Other nearby airports include Eagle (EGE) (31.6 miles), Montrose (MTJ) (75 miles), Colorado Springs (COS) (117.9 miles) and Denver (DEN) (124 miles). I really enjoyed reading your article! Click here to browse private rentals in Vail. Your email will not be provided to third parties. Aspen, Colorado is nestled high in the Rocky Mountains at around 8,000 feet, so youll find snow in Aspen nearly half the year. We plan on renting a car (or taking the shuttle) and driving to Aspen for a couple of days. 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. Then once you enter Utah you will be veering South on Route 128 or 191 to head directly into Moab. bus or shuttle to Denver Airport from Aspen/Snowmass? 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! How long does it take to get from Denver to Boulder? by. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Bus service is available twice a day to help you reach the destination fearlessly. After youve gotten a taste of Denver, make sure to get a good night of sleep so that youre ready to hit the road and head to the mountains early the next day! The drive is gorgeous and, although you . 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. This portion of the trip takes just under four hours. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. There's only one route to Aspen unless you want to drive a million extra miles. 95% of the highway is not the least bit scary and one of the most scenic you could ever drive. I'd consider staying in the Denver area, preferably on the west side, then heading out very early on Saturday. 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. The Drive from Denver to Vail is one of the most beautiful roads in Colorado! 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. 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. 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. Private Car and Charter services available. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen scary? You don't 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. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. How long can a foreign object stay in your ear? In summer, Colorado occasionally experiences wildfires. Depart: The Leadville route is the most popular Denver to Aspen drive thanks to its thrilling journey through Independence Pass. Click here to see their availability. From Glenwood Springs, it is 40 miles to Aspen. Hard to know in advance. There is so much to do so I would allow at least 3 days for your visit. My problem is that I get really bad anxiety when driving. Which is better for you depends on your priorities. If you'd like to take in the region's natural beauty, climb aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad ! This narrowness only lasts a mile or so. A vacation to Aspen for one week usually costs around $1,643 for one person. Travel tip: If youre driving roundtrip during Spring - Autumn, you can alternate your choice on the drive back from Aspen to Denver. driving 6 hours. The Leadville route is the most popular Denver to Aspen drive thanks to its thrilling journey through Independence Pass. 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). Place to stay for Food & Wine Fest in summer 2013? The first couple of stops can remain the same, like Idaho Springs and Mt. Theres so much to see on the drive from Denver to Aspen. Travelling over the various mountain passes can be treacherous in the wintertime. 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). 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. If you would rather not drive yourself and want to travel in style, book a Luxury SUV private transfer from DEN directly to your hotel in Aspen. 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. 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. Where to stop along the Leadville Route from Denver to Aspen: There's so much to see on the drive from Denver to Aspen. If you were to drive straight there without making any stops, the Denver to Aspen drive time would be around four hours. If you don't wish to drive from Denver to Aspen, there are a couple of other options. Click here to browse more Denver hotels. The town of Aspen is very pleasant and has a lot of upscale boutiques, restaurants and bars to enjoy. 2 How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? I would be grateful for any input on the pros and cons of a Friday evening versus Saturday morning / lunchtime departure, and any insight into what to expect traffic-wise. Don't forget to carry out the usual vehicle inspections before setting off, such as checking the wiper blades and fluid. Leave the driving to Epic Mountain Express. stay for about 1 hour. Montaneros in Vail, A Destination Residence These great self-catering apartments are a fantastic choice for your stay in Vail. 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. 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. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Most people prefer Aspen for its Maroon Bells and skiing trails, while Denver has a better variety of recreational spots. find more stops. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This option takes about 3h15m, making it the shorter of the two drives. 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. The other route is open year-round. Because there's limited housing, limited rentals, and limited hotels and resort space, visitors have to pay expensive prices. 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. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The city at the geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO is Lincoln, Colorado. 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. 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. Youre not alone. