Congrats. Get west of denver friday night. While perhaps a bit kitschy, the railroad loop is well-loved by Colorado locals and people of all ages. There are a few spots where there is a drop off on one side of the road, but even then you're still on a four lane, divided interstate. Click here to view private rentals in Aspen. Mountain weather is unpredictable, and traffic standstills are common due to the sheer number of people heading to various ski resorts for the weekend.Dec 9, 2019, Aspen. To get to Independence pass, you'll take I-70 from Denver to Highway 91 south to Leadville and then follow signs to Highway 82 and the pass. 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. Who controlled the House of Representatives in 1982? Bustang buses serve downtown Denver. Check in, have a nice dinner, and be ready for skiing the next day. The fastest bus normally takes 5h 45m. Cross the wide-open, high plains of South Park. Interstate driving isn't always the most scenic option. However, it is definitely worth taking your time on the drive and making various stops. Which is better for you depends on your priorities. From Denver, it is about a 3-hour-and-45-minute drive to Aspen. How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? 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. more. Rental cars can be picked up at Denver International Airport or from various outlets around the city center, depending on your starting point. It does not store any personal data. along the I-70 West, the longer route thats open all year, or head south to 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. How do you read a John Deere baler serial number? Both involve stunning scenery and climbing over multiple mountain passes. Should be better in winter but who knows. For instance, I would normally expect to get from DIA to Silverthorne in around 2 hours when driving mid-week, but obviously assume that will take a good deal longer on a Friday or Saturday but how much longer (and I know this is impossible to answer with any real accuracy, I am just interested in estimates / peoples experience)? 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. This option takes about 3h15m, making it the shorter of the two drives. Vehicles cleaned after every trip. Mountain weather is unpredictable, and traffic standstills are common due to the sheer number of people heading to various ski resorts for the weekend. I have a fear of heights, and cannot drive highway 24 between Leadville and Minturn. take Independence Pass into Aspen, which is only open in warmer months. However, check before you travel, as the service to Aspen is sometimes suspended. The journey from the Mile-High City of Denver to the upscale resort of Aspen is popular year-round, with great hiking and skiing. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen scary? The road features some bends, so also watch out for signs that forewarn of sharp curves. bus or shuttle to Denver Airport from Aspen/Snowmass? Fly in to Grand Junction if at all possible. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is just 3 miles from the town of Aspen and 6 miles from Snowmass Village. And will be for several months. Our flight gets in at 7:00 AM. This mountain-top amusement park is completely unique and provides a fun way to take in the stunning views of the Colorado wilderness. There are quite a few ways to get from Denver to Aspen, and each has its perks. Make sure to pause at the top of the pass to snap a few pictures and marvel at the high alpine terrain. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. Its western half provides the principal transportation . 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. It takes just 45 minutes to get from Denver International Airport (DEN)to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE). Additionally, the seasoned mountaineer can even trek up to the peak of Mount Elbert to reach the highest point in the state! Aspen, city, seat (1881) of Pitkin county, west-central Colorado, U.S., on the Roaring Fork River at the eastern edge of the White River National Forest (elevation 7,907 feet [2,410 metres]).Dec 26, 2021. Depending on where you are staying, you may have to catch an Uber or Lyft to your hotel or resort from the bus stop. Like, after 8pm. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The drive from Glenwood Springs to Denver is a little over two and a half hours on Interstate 70, so you should arrive back in the Mile High City just as you're starting to feel hungry again. Which will you choose? How far is Salt Lake City from Utah from Salmon Idaho. The flight from Denver takes just one hour, and ticket prices vary. Wait until noon and there likely won't be much, depending on weather and accidents. 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. Pin this image to save these Denver to Aspen travel directions for later. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111526847', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane, then having a 2 hour drive sounds horrible. There is also the Epic Mountain Express/Colorado Airport Express shuttle available. 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. As long as you take all necessary precautions and drive carefully, you'll will be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views in North America.Aug 3, 2020, Travelling over the various mountain passes can be treacherous in the wintertime. To: round-trip one-way. My problem is that I get really bad anxiety when driving. 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. With a whopping four ski resorts nearby, its no wonder Aspen is famous for its skiing. Click here to browse more Vail hotels. Parking is expensive, it's overly crowded, and it's filled with touristy shtick nobody actually likes." If you're hiring a car, make sure you request a vehicle with tire chains. What are the three main reasons that marine ecosystems so important? Is the drive from Denver to Aspen pretty? Click here to browse private rentals in Vail. Travel tip: If youre driving roundtrip during Spring - Autumn, you can alternate your choice on the drive back from Aspen to Denver. If you were to drive straight there without making any stops, the Denver to Aspen drive time would be around four hours. Youll then need to catch Bus L for an additional two-hour ride into the heart of Aspen. 