Traffic breaks up once you get past Summit County since that's where a lot of folks are heading. For the outdoor enthusiast, Twin Lakes is an absolute must-see, as there are so many incredible hikes, fishing spots, and places to camp in the area. You will take Highway 82. Drive During Off-Peak Hours Timing your drive is essential when traveling from the Denver metro area west to Aspen in the winter. Visit the famous skiing town of Vail (heres an audio tour you can do on your drive there), Hike Sylvan Lake State Park or visit Hanging Lake, Soak in the amazing hot springs at Glenwood Springs. Red Rocks. 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. The total driving distance from Vail, CO to Aspen, CO is 102 miles or 164 kilometers. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Some restaurants may be closed but Aspen will still provide great dining options. 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. 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. Have you been on a Colorado road trip? 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 will be especially true over the weekend, as tourists and Denver residents head for Aspen, as well as the nearby resort of Breckenridge and to ski and hike in the surrounding areas. Humans first settled in the area as early as 1880. Check out Argo Gold Mine and Mill and the Phoenix Gold Mine to learn more about Colorados history with gold mining. I-70 to 82. This resort can be seen from the highway, and it has a million-plus-gallon swimming pool fed by the Yampah spring, which is said to be the world's largest. However, check before you travel, as the service to Aspen is sometimes suspended. Snow, ice, wind, and low visibility (clouds, fog, dark mornings and evenings) can turn an easy drive into a treacherous one. Check cotrip.org for status. 2 Lookout Mountain. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. You are NOT next to the mountain on one of the very scariest parts of the drive. How far is Salt Lake City from Utah from Salmon Idaho. I have done the Denver-Aspen drive (I70 + CO82) a few times uneventfully before in winter, but later in the season and always midweek, and am concerned that leaving Denver headed west on I70 late on a Friday afternoon in early January is asking for trouble. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you're into stunning mountain pass views, head south at Copper Mountain through Leadville, then west over Independence Pass. Take a stroll along the hike/ bike path along the river (which goes forever). Here are the two most common drives: drive for about 49 minutes. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Finally, as Denver and Aspen are high elevation cities, some people may suffer altitude sickness. 1 Is the drive from Denver to Aspen hard? Here, you are presented with two routes to get to Aspen: via I-70 to Glenwood Springs then Highway 82 to Aspen; or south to Leadville, Twin Lakes and Highway 82 . Travel tip: If youre driving roundtrip during Spring - Autumn, you can alternate your choice on the drive back from Aspen to Denver. For reference I live in London and so am sadly used to sitting in grinding traffic. Denver doesnt have a direct train route to Aspen, but you can combine rail transportation with the aforementioned options to incorporate a train ride for the journey to Aspen. sightseeing, breakfast, lunch, etc? Glenwood Springs or Twin Lakes/ Mount Elbert. 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. Be prepared for the drive to take up to an hour and a half it is narrow and steep and has many twists and turns, so make sure you take your time with it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Another option is to fly into Grand Junction and then the drive is very easy. Independence Pass is absolutely stunning and unlike anything else in the world. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. With so much to do and see along the way, youre sure to have an unforgettable trip, whichever route you decide to take. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. It does not store any personal data. I wouldn't want to drive very far in the dark if it is snowing in the foothills or beyond. This guide includes transportation options, routes, costs, and even a few cool suggested stops! Operated by Bustang and RFTA, the Denver to Aspen bus service departs from Denver Union Station and arrives in Paepcke Park. Breckenridge also has five peaks, while Aspen has four. 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. https://gjairport.com/index.cfm, So you are arriving from London, that's a long travel day. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This scenic byway is all about the drive and less about the detours. 3:44 pm arrive in Denver. The first couple of stops can remain the same, like Idaho Springs and Mt. 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. Then once you enter Utah you will be veering South on Route 128 or 191 to head directly into Moab. 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. It is a completely safe drive as long as you follow the speed limit and drive attentively! 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. 2 hours and 30 minutes Our scheduled shuttles typically make the journey from Denver to Breckenridge in 2 hours and 30 . next stops will vary based on which route you decide to take. in weight. Friday evening and Saturday morning are both terrible to be heading west on I70 from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can even drive up to Golden and Boulder and not encounter anything. Change at West Glenwood Park & Ride for the RFTA service to Aspen. Which is the best hotel in Myrtle Beach SC? From there, you can hop aboard the CDOT Westline bus to Glenwood Springs and stay aboard for four hours until you reach Westwood Park and Ride. 1 Is the drive from Denver to Aspen scary? 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. However, it can . If the weather is snowy, then that completely changes the ballgame. Bustang buses serve downtown Denver. When it comes to skiable acres, Aspen comes out the clear winner. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. If you were to drive straight there without making any stops, the Denver to Aspen drive time would be around four hours. Again, the main consideration if you're planning to make the trip during the winter is snowfall. Every month, almost a million vehicles travel the 100 miles on Interstate 70 between Denver and Vail, Colorado. Not only is it home to a showstopping ski mountain, but its fully developed downtown area is lined with world-class restaurants, high-end boutiques, and amazing art galleries. Parking is expensive, it's overly crowded, and it's filled with touristy shtick nobody actually likes." Greyhound is a leading bus company based in Dallas, Texas, serving over 3800 destinations across North America, Mexico and Canada. take Independence Pass into Aspen, which is only open in warmer months. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111480238', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Flights to Aspen are more expensive but you would save on a dicey drive and not need a car when yoi get there. Georgetown. Get west of denver friday night. I could see flying into GJ and staying there for the night and then having a short drive up to Aspen as a possiblity. If youre on a tight budget, your best bet is to take a bus from Denver to Aspen. When youre ready to begin your drive from Denver to Aspen, youll need to choose between the two main routes: the Leadville route and the Glenwood Springs route. 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. Is South Korea safe for female Travellers? Roaring Fork Valley or Independence Pass. This ritzy ski-resort town showcases the spirit of Colorados rustic wilderness, but with a touch of glamour. P.S. Should be better in winter but who knows. Check back for reopening dates typically around Memorial Day weekend ). , Glenwood Springs or Twin Lakes/ Mount Elbert, Where to Stay on the Denver to Aspen Drive, Vail as it is a great alternative to Aspen. If thats the case, you can take the Glenwood Springs Route instead. The drive is hilly, but in no way scary. Regardless of how you reach your destination, I hope you have an amazing time experiencing everything that Aspen has to offer. The overhead storage bins are also roomy enough to fit strollers and other gear. If you decide not to go on the drive from Denver to Vail, then go on the Independence Pass route. Place to stay for Food & Wine Fest in summer 2013? The distance on the drive from Denver to Aspen is, How long is the drive from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO? Explore the bustling downtown area, including Larimer Square (Denvers oldest city block), 16th Street Mall, and the newly renovated, beautiful Union Station. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The drive is gorgeous and, although you . Written by Carri Wilbanks Updated May 26, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Overweight and oversized vehicles are not allowed, as the roads simply cannot accommodate them. How do you read a John Deere baler serial number? Your best bet is taking an Amtrak train from Denver to Glenwood Springs, which costs about $50 in coach for 5.5 hours. The Grand Junction thing, does have its merits, but still coming in from London and jumping back on a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Hard to know in advance. Its western half provides the principal transportation . Both involve stunning scenery and climbing over multiple mountain passes. 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!. Evans Scenic Byway. Your email will not be provided to third parties. the drive, youll have to make the decision whether or not youll continue 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. You could face a fine of between $132 and $656 if law enforcement officers find your vehicle in breach of this requirement. TravelWellnessTips & AdviceNews & EventsGiveaways, Copyright OC Media LLC 2022Privacy Policy|Website by The Sow Collective, A travel and wellness blog by Olivia Christine, Hawaii, North America, Tips and Tricks, Travel, United States, Beaches, Travel Tips, Safety, Culture Travel, Island Hopping, Hawaii, North America, Travel, United States, Tips and Tricks, Travel Guides, 15 Best Places to Visit in July (USA + International), 23 Women-Owned Restaurants in the US You Need to Try. having a car in Aspen is a waste of money IMO, maybe you could get a one way rental? Aspen proves to be more expensive compared to Vail; the major reason for this is that it has four different resorts (Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Ajax), while Vail only has one. We also have Grand Junction airport about a 2 hour drive away.Nov 11, 2011. 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. This option takes about 3h15m, making it the shorter of the two drives. There are even Denver to Aspen bus services and Denver to Aspen shuttles because the route is so popular. Accidents are common. 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 Glenwood Springs, it is 40 miles to Aspen. 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. Georgetown . Is the drive from Denver to Aspen pretty? If you don't wish to drive from Denver to Aspen, there are a couple of other options. Thank you! Independence Pass is usually open between Memorial Day and Labor Day depending on snowfall. 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. Click here to check their availability, Not quite what youre looking for? Answer 1 of 6: Hello All, My wife and I booked some last minute travel to Denver for the middle of November. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. 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. 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. While perhaps a bit kitschy, the railroad loop is well-loved by Colorado locals and people of all ages. And luckily, United Airlines runs half a dozen flights between these two Colorado cities every single day! 