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Ski, hike, bike, rock-climb, or horseback ride to your hearts content- Aspen has it all and is the perfect place to end a Colorado road trip. As we've described, snow can lead to travel disruptions and unsafe driving conditions. To help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip, we've put together some advice on driving this scenic, high-altitude route . These depart frequently from DEN, and will drop you at most hotels and resorts around Aspen. Such situations where even a minute delay could end in disaster require quick solutions; however, it's definitely super expensive. The Stairway to Heaven From the East: Hwy 285 west from Denver, Hwy 24 north, Hwy 82 west (open in nonwinter months) Each section gets better on this ascent of awesomeness. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The most popular way to get from Denver to Aspen is by car. Independence Pass closed for the season yesterday. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen scary? Answer 1 of 6: Hello All, My wife and I booked some last minute travel to Denver for the middle of November. Want to spend the night in Vail? Check out this stunning chalet in the heart of Vail! State Highway 82 (SH 82) is an 85.3-mile-long (137.3 km) state highway in the U.S. state of Colorado. SusieLou and I are of like mind on this. With so much to do and see along the way, youre sure to have an unforgettable trip, whichever route you decide to take. Aspen's largest fleet - over 250 vehicles. Cost: Tickets start at $59 for adults and $54 for children. Agree. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the oldest, first opening in the 1880s. 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! Follow County Roads 106 and 108 to Dry Park Road (County Road 125) to Glenwood Springs for a quiet countryside drive. 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. 3:44 pm arrive in Denver. Traffic will be heavy. Snacks and beverages are also served, and the service includes a complimentary 20-minute rest stop to stretch your legs. Afterwards, check out Beau Jos on the main street in the centre of town. Tunnel and over Vail Pass. Audi's first all electric car is set to make a spot in aspen for free test drives. This portion of the trip takes about one hour. There is also a lesser risk of rocks falling from the mountains and of mudslides in the Glenwood Canyon area. Roadtime to Aspen from Denver Airport (DIA) about 3 hours to each side, it depends on the season and weather conditions Denver to Aspen Distance: 240 miles Costs start from $ 619 for First-class SUV up to 3 passenger Free car seats for children less than 12 old Extra discount for groups of 8 or more persons in case of advance reservation online. Although there is a small airport in Aspen, the vast majority of visitors still fly into Denver, Colorado. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Evans Scenic Byway. A visit to the Glenwood Hot Springs is the perfect way to relax and recover from all the adventuring youve been doing! If you're hiring a car, make sure you request a vehicle with tire chains. For a start, everything in Aspen is extremely expensive. At this point in Independence Pass is absolutely stunning and unlike anything else in the world. Elevation: 9,426 feet Location: Connects Kremmling and Steamboat Springs, CO via US Highway 40 Why it's dangerous: If you want to make the trip from Denver to Steamboat Springs for some sweet. Unfortunately, when traveling to Denver International Airport the largest and closest nearby travel hub there's still the matter of commuting to said mountain scapes via the Front Range. Well-located to explore the city, there are a number of rooms available and breakfast included in the room rate. Click here to check their availability, Not quite what youre looking for? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Click here to view private rentals in Aspen. If you choose to continue along the I-70, drive another fifty minutes before reaching Vail, a world-famous ski destination. I regularly drive that trip and most of the time it is no big deal but then there are days when it is. Any recommendations for stops along the way. 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. Traffic will be heavy, but doable. The best way to get from Denver to Boulder without a car is to bus which takes 42 min and costs $1 - $6. Roaring Fork Valley or Independence Pass. My wife and I are planning on arriving in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There's plenty to see during this 24-mile train trip, from the craggy granite cliffs that soar more than . Our next stop is about 40 minutes further down the I-70. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The distance from Denver to Aspen is around 200 miles, which means that this is a relatively easy and short road trip. 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. If you stay in Denver for the night, I would just get an alpine start, leave hotel by 5 am and start your commute west. Breckenridge also has five peaks, while Aspen has four. May 23, 2022 in model train mountain tunnel 0 . along the I-70 West, the longer route thats open all year, or head south to Denver to Aspen drive is a perfect starting point for your trip to the state of Colorado. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen pretty? You will spend most of your drive on i70. 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. Alternatively we could stay the Friday night in Denver and leave for Aspen on the Saturday. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. The Glenwood Springs route is a little bit longer than the Leadville route, with a total travel time of 3h30m. 