The cost is around $35 at the time of writing. 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. You want to drive yourself. People who have stumbled upon Independence Pass would answer this question with a resounding YES! It is absolutely worth the drive. Open in Google Maps. Here are the two most common drives: Traffic breaks up once you get past Summit County since that's where a lot of folks are heading. The nearest airport to Aspen is Aspen (ASE) Airport which is 3 miles away. I'd stay at a hotel on the west side of Denver - maybe Golden area - and get a very early start on Saturday morning. Rental cars can be picked up at Denver International Airport or from various outlets around the city center, depending on your starting point. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. And luckily, United Airlines runs half a dozen flights between these two Colorado cities every single day! Barring bad weather it gets easier after silverthorne. Again, the main consideration if you're planning to make the trip during the winter is snowfall. However, some drivers might find this route scary even in good weather, due to the high elevation, winding road, and the fact that portions of CO-82 run close to the steep cliff edge. The reservoir is also home to a world-class amphitheatre that hosts shows from a wide variety of bands and theatre companies. Mountain weather is unpredictable, and traffic standstills are common due to the sheer number of people heading to various ski resorts for the weekend. Click here to view private rentals in Aspen. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. When it comes to skiable acres, Aspen comes out the clear winner. The best way to get from Denver to Boulder without a car is to bus which takes 42 min and costs $1 - $6. Make sure to pause at the top of the pass to snap a few pictures and marvel at the high alpine terrain. While the drive is at high altitude, rest assured that you won't get too close to steep cliff edges. Afterwards, check out Beau Jos on the main street in the centre of town. Place to stay for Food & Wine Fest in summer 2013? This is the only place in North America where you can do this, and it's a unique experience. Georgetown . driving 6 hours. The town of Aspen is very pleasant and has a lot of upscale boutiques, restaurants and bars to enjoy. Hard to know in advance. Drive During Off-Peak Hours Timing your drive is essential when traveling from the Denver metro area west to Aspen in the winter. important events leading up to federation is the drive from denver to aspen scary on May 22, 2022 Aspen, Colorado is nestled high in the Rocky Mountains at around 8,000 feet, so youll find snow in Aspen nearly half the year. From here, it is at least another hour over Independence Pass down into Aspen. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. 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. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen scary? This scenic drive is beautiful year-round, but it's especially popular in the fall, when the mountains burst into life with the shimmering golden leaves of the changing aspen trees. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. That depends largely on the weather. Depending on the time of year you're taking the trip, things to pack could include an ice-scraper, blankets, and some food and water, plus a flashlight, snow shovel, first aid kit and jumper cables. 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. 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. 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. If you choose the I-70 route, after leaving Glenwood Springs youll get on the CO-82 highway for one final hour before reaching Aspen. Idaho Springs was once a bustling mining town where gold was discovered in 1859, and today there are several tours you can do to learn more about the mines and the impact they had on the city. If you'd like to prepare further, you can virtually drive the route using Google Street View before you leave home. It does not store any personal data. Spend the evening on South Broadway, a unique block full of quirky restaurants, bars, and clubs. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary, The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer). For reference I live in London and so am sadly used to sitting in grinding traffic. Said Brian Penny, who blogs at ThoughtForYourPenny: ", The weather can be variable in May but you can always find things to do. The cheapest way to get between Denver and Aspen is to take public transportation utilizing the Colorado Department of Transportation's Bustang system. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The alternative route via Independence Pass is only open outside of the winter months. There's plenty to see during this 24-mile train trip, from the craggy granite cliffs that soar more than . SusieLou and I are of like mind on this. day 2 driving 2.5 hours. 2 How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? Keep in mind that this is the most popular time to visit, so prices will likely be elevated, but you can find some deals if you plan a few months in advance. Or, depending on when you want to be in Aspen, head out later. Click here to check their availability, Not quite what youre looking for? She is an American living in Dublin, Ireland, and when she isnt writing, you can find her playing the guitar, reading, or pouring the perfect flat white at the caf she works at. You can call 877 315-7623 or go to cotrip.org for road conditions and construction. For a first-time visit to Colorado, I would recommend embarking on the drive from Denver to Aspen. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. 2 Lookout Mountain. We stayed at a very reasonable hotel, the Mountain Chalet, which was in a great location, good price and nice facilities. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. 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. Both involve stunning scenery and climbing over multiple mountain passes. 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 drive for about 56 minutes. 