Denver to Aspen Drive cover

Denver to Aspen Drive: Best Routes & Stops in 2023

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One of the best road trips in Colorado is the Denver to Aspen drive. Aspen is one of the most iconic towns in the state, featuring world-class skiing, outdoor recreation, dining, shopping, and nightlife. Sometimes, the journey is just as fun as the destination. This article will highlight everything you need to know on your drive from Denver to Aspen.

What is the drive time from Denver to Aspen?

The Denver to Aspen drive time is typically between 3.5 to 4.5 hours. If you depart at a low-traffic time such as a Tuesday at 1pm, you could get there in 3 hours and 30 minutes. If you were to leave on a Friday after work during ski season, you’d be looking at over 4 hours.

11 Best Stops on the Denver to Aspen Road Trip

1. Golden, Home of Coors Brewing

Stopping in Golden

If you need a stop early into your drive, the historic town of Golden is perfect! Stroll through downtown and take in the architecture of the gold rush era, or take a tour of the Coors brewery. Note: brewery tours are free for Colorado residents or $10 per person from out of state, but include 3 beers!

2. Red Rocks Amphitheater

Red Rocks Amphitheater between Denver and Aspen

Also not too far after departing Denver is one of the most famous concert venues in the country, Red Rocks Amphitheater. The amphitheater is free to the public during the day, so you will often see people exercising on the long stairs or just admiring the natural beauty that surrounds the venue. Check out the on-site Colorado Music Hall of Fame and take a photo with the legendary John Denver Statue.

3. Casinos in Central City & Black Hawk

Casino on the way to Aspen

Aspen is not the cheapest city, so stop here if you need to make some money along the way (and you’re feeling lucky). These neighboring towns are home to the largest number of casinos in Colorado. Here you’ll find Vegas-style gaming, luxury hotel accommodations, and fine dining all set against the scenic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.

4. Historic Georgetown

Georgetown is a lovely stop on your road trip to Aspen. You can walk around this National Historic District, check out the picturesque Georgetown Lake, or marvel at the nearby fourteener Mt. Bierstadt. A popular attraction here is The Georgetown Loop Railroad, a 4-mile train ride that gives you a glimpse into what traveling through mountains was like when trains were the primary means of transportation.

5. Dillon Reservoir

Lake Dillon on the Denver to Aspen Drive

The town of Dillon is all about the Dillon Reservoir, or as the locals simply call it, Lake Dillon. The can’t-miss eatery in this area is Arapahoe Cafe & Pub. These folks will make you feel right at home with some of the best food in the Rockies, accompanied by stunning lake views.

6. The Outlets at Silverthorne

If the Gucci and Dior stores in Aspen are out of your price range, you can get some shopping done at the Silverthorne outlets. Take advantage of 30-70% off retail prices at 35+ brand-name stores such as Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, and Columbia. The outlet area is split into three separate spaces and you will need to drive to each one.

7. Vail: The Halfway Point

Stopping in Vail while driving between Denver and Aspen

Vail is the perfect pre-game stop to get you ready for Aspen. This resort town is not quite as upscale as Aspen but offers many similar amenities. Vail is considered the halfway point between Denver and Aspen.

8. Eagle

The quaint town of Eagle gives you access to nice parks and nearby hiking along the beautiful Eagle River. You can also hit the driving range at Eagle Ranch Golf Course. If the weather is cold, you can warm up at Red Canyon Cafe, Yeti’s Grind, or Brush Creek Saloon, all along Broadway.

9. Hanging Lake

Hanging Lake Pit Stop on Your Drive

No Denver to Aspen trip is complete without a visit to Hanging Lake, a National Natural Landmark. The hike to the lake is a steep 1.2-mile scenic trail. Permits are required and can be purchased at www.visitglenwood.com/hanginglake. The cost is $12/per person in the summer and $10/per person in the winter.

10. The Hot Springs of Glenwood Springs

You won’t be bored during a visit to Glenwood Springs. Relax in the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Explore Glenwood Caverns and Adventure Park with rides only accessible by gondola. The Yampah Vapor Caves are natural saunas full of steam from the nearby hot springs. The downtown area of Glenwood Springs has lots of fun options for eating and drinking.

11. Sopris Alpaca Farm

Alpacas Just before Arriving in Aspen!

This stop is 20 minutes out of the way, but it’s worth it for any animal lovers out there. Admission is free at this 53-acre farm, but you can pay $5 to feed the alpacas a bag of grain. There are even 3 BnB options to stay on the farm itself!

Ways & Routes to Get From Denver to Aspen

āœ… By Car

The easiest route and most direct way to get from Denver to Aspen is the Glenwood Springs route. You’ll take this route by hopping on I-70 West from Denver and driving 155 miles to Glenwood Springs. Then take CO-82 East 41 miles to Aspen. This route is open all year round.

The second route is the Independence Pass route, which is only open from the end of May to October, so count this out if you’re going during ski season. This route goes from I-70 W to CO-91 S after you get through Silverthorne. This is the more scenic and mountainous option. It’s a little quicker at 3 hours and 15 minutes, but you may want a 4WD vehicle.