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! On Saturday before 6 or after noon or you can double your commute time to silverthorne. Any recommendations for stops along the way. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. As mentioned, the one downside of the Leadville Route is that its often closed in the winter due to dangerous driving conditions. You can learn about the gold mining history of Idaho Springs. 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. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. While trying to digest all the advice and come up with the best plan to get to Aspen our (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If youre planning on visiting Colorado in winter and you want to experience a Denver to Vail drive along the way, or if you simply dont feel comfortable driving on Independence Pass, the I-70 route is the best option. 3. Said Brian Penny, who blogs at ThoughtForYourPenny: "Aspen is the most overrated place I ever visited. Mt. From here, it is at least another hour over Independence Pass down into Aspen.Feb 18, 2020. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Heck why not. 10 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Drive via Vail. Change at West Glenwood Park & Ride for the RFTA service to Aspen. Many of these activities only add 4 hours to your itinerary. The drive is hilly, but in no way scary. You will take Highway 82. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Holiday Inn Express Downtown Denver A great hotel if youre on the hunt for something consistent and reliable in Downtown Denver. However, a temporary lower speed limit may be imposed at certain times, so keep an eye out for signs along the route. Driving from Denver to Aspen in a rental car means you'll have a mode of transport to get around once you are there. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellantand if you plan on spending more than a few hours out on the trail, consider bringing a first aid kit as well. Click here to see their availability. Stop for a bite to eat or a leisurely walk in Carbondale or Basalt before arriving in Aspen. 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. Shortly after Frisco, you arrive at Copper Mountain and the junction with Highway 91. Is the drive from Denver to Aspen scary? If you choose to continue along the I-70, drive another fifty minutes before reaching Vail, a world-famous ski destination. Fitted your vehicle with tire chains or alternate traction devices in snow is a legal requirement for vehicles below 16,001 lb. As you say, traffic is unpredictable, though always heavy at these times. Keep in mind, Dry Park Road may not be drivable in winter. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. As well as weekends, school vacations and the 4th of July weekend can see especially heavy traffic en route. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". There's plenty to see during this 24-mile train trip, from the craggy granite cliffs that soar more than . My family drives from Denver to Aspen every December and this was very helpful! However, make sure to stop at Twin Lakes, the small town situated at the base of Mount Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado. So, a trip to Aspen for two people costs around $3,285 for one week. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. For lunch or dinner, diners heading toward Aspen should stop in this relaxed Glenwood Springs restaurant that serves some of the very best Mexican food in Colorado. Youre not alone. Click here to browse private rentals in Vail. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "adceefa99eccc6be0831dad7584bac56" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! However, check prices, as this is not always the case, and there are sometimes deals. drive for about 24 minutes. Do You Need A Car In Aspen? From Denver, get on the I-70 West. For the safest option, your best bet is to drive a vehicle with 4WD or AWD. Aspen is a very accessible resort, thanks to its close proximity to four airportsAspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), Eagle County Airport (EGE), Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) and Denver International Airport (DIA)that offer numerous nonstop and connecting flights. If you decide not to go on the drive from Denver to Vail, then go on the Independence Pass route. 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. Answer 1 of 3: My sister and I will be driving from Denver International Airport on September 18th to Aspen. 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. 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. Check cotrip.org for status. The engineer will take you over the Devil's Gate Bridge and through the mountains. Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula: Which Irish Drive is for You? Follow the signs; the turns through town are well-marked. 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. 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. A trip for two weeks for two people costs $6,571 in Aspen.Sep 21, 2020. 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! Are you planning a Denver to Aspen drive or a Denver to Vail drive? Red Rocks. You simply need to drive on 1-70 until you reach Glenwood Springs and then hop onto Highway 82 until you end up in Aspen. Thanks for all the info, exited to pack our bags. Flight prices start at about $180, but they can easily reach over $1,000 depending on the demand. My problem is that I get really bad anxiety when driving. 