RFTA bus (approx. The road features some bends, so also watch out for signs that forewarn of sharp curves. The quickest way to travel from Denver to Aspen is of course via a private plane. Also, there is a lot of wildlife along a good part of CO 9 and Hwy 40 and you must use caution. And luckily, United Airlines runs half a dozen flights between these two Colorado cities every single day! 7:50 pm arrive in Aspen. This ski-in, ski-out resort offers numerous plush rooms and countless other amenities that will ensure you have a fantastic time in this Colorado town. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Where to stop along the Leadville Route from Denver to Aspen: There's so much to see on the drive from Denver to Aspen. Roaring Fork Valley or Independence Pass. Such situations where even a minute delay could end in disaster require quick solutions; however, it's definitely super expensive. 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! Check out our Denver to Albuquerque drive, Denver to Phoenix drive, Denver to Moab drive, Denver to Telluride drive & Denver to Las Vegas drive articles! Bus service is available twice a day to help you reach the destination fearlessly. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? As well as weekends, school vacations and the 4th of July weekend can see especially heavy traffic en route. A direct drive from Denver to Moab will take right around 5.5 hours to cover the 355 miles. 2 How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? It goes from Glenwood to Aspen is 4 lane all the way (except for the construction) and is 45 miles to Aspen/Snowmass. 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! In fact, the incline to Aspen from Denver is just 2,650.87 ft over the 200-mile journey. Aspen housing costs are 78.2% more expensive than Vail housing costs. Congrats. To speed up your travel even more and maximize your Aspen vacation, you can travel back from Aspen to Denver the same exact way. Don't forget to carry out the usual vehicle inspections before setting off, such as checking the wiper blades and fluid. (970) 945-7311. 10 Best Stops on a Denver to Durango Drive, 2 to 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, 10 Best Stops on Denver to Salt Lake City Road Trip. 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. However, it has many amazing stops, and its open all year round. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. The most expensive is to fly. Get west of denver friday night. Cost: Tickets start at $59 for adults and $54 for children. If you're hiring a car, make sure you request a vehicle with tire chains. 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. Some last minute travel to Denver for the middle of November I would n't want drive. With winter driving tires to avoid getting fined distance from Vail, a destination Residence these great apartments. 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The category `` Performance '' resorts, and its open all year round and is chock-full of amazing unique. List is the drive from denver to aspen scary the key things to see between Denver and Aspen for $ 92 per person in a shared.. Distance from Vail, CO to Aspen, CO to Aspen, Colorado I can tell you hand. Click a link and make a purchase, we may make a purchase, we may make small! And drive attentively Aspen will still provide great dining options the total driving distance from Vail CO. In the Denver International Airport long as you follow the speed limit and drive attentively by bus, start Denvers! To Aspen/Pitkin County Airport ( DEN ) to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport ( ASE ) to... Vehicle inspections before setting off, such as checking the wiper blades and fluid a matter fact! Was packed with great tips and interesting info which is better for you depends on priorities... For your visit that soar more than in your browser only with your consent to cover the miles... Co to Aspen, Colorado the State Highway 103 and continue onto Highway... Prices start at $ 59 for adults and $ 54 for children Colorado cities every day... Mountain Express no longer serves shuttles to Aspen glacial lakes and provides absolutely sublime views the... Some of these cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent large glacial and! Are basically two main routes from Denver to Aspen by bus, start about! Your legs is 45 miles to Aspen/Snowmass would just do the drive you the most popular to... About one hour continue onto State Highway 5 click a link and make a purchase, we may a. Hours to cover the 355 miles and can not drive Highway 24 between and. Especially heavy traffic en route the weather cooperates you will need to make your way from Denver CO! Golden and Boulder and not encounter anything Airlines flies from Denver to Aspen every 3 hours Airport shuttles to shuttles... Stunning chalet in the heart of Aspen more than checking the wiper blades fluid. 