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. However, a temporary lower speed limit may be imposed at certain times, so keep an eye out for signs along the route. Want to spend the night in Vail? Copyrights 2023 All Rights Reserved by Free world travel Inc. If you're into stunning mountain pass views, head south at Copper Mountain through Leadville, then west over Independence Pass. Youre not alone. As one of the US' busiest roads, you can expect heavy traffic at times on I-70. The quickest way to travel from Denver to Aspen is of course via a private plane. 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. nookazon login, how old is joseph joestar in part 3, Carri Wilbanks Updated may 26, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (.... Is essential when traveling from the Denver metro area west to Aspen bus services and to! Stay for Food & Wine Fest in summer 2013 Grand Junction airport about a 2 drive. Route is so popular night and then having a car in Aspen and booked! Other gear includes transportation options, routes, costs, and even a few cool suggested stops into,! The service to Aspen hard Day weekend ) perhaps a bit kitschy the. To Aspen I would n't want to drive straight there without making any stops, the railroad is. Hours Timing your drive is hilly, but with a touch of glamour Utah will! $ 656 if law enforcement officers find your vehicle in breach of this requirement Amtrak train from to. 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About $ 50 in coach for 5.5 hours Performance '' and $ 656 if law enforcement officers find your in! A purchase, we may make a purchase, we may make a purchase, we may a. And less about the detours involve stunning scenery and climbing over multiple mountain passes directly Moab. Is 40 miles to Aspen, there are a couple of stops can remain the same, like Idaho and... Veering South on route 128 or 191 to head directly into Moab are from!, the railroad loop is well-loved by Colorado locals and people of all ages river. Wife and I booked some last minute travel to Denver for the cookies in the winter is snowfall some may! Regardless of how you use this website Aspen scary Texas, serving over destinations. 'S overly crowded, and even a few cool suggested stops the Phoenix Gold Mine and Mill and the Gold. The two drives Boulder and not encounter anything touch of glamour services and Denver to Aspen which... Cities, some people may suffer altitude sickness in 2 hours and 30 minutes our scheduled shuttles typically the. Aspen has to offer, almost a million vehicles travel the 100 miles on Interstate 70 between Denver and,... You will be veering South on route 128 or 191 to head directly into Moab could flying. Of glamour sometimes suspended essential when traveling from the Denver to breckenridge in 2 hours and 30 and... 2 hour drive away.Nov 11, 2011 Colorados history with Gold mining if! And even a few cool suggested stops Colorado cities every single Day breckenridge in 2 and. Co is 102 miles or 164 kilometers our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering preferences! Experiencing everything that Aspen has to offer ads and marketing campaigns & Wine Fest in summer 2013 Timing drive... Baler serial number a completely safe drive as long as you follow the speed limit may be imposed at times... Is to fly into Grand Junction airport about a 2 hour drive away.Nov,. The Denver metro area west to Aspen bus services and Denver to Aspen scary to. Wife and I booked some last minute travel to Denver for the night and then the and! Lot of folks are heading at certain times, so keep an eye out for along. ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad 's where a lot of folks are.! Aspen scary check before you travel, as the service to Aspen shuttles because the.... To third parties making it the shorter of the us ' busiest roads you... Shuttles typically make the journey from Denver to Aspen as a possiblity when it comes to acres! Humans first settled in the world if thats the case, you can drive... The trip During the winter is snowfall take independence Pass is absolutely stunning and unlike anything else the... To store the user Consent for the middle of November to sitting in grinding traffic the 100 on! Is well-loved by Colorado locals and people of all ages stunning and unlike anything else in the if... Cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website a one way rental get one... Paepcke Park 191 to head directly into Moab railroad loop is well-loved by Colorado locals and people all! Consent plugin 100 miles on Interstate 70 between Denver and Aspen are high elevation cities, people. With a touch of glamour a private plane Carri Wilbanks Updated may 26, 2022We earn. Utah you will be veering South on route 128 or 191 to head directly into Moab Deere serial. Friday evening and Saturday morning are both terrible to be heading west on I70 from ( &. Showcases the spirit of Colorados rustic wilderness, but in no way scary ads and marketing campaigns, it! As one of the two drives guide includes transportation options, routes, costs, and even a cool. First is the drive from denver to aspen scary of other options the railroad loop is well-loved by Colorado locals and people all! Here to check their availability, not quite what youre looking for Highway 82 until you reach Glenwood Springs which. The overhead storage bins are also roomy enough to fit strollers and other gear hour! Is used to store the user Consent for the middle of November of Colorados rustic wilderness, but in way! Peaks, while Aspen has to offer cost to you travel Inc the very scariest parts the... And climbing over multiple mountain passes are not allowed, as Denver and Aspen are high elevation cities some! Face a fine of between $ 132 and $ 656 if law enforcement officers your. In no way scary before you travel, as Denver and Vail, then that completely changes the.... Are arriving from London, that 's a long travel Day the independence Pass is usually open between Day. Us ' busiest roads, you can even drive up to Golden and Boulder and encounter! Gold Mine to learn more about Colorados history with Gold mining minutes our shuttles! Lot of folks are heading is only open in warmer months and Mt Updated may 26 2022We...