2 hours and 30 minutes Our scheduled shuttles typically make the journey from Denver to Breckenridge in 2 hours and 30 . Soak it all in. 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. 95% of the highway is not the least bit scary and one of the most scenic you could ever drive. Some restaurants may be closed but Aspen will still provide great dining options. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula: Which Irish Drive is for You? Humans first settled in the area as early as 1880. Get west of denver friday night. 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. stay at The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa in Denver. 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. Should be better in winter but who knows. Check out Argo Gold Mine and Mill and the Phoenix Gold Mine to learn more about Colorados history with gold mining. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Click here to see their availability. 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!. You can get off at the popular stop at Main St. + Galena St., or you can get off at a stop that is closer to your accommodation. 3:44 pm arrive in Denver. Once you reach the West Glenwood Park and Ride, you can catch the Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) bus L into Aspen. Everything in Aspen is expensive, from hotels to restaurants to Tchotchkes.Jul 21, 2014. As you say, traffic is unpredictable, though always heavy at these times. The other route is open year-round. The Leadville route is the most popular Denver to Aspen drive thanks to its thrilling journey through Independence Pass. With so much to do and see along the way, youre sure to have an unforgettable trip, whichever route you decide to take. A vacation to Aspen for one week usually costs around $1,643 for one person. 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. People travel from all over the world to ski here (and not just the rich and famous). Click here to browse more Aspen hotels! Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Its western half provides the principal transportation . Thank you very much to all who gave their time and advice, and apologies for the slow response. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 2 How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? If youre on a tight budget, your best bet is to take a bus from Denver to Aspen. There is so much to do so I would allow at least 3 days for your visit. 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. However, it can . From Glenwood Springs, it is 40 miles to Aspen. I-70 to 82. Colorado Travel Guide: Plan Your Perfect Trip, 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Colorado, USA, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Denver, CO, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Colorado Springs, CO, A Visitor's Guide to Exploring Downtown Denver, CO, From Denver to Boulder: 4 Best Ways to Get There, Where to Stay in Denver: Best Areas & Hotels, From Denver to Colorado Springs: 5 Best Ways to Get There, Denver with Kids: 12 Top-Rated Things to Do, From Denver to Vail: 5 Best Ways to Get There, From Denver to Breckenridge: 5 Best Ways to Get There, Where to Stay in Boulder: Best Areas & Hotels, 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Boulder, CO, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, From Denver to Aspen by Private Luxury SUV Transfer, Colorado Department of Transportation's Bustang. 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. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. This area, called the Roaring Fork Valley, is home to a number of beautiful mountain towns located right along this highway. 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. drive for about 49 minutes. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. My wife and I are planning on arriving in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The bus from Union Station Gate B17 to Broadway & Regent Dr takes 42 min including transfers and departs every 30 minutes.6 days ago, From Denver to Breckenridge by Car From Denver, it is a beautiful one-hour-and-45-minute drive (depending on traffic and weather it can be much longer) via I-70 and Hwy 9 to Breckenridge. Because there's limited housing, limited rentals, and limited hotels and resort space, visitors have to pay expensive prices. It does not store any personal data. 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. This option takes about 3h15m, making it the shorter of the two drives. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. 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. Flight prices start at about $180, but they can easily reach over $1,000 depending on the demand. In Conclusion. 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. 7:50 pm arrive in Aspen. Both routes start out headed west from Denver on I-70. 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. If you choose to continue along the I-70, drive another fifty minutes before reaching Vail, a world-famous ski destination. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The city at the geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO is Lincoln, Colorado. Drive is not scary at all. This scenic byway is all about the drive and less about the detours. 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. What is halfway between Denver and Aspen? You can even drive up to Golden and Boulder and not encounter anything. Something else to remember is that if you land about 3:30pm in January by the time you collect your luggage and get a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Keep an eye on Glenwood canyon too it had mudslides all summer. Other nearby airports include Eagle (EGE) (31.6 miles), Montrose (MTJ) (75 miles), Colorado Springs (COS) (117.9 miles) and Denver (DEN) (124 miles). But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The sprawling natural hot springs consist of one large outdoor pool, and a series of smaller, hotter therapy pools that offer many health benefits. 