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. For me, I would just do the drive. Although there is a small airport in Aspen, the vast majority of visitors still fly into Denver, Colorado. Georgetown. As you can see, Colorado is a mecca for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, and a Denver to Aspen road trip is the perfect way to get acquainted with this beautiful state. 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. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. How long can a foreign object stay in your ear? Which is correct poinsettia or poinsettia? 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. 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. The Independence Pass Route also follows I-70 out of Denver but then diverges at Copper Mountain, taking you south on a scenic mountain drive on CO-82 at 12,095 ft. above sea level. Don't miss the carne asada tacos, pozole, and pupusas. A direct drive from Denver to Moab will take right around 5.5 hours to cover the 355 miles. We plan on renting a car (or taking the shuttle) and driving to Aspen for a couple of days. The buses are also family friendly. This roadway peaks at 12,095 feet high and is only open from the end of May to October. There is so much to do so I would allow at least 3 days for your visit. 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. 4. Traffic breaks up once you get past Summit County since that's where a lot of folks are heading. 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. 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 We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Private Car and Charter services available. And finally, after a Denver to Aspen scenic drive, youll have arrived in beautiful Aspen, Colorado! They have a number of apartment-like rooms with self-catering facilities and a number of great amenities. Evans Scenic Byway, but there are many new ones you can add as well. Travelling over the various mountain passes can be treacherous in the wintertime. The best way to get from Denver to Boulder without a car is to bus which takes 42 min and costs $1 - $6. How long is shuttle from Denver to Breckenridge? 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. After exploring Idaho Springs, consider making a detour on the Mt. 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. Advice on driving from Denver to Aspen on a winter weekend, Re: Advice on driving from Denver to Aspen on a winter weekend, https://coloradotransfer.com/Aspen-p122109407?gclid=CjwKCAjw_L6LBhBbEiwA4c46unbKJRfW_gyF4PyZxpbbjACecHQ45ip8mfAwyjQl0Uo44iNZl9-MphoCE7EQAvD_BwE, Get answers to your questions about Aspen. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Then either catch a shuttle service or $7 RFTA bus (approx. The Denver to Aspen Drive is eventful in the sense that there are lots of possible stops to make along the way. Check out this stunning chalet in the heart of Vail! Your email will not be provided to third parties. I really enjoyed reading your article! 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. Accidents are common. Or, depending on when you want to be in Aspen, head out later. 7:50 pm arrive in Aspen. Seats have seatbelts that allow for car seats to be strapped in. Tunnel and over Vail Pass. Wake up at a civilized time, maybe late morning, grab some breakfast and head up in the early afternoon (12-1) and have (weather dependent) a nice casual drive up and through the Eisenhower. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111479016', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver on an international flight on Friday 07 January 2022 at around 3.30pm. The Glenwood Springs route is a little bit longer than the Leadville route, with a total travel time of 3h30m. I'd consider staying in the Denver area, preferably on the west side, then heading out very early on Saturday. https://gjairport.com/index.cfm, So you are arriving from London, that's a long travel day. Breckenridge comes in at 2,908 skiable acres across 155 runs, but it's all contained within a single ski resort, so you have more options than you might have at a single Aspen resort. drive for about 56 minutes. Regardless of how you reach your destination, I hope you have an amazing time experiencing everything that Aspen has to offer. They have a range of quaint and comfortable rooms available and have an inviting courtyard to relax in. Copyright 2023 WittyQuestion.com | All rights reserved. It does not store any personal data. 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. These depart frequently from DEN, and will drop you at most hotels and resorts around Aspen. Traffic will be heavy. How do I choose between my boyfriend and my best friend? They specialize in Colorado-style pizza and a bustling, happy atmosphere. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Georgetown . Montaneros in Vail, A Destination Residence These great self-catering apartments are a fantastic choice for your stay in Vail. If you'd like to prepare further, you can virtually drive the route using Google Street View before you leave home. This narrowness only lasts a mile or so. 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. Well-located to explore the city, there are a number of rooms available and breakfast included in the room rate. Colorado is a perfect travel destination all year round and is chock-full of amazing and unique things to see and do. From Denver, drive for about 30 minutes along the US-6 West until you reach the small town of Morrison, where Red Rocks is located. 95% of the highway is not the least bit scary and one of the most scenic you could ever drive. I would gather your things and head to a hotel close to the airport and crash. the drive, youll have to make the decision whether or not youll continue The 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. From here, it is at least another hour over Independence Pass down into Aspen.