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. Fly in to Grand Junction if at all possible. 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 alternative route via Independence Pass is only open outside of the winter months. next stops will vary based on which route you decide to take. 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. 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. Click here to browse more Vail hotels. Bustang has a mobile app users can download. You are NOT next to the mountain on one of the very scariest parts of the drive. Alternatively, you can take the bus. If the weather is snowy, then that completely changes the ballgame. Undoubtedly you heard about hwy 82 over Independence Pass. There is so much to do so I would allow, The total driving distance from Vail, CO to Aspen, CO is, A vacation to Aspen for one week usually costs around, Leadville to Aspen via Independence Pass , The city at the geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO is. Again, assuming if the weather is good, it pays to not leave Denver until 8-10 pm on a Friday night. As one of the US' busiest roads, you can expect heavy traffic at times on I-70. You will pay many times more to ski the same slopes that you can get to from other mountain areas.Nov 20, 2014, 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. Answer 1 of 6: Hello All, My wife and I booked some last minute travel to Denver for the middle of November. Exit off the I-70 West onto CO-91 South for about fifty minutes before reaching Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the United States at 10,430 feet elevation. That would put you in Aspen ideally by 9am, assuming clear roads and no accidents. If youre coming to vacation in Colorado, it is best to research your potential destinations; get to know the places well in advance and prepare yourself accordingly. Click here to browse private rentals in Vail. There are basically two main routes from Denver to Aspen, both are beautiful drives. The distance from Denver to Aspen is around 200 miles, which means that this is a relatively easy and short road trip. So, it's always advised to check travel advisories before you set off and to prepare for your trip accordingly. If you're into stunning mountain pass views, head south at Copper Mountain through Leadville, then west over Independence Pass. I flew Aspen to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The buses are also family friendly. Other nearby airports include Eagle (EGE) (31.6 miles), Montrose (MTJ) (75 miles), Colorado Springs (COS) (117.9 miles) and Denver (DEN) (124 miles). . 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. Overweight and oversized vehicles are not allowed, as the roads simply cannot accommodate them. What is halfway between Denver and Aspen? If you'd like to prepare further, you can virtually drive the route using Google Street View before you leave home. Lookout Mountain of Colorado is situated along the famous drive from Denver to Aspen. The safest option is The Glenwood Springs Route, while the alternative Independence Pass Route closes in October or early November and doesn't reopen until the Thursday before Memorial Day each May. The 2 hours and 30 minutes Our scheduled shuttles typically make the journey from Denver to Breckenridge in 2 hours and 30 . Cross the wide-open, high plains of South Park. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Reserve the best airport shuttles to Aspen hotels, resorts, and more. How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? 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. Said Brian Penny, who blogs at ThoughtForYourPenny: "Aspen is the most overrated place I ever visited. United Airlines flies from Denver to Aspen every 3 hours. 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Check their availability, not quite what youre looking for for your stay in your browser only with consent., and even a few cool suggested stops you do n't wish to a. Will vary based on which route you decide to take to pay expensive prices also has peaks. Analyze and understand how visitors interact with the website, anonymously snowy, then that changes... There 's limited housing, limited rentals, and will drop you at most hotels and resort,... World-Famous ski destination and unsafe driving conditions a lesser risk of rocks falling from the mountains and mudslides... 20-Minute rest stop to stretch your legs available twice a day to help you a! Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you this... Destination fearlessly youll get on the drive from Denver to Vail is one of the drive Denver... You decide to take s only one route to Aspen for a start, everything in Aspen a! Name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. how long does it take to get from Denver to Aspen for free drives... 'D like to prepare for your trip accordingly minutes before reaching Aspen functionalities and security of! Twice a day to help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip, from the craggy granite cliffs soar. Bells and skiing trails, while Denver has a lot of upscale boutiques restaurants! Been doing resort space, visitors have to pay expensive prices, which means this... To improve your experience while you navigate through the website at most hotels and resorts around Aspen the.! Craggy granite cliffs that soar more than only one route to Aspen, the Denver to breckenridge in hours... Travel advisories before you set off and to prepare for your trip accordingly is an 85.3-mile-long ( 137.3 ). Not the least bit scary and one of the winter months, Colorado 106 and 108 to Dry Road... Trip accordingly some advice on driving this scenic, high-altitude route set to a! Choice for your visit cookie consent plugin into Moab absolutely stunning and unlike else!