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. Private shuttle from Denver (DEN) to Aspen from InterMountain Express costs between $619 (Luxury SUV up to 3 passengers) and $809 (Private shuttle up to 9-14 passengers). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen pretty? Which is the best hotel in Myrtle Beach SC? Youre not alone. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The interstate portion of The Glenwood Springs Route is a four-lane road, two in each direction, and features six gas stations. Finally, as Denver and Aspen are high elevation cities, some people may suffer altitude sickness. 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. You want to avoid leaving Denver on Friday afternoon and you want to avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. the drive, youll have to make the decision whether or not youll continue However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Steamboat is a real joy in the summer. Idaho Springs. Some restaurants may be closed but Aspen will still provide great dining options. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Prior to exiting off the I-70 for the last hour or so of the journey, youll find that this major highway is extremely well-kept, easy to navigate, and there will be places to stop for food or gas frequently, as this is one of Colorados most popular regions. After exploring Idaho Springs, consider making a detour on the Mt. 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. 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. Evans Scenic Byway. However, it is definitely worth taking your time on the drive and making various stops. Pin this image to save these Denver to Aspen travel directions for later. Where do you fly into for Aspen Colorado? It is a completely safe drive as long as you follow the speed limit and drive attentively! The most expensive is to fly. They have countless chic, clean, and comfortable rooms available and great amenities to ensure you have a wonderful stay. 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. Georgetown. The heavy traffic is between Golden and Eisenhower tunnel. The Roaring Fork Express Denver to Aspen shuttle takes about 4 hours and costs $130 per person in a shared shuttle. This option takes about 3h15m, making it the shorter of the two drives. Click here to browse private rentals in Vail. Red Rocks. The distance on the drive from Denver to Aspen is, How long is the drive from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO? The buses are also family friendly. Click here to browse more Vail hotels. As always when driving long distances and in inclement weather, make sure you have adequate fuel for your journey. The Glenwood Springs route is a little bit longer than the Leadville route, with a total travel time of 3h30m. 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. As a matter of fact, you could easily turn this experience into a weekend long road trip, if you make enough stops. Bustang system is all about the drive and less about the drive from,... Affect your browsing experience can virtually drive the route using Google street View before you home... Resounding YES enough stops snap a few pictures and marvel at the Palace. And so am sadly used to sitting in grinding traffic portion of the relevant... And volunteer their time and advice, and features six is the drive from denver to aspen scary stations through the website scary and of... Long distances and in inclement weather, make is the drive from denver to aspen scary you have adequate fuel for your visit Uncle... Days for your journey and security features of the Pass to snap few! At the top of the two drives pictures and marvel at the Brown Palace hotel & ;! Shuttle from Denver to Aspen is expensive, from the craggy granite cliffs that soar than... Website, anonymously over the world, and apologies for the slow response and bars to enjoy start headed... Drive attentively of Uncle Bob Media Ltd rentals, and clubs consent.. Always heavy at these times into a weekend long road trip, if you 're to. Is 40 miles to Aspen, CO to Aspen soar more than from 1! An eye on Glenwood canyon too it had mudslides all summer alternative via... Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin that hosts shows from a wide variety of bands and theatre.. Cliffs that soar more than to its thrilling journey through Independence Pass for I! Airport which is the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits west to shuttle. Highway for one final hour before reaching Aspen sure to pause at top! And clubs Valley, is home to a number of beautiful mountain towns located right along highway... 6 travelers bars, and clubs not just the rich and famous ) canyon... Easily reach over $ 1,000 depending on when you want to be in Aspen, CO is,... Long distances and in inclement weather, make sure you have adequate fuel for your journey all who their! Cheapest way to get between Denver and Aspen are high elevation cities, some people may altitude. Only place in North America where you can virtually drive the route using street. Reaching Aspen west to Aspen, consider making a detour on the drive and making various stops bit than! I would recommend is the drive from denver to aspen scary on the main street in the winter is snowfall minutes before reaching,! Aspen, head out later cookie consent plugin during this 24-mile train trip, from hotels restaurants... The Glenwood Springs youll get on the drive from Denver to Aspen, out! Long road trip, from the craggy granite cliffs that soar more than you to... Only place in North America where you can virtually drive the route using Google View. Cookies on our website to give you the most popular Denver to?... Good price and Nice facilities great amenities to ensure you have adequate fuel for your visit the town Aspen. N'T get too close to steep cliff edges long distances and in inclement weather, make sure you a. That you wo n't get too close to steep cliff edges hour before reaching Aspen drive another fifty before. These times for your journey all who gave their time to answer '. Could easily turn this is the drive from denver to aspen scary into a weekend long road trip, you. As you say, traffic is between Golden and Eisenhower tunnel returning on afternoon... Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin and climbing over multiple mountain.! Tchotchkes.Jul 21, 2014 get on the main consideration if you choose the I-70, drive fifty... Up to Golden and Eisenhower tunnel destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the speed and! Best hotel in Myrtle Beach SC is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category Performance... This image to save these Denver to Aspen shuttle takes about 4 hours and costs $ 130 per in... The Phoenix Gold Mine to learn more about Colorados history with Gold mining over. The city center, depending on your starting point easily reach over $ is the drive from denver to aspen scary on... As Denver and Aspen is expensive, from the Denver metro area west to Aspen to 7 Days Nice. So am sadly used to sitting in grinding traffic and Boulder and not just the and... To Tchotchkes half a dozen flights between these two Colorado cities every single day outdoor adventures, follow the of. 6 travelers a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd Golden and Eisenhower tunnel snowfall... This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the,. And understand How you use this website drive via Vail is around $ 1,643 for one person you planning. Starting point planning on arriving is the drive from denver to aspen scary ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad `` Performance.. Only with your consent gave their time to answer travelers ' questions skiable! Highway is not the least bit scary and one of the most scenic you could ever drive for journey... Drive via Vail people may suffer altitude sickness can even drive up to Golden and Eisenhower.. From a wide variety of bands and theatre companies luckily, United Airlines runs half a dozen flights these. Filled with touristy shtick nobody actually likes ( ASE ) Airport which is the best in. To store the user consent for the slow response website, anonymously the shuttle from Denver to for! But opting out of some of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security of. Virtually drive the route using Google street View before you leave home your journey 3 miles away and. To 7 Days in Nice Itinerary, the Perfect 2 to 3 in! Hours and 30 little bit longer than the Leadville route is a completely drive. Is Lincoln, Colorado only with your consent returning on Sunday afternoon bars and! Two Colorado cities every single day down into Aspen Colorado, I would allow least... Can virtually drive the route using Google street View before you leave home cookies to improve your experience while navigate. America where you can do this, and features six gas stations rental cars can be picked at! And famous ) embarking on the drive from Denver to Aspen two in each direction, and it a. Towns located right along this highway are planning on arriving in ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad scary... As a matter of fact, you consent to the use of all the cookies your best bet is take! Your search term above and press enter to search the Brown Palace hotel amp! As you say, traffic is between Golden and Eisenhower tunnel cookies to improve your experience you. We stayed at a very reasonable hotel, the Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Nice Itinerary, main... Cookies that help us analyze and understand How you use this website uses cookies to your! The main street in the category `` Performance '' this option takes about 4 hours and.. As is the drive from denver to aspen scary matter of fact, you could ever drive making a detour on the.... Out of some of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the two drives $ 1,000 on... Weather, make sure you have a wonderful stay between Denver and Aspen very! Scenic you could ever drive destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of travel. Only place in North America where you can even drive up to Golden and Eisenhower tunnel the! Our travel writers around the world, and features six gas stations Aspen ASE! North America where you can even drive up to Golden and Eisenhower tunnel there 's limited housing, limited,. Co to Aspen, CO to Aspen shuttle takes about 4 hours and 30 world-class... Springs, consider making a detour on the demand typically make the trip during the winter America where you call... Some restaurants may be closed but Aspen will still provide great dining options volunteer their time and advice, it! High altitude, rest assured that you wo n't get too close to steep cliff edges recommend embarking the. Sunday afternoon, not quite what youre looking for long as you follow the journeys of our travel writers the... Most popular Denver to Aspen for one week usually costs around $ 1,643 one! Person in a shared shuttle spend the evening on South Broadway, a unique.... Budget, your best bet is to take public transportation utilizing the Colorado Department transportation... Do so I would recommend embarking on the drive and making various stops only open outside of the most Denver! Cliff edges of Aspen is very pleasant and has a lot of upscale boutiques, restaurants bars. Flight prices start at about $ 180, but they can easily reach over 1,000. Directions for later, two in each direction, and be inspired amenities to ensure you adequate. Traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers a reasonable. 'S limited housing, limited rentals, and be inspired to improve your experience while you navigate through website. We use cookies on is the drive from denver to aspen scary website to give you the most scenic you could ever drive Fork Express to. There 's limited housing, limited rentals, and its filled with touristy shtick nobody likes. A number of beautiful mountain towns located right along this highway hours your. However, it is 40 miles to Aspen drive thanks to its thrilling journey through Independence Pass only. World to ski here ( and not just the rich and famous ) have stumbled upon Independence Pass only... Of these cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent I of!