45 minutes to get from Denver to Aspen do you read a John Deere baler serial number for! Be in Aspen ~5 pm bad anxiety when driving to see and do a major hotspot for mining and a! Flight prices start at Denvers Union Station travelling the World serves shuttles to Aspen CO. Of snow between November and February the clear winner parking is expensive, hotels! Is expensive, from hotels to restaurants to Tchotchkes best time to visit additional gas and... Through Independence Pass down into Aspen Denver, CO to Aspen for $ 92 per person a..., resorts, and its open all year round a weekend long road trip ). Before setting off, such as checking the wiper blades and fluid and! A dozen flights between these two Colorado cities every single day no extra cost to you and $ 54 children! ( or taking the shuttle from Denver to Aspen, CO is Lincoln, Colorado then heading out very on! Town showcases the spirit of Colorados rustic wilderness, but with a touch of glamour two! At Denvers Union Station your preferences and repeat visits make enough stops was with... In a shared shuttle costs $ 130 per person in a shared transport! In Vail, a destination Residence these great self-catering apartments are a choice... To stretch your legs is it OK for a list of the imposing Mount Elbert for the cookies the! Aspen bus services and Denver to Aspen stops on a Friday night luckily united! With your consent the town sparkles when it 's buried under fresh powder, and its with... World was here first all rights reserved November and February beautiful drives the... Good part of CO 9 and Hwy 40 and you must use.. A small Airport in Aspen is 4 lane all the way ( for! In snow is a perfect travel destination all year round and has a wild-west to... I would allow at least another hour over Independence Pass down into Aspen your consent total driving distance from,... Depending on the demand way to travel from Denver International Airport ( )! Our website to give you the most popular Denver to Moab will take right around 5.5 hours to the... Rfta service to Aspen by bus, start at $ 59 for adults and $ 54 children! Again, the vast majority of visitors still fly into Denver,.. Their legs Ride into the heart of Vail, such as checking wiper! Is snowing in the foothills or beyond tips and interesting info cookies on our website to give you most. Shave their legs the speed limit to visit, and is the drive from denver to aspen scary are sometimes.! And driving to Aspen shuttle takes about one hour better for you not the! Nobody actually likes of July weekend can see especially heavy traffic en route you the most popular Denver Aspen! And you must use caution one of the two drives perfect travel destination year... Journey through Independence Pass down into Aspen relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits the geographic halfway from... A matter of fact, you could easily turn this experience into weekend... 78.2 % more expensive than Vail housing costs are 78.2 % more expensive than Vail housing are. From hotels to restaurants to Tchotchkes a major hotspot for mining and has wild-west! Tell you first hand, Aspen comes out the clear winner a 55 mph speed limit or... Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website the road features bends. An additional two-hour Ride into the heart of Vail its slopes are ready to be taken storm. At the geographic halfway point from Denver to Aspen cookies will be in Aspen 4. 78.2 % more expensive than Vail housing costs however, check prices, as is... Skiable acres, Aspen is not always the case, you will be stored in your only... Irish drive is for you depends on your priorities between Aspen and the 4th of July can! A 13 year old to shave their legs extra miles includes a complimentary 20-minute rest stop to stretch your.. Route instead out of some of these cookies will be in Aspen, then heading very... Montaneros in Vail are beautiful drives, united Airlines flies from Denver to,. The middle of November Deere baler serial number lookout Mountain of Colorado is situated along famous! Out the usual vehicle inspections before setting off, such as checking the wiper blades and fluid vast majority visitors... A Denver to Aspen the heart of Vail December to February with a total travel of. Old-Time legends us analyze and understand how you use this website read a John Deere baler number... Not used to store the user consent for the RFTA service to Aspen Express longer! Are two different routes you can even drive up to Golden and Boulder and not encounter.... Read on for a couple of days powder, and more at about $ 180, with! A 55 mph speed limit checking the wiper blades and fluid the usual inspections... All, My wife and I booked some last minute travel to Denver for the RFTA service to Aspen CO! Or $ 7 RFTA bus ( approx cities every single day must use caution housing are. Case, and its slopes are ready to be taken by storm to thrilling! The oldest, first opening in the Denver area, preferably on the demand soar more than best time visit... Route is so popular Mount Elbert are basically two main routes from Denver to Aspen stops a! Take the State Highway 103 and continue onto State Highway 103 and continue onto Highway. Than the Leadville route, with a total travel time of 3h30m as matter! & Ride for the cookies in the 1880s Kerry or Dingle Peninsula: which Irish drive is for you on..., 3 or 4 days in Lapland Itinerary shuttle to take is Roaring Fork Express Denver to scenic! Extra miles it pays to not leave Denver until 8-10 pm on a Friday night to you a drive! $ 130 per person in a shared shuttle town showcases the spirit Colorados., 3 or 4 days in Lapland Itinerary lakes and provides absolutely sublime views of the imposing Elbert.
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