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āœ… Private Transfer

If you don’t want to do any driving, there are private transfers that will drive you from Denver to Aspen. This service will drive you from Denver, to the slopes, and even out and about town during your stay.

You can ride comfortably in a spacious luxury SUV, with ample room for luggage. The cost is $1,380 for a group of two. One downside to this option is you won’t be able to take time at various stops along the way.

šŸ‘‰ Click here to learn more about Denver to Aspen private transfers

āœ… By Plane

The flight time from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is one hour, and United Airlines has four daily flight options. This option can often be cheaper than a private transfer, especially if you don’t plan on bringing ski equipment.

Flight duration can range from 55 to 65 minutes, let’s just call it an hour. From the airport in Aspen, you can catch a ride to the ski resorts, which is about a 9-minute drive.

āœ… By Bus

If you’d like to go with the cheapest option and you’re not in a hurry, you can get to Aspen by bus. Start at Union Station in Downtown Denver, where you’ll take the CDOT West Line bus 6 stops to the Glenwood Springs South Station.

From there, you’ll hop on the BRT bus for 10 stops to the Rubley Park Transit Center. This will drop you right next to Main Street in Aspen. By taking these two buses, your total trip time will be about 5 hours and 15 minutes.

āœ… By Shuttle

Roaring Fork Express will take you from Denver International Airport to Aspen in a shared shuttle for $130 per person roundtrip. The ride takes about 4 hours and you can book your shuttle on the Co West Transportation website.

Tickets for the shuttle are flexible, meaning if you arrive late due to a delayed or missed flight, you can take the next departing shuttle. Shuttles typically run every 1 to 1.5 hours.

Where To Stay Along The Way

šŸ“Hotel Indigo in Silverthorne
Located in the heart of Silverthorne, this is a great place to crash after shopping till you drop at the outlets. It’s right off of I-70 and gives you quick access to Lake Dillon. The outdoor fire pit and patio is a nice place to chill out after a long Colorado day. Ā 

šŸ“The Sebastian in Vail
Vail is not known for budget accommodations, but The Sebastian is going to give you the most bang for your buck. This hip boutique hotel located in Vail Village is full of beautiful detailing and stunning furnishings. It may not be as expensive as other resorts in this town, but it’s every bit as comfortable.

šŸ“Wingate by Wyndham in Eagle
For a more budget-friendly option about halfway through your drive, Best Western in the charming town of Eagle is excellent. Enjoy a daily hot breakfast buffet or walk to several restaurants. This hotel is conveniently located right off the highway so you can continue your journey as soon as you’re ready.

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Important Colorado Driving Tips

Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, which makes driving around the state an enjoyable experience. However, the mountainous terrain and high elevations can create difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions.

If you remain on major highways and roads, a regular sedan is suitable. However, if you plan on taking back roads around the mountains, it’s recommended to utilize a car with 4-wheel or all-wheel drive capabilities.

āœ”ļøTake It Slow: Many of the roads in Colorado are windy and could be on the edge of a cliff, so it’s best to reduce your speed from what you’re typically used to. There’s also the possibility of snow and ice on the roads; taking it slow is the best way to approach these conditions.

āœ”ļøExpect Delays: When driving in Colorado, it’s always best to give yourself plenty of cushion time to arrive at your destination. Road closures can be caused by heavy snowfall, wildfires, and falling rocks. There can also be traffic when accidents occur on these tricky byways, so be sure to prepare for slowdowns.

āœ”ļøKeep Your Eyes On The Road: This seems obvious, but the beauty of Colorado can be distracting for even the best drivers. It’s common to see wildlife such as deer and elk crossing the street. Remain extra focused at all times to avoid an incident.

FAQ: Driving from Denver to Aspen

Is the drive from Denver to Aspen hard?

I-70 is a popular highway that runs across the entire country. It is serviced often and relatively easy to drive on. However, harsh weather conditions can make this Colorado drive more difficult than your average road trip. It’s a good idea to check the COtrip map for the latest updates on road conditions.

Is it better to fly into Denver or Aspen?

The Aspen Airport (ASE) only has direct flights from up to 8 US cities depending on the season. If the price is within your budget and the timing works out, ASE is just 3 miles from downtown Aspen, making it much more convenient than flying into Denver.

Is there a Denver to Aspen shuttle?

Yes. Roaring Fork Express is a shared shuttle from Denver International Airport to Aspen. The ride takes about 4 hours and costs $130 per person.

Is Aspen, Colorado worth visiting?

Absolutely! Aspen is home to world-renowned skiing and other outdoor activities, arts and cultural activities, incredible dining, and much more. There’s a reason it’s one of the most famous towns in all of Colorado. Some even call it the world’s only global ski town.

It’s not uncommon to spot celebrities hanging out around Aspen. While it may be one of the more fancy places in The Rockies, it offers plenty to do for those on a budget.

Conclusion: Denver to Aspen Drive

The great thing about driving between Denver and Aspen is that, even if you spend 4 hours driving, there’s plenty to do along the way. You can easily add overnight stays to your drive to make this trip about more than just Aspen. Colorado is nice like that.

Looking to drive in the opposite direction from Denver? Check out my Denver to Kansas City Drive post!