Is It Scary To Travel from Denver To Aspen?
The trip from Denver to Aspen, also known as the “Mile-High City,” to the luxurious resorts is enjoyed all year round with excellent hiking and skiing. Even while the trip is a little short, it allows you to take on stunning Colorado landscapes, including the majestic Rockies and national forests.
The shortest and safest route, which travels 200 miles via Glenwood Springs and passes through the Rockies on an extended stretch of road, is from Denver to Aspen. The deviation via Independence Pass is available only during the summer.
We’ve set a few guidelines for driving this charming, high-altitude route to help you organize a safe and pleasant journey.
From Denver to Aspen, which route should I take?
| Route | Distance | Drive Time |
| The route across Glenwood Springs | 200 Miles | 3 Hours 40 Min |
| The route through Independence Pass Closed from late October until early May. | 160 Miles | 3 Hours 15 Min |
The Glenwood Springs Route is the safest, while the Independence Pass Route closes in early November or October and reopens on the Thursday before Memorial Day in May.
A substantial portion of the Glenwood Springs Route is on Interstate 70 (I-70), which is a well-maintained route with several places to stop.
It’s not always the most scenic option to drive on the interstate. The Rocky Mountains and the White River National Forest are just two examples of the breathtaking natural splendor that can be seen along this route between Denver and Aspen.
After departing Denver on I-70, the Independence Pass Route drifts off at Copper Mountain and heads south on CO-82, a spectacular mountain road that rises to 12,095 feet above sea level.
Finding the most secure road from Denver to Aspen
Four lanes, two in each way, make up the interstate section of The Glenwood Springs Route, which has six petrol stations. There is an average 70 mph speed limit on I-70. Look for signs along the road as temporary lower speed limits may be in place.
There are some bends on the road, so be aware of any signs warning of sudden turns. You can be confident that even though the drive is at a height, you won’t pass any cliff edges.
For the last part of the journey to Aspen, you will exit on the freeway at the town of Glenwood Springs and join CO-82. Aside from being a four-lane road with additional petrol stations and a 55 mph speed limit, CO-82 is also well-maintained.
As Denver is known as the “Mile-High City,” you will already be at a high altitude and not need to climb significantly to reach Aspen. The 200-mile trip from Denver to Aspen has an elevation of only 2,650.87 feet.
Taking the detour from Denver to Aspen
The Independence Pass Route provides a different route for summertime trips to Colorado, as it is only accessible from late May through September or October.
You can travel from the freeway and take in some amazing sights on the spectacular drive across the Independence Pass mountain range. En route is an elevation where you can park safely and enjoy the scenery.
Even in nice weather, some drivers may find this route to be “scary” because of the high altitude, narrow road, and places where CO-82 passes along sheer cliff edges
Things to consider that can affect the safest route when driving from Denver to Aspen
I-70 is one of the busiest roads in the US, so you should occasionally expect heavy traffic. This will be particularly true over the weekend when visitors and locals from Denver travel to Aspen and the neighboring Breckenridge resort to hiking and skiing.
The high likelihood of snowfall on this road between November and February is one of the most important points to make. This could suddenly affect the state of the roads. But there will be mowers on the road. In the Glenwood Canyon region, there is also a reduced chance of mudslides and rocks falling from the mountains.
If you are planning to travel on this section of I-70 between September/October and May, keep in mind that you are required by law to use four-wheel drive, winter tires, or snow chains to maintain the necessary traction.
Lastly, some individuals may have altitude sickness because Aspen and Denver are high-elevation cities.
Advice on how to travel as safely as possible from Denver to Aspen
It is legally required for cars weighing less than 16,001 lbs. to have tire chains or other traction devices installed when driving in snowy conditions. If law enforcement finds that your vehicle is not in compliance with this rule, you may be fined anywhere from $132 to $656.
Make sure to ask for a car with tire chains if you’re renting one. Sharing the load by traveling with two drivers is also a good idea.
As is standard when traveling long distances or in bad weather, ensure you have enough gasoline for the trip. Thirty miles into your drive, at Idaho Springs, is the petrol station where you may refuel.
Before leaving, don’t forget to perform the routine automobile checks, such as replacing the wiper blades and fluid. Depending on the season you’re going, you should include blankets, food, and water, as well as a flashlight, snow shovel, first aid kit, jumper cables, and an ice scraper.
Make sure to remove any snow from the entire car—not just the windshield—before you depart Denver. Follow the posted speed restrictions when driving, and be mindful of slow-moving trucks in the slow lane that may block your view of the road.
If you want to be even more prepared, use Google Street View to virtually drive the route before you leave your house. For the most recent travel advice, we advise contacting the Colorado Department of Transportation as this won’t notify you of any changes to the route.
Options for traveling from Denver to Aspen
There are two more ways to get to Aspen from Denver if you don’t want to drive. Flying is the most expensive. As of this writing, a round-trip ticket on United Airlines costs roughly $500 and takes about one hour.
As an alternative, you could ride the bus. Downtown Denver is served by Bustang buses. Make a change at West Glenwood Park & Ride to catch the Aspen RFTA service. As of the time of writing, the price is about $35.
The Epic Mountain Express/Colorado Airport Express shuttle is another option. But be sure before you go because there are occasions when the service to Aspen is halted.
When is the best time to drive from Denver to Aspen?
Even though Aspen is primarily recognized as a Wealthy, premium ski resort, year-round tourism is common there. In addition to weekends, there may be particularly considerable traffic on the route during school breaks and the Fourth of July weekend. Don’t travel during these hours to avoid traffic and congestion.
Colorado occasionally has wildfires during the summer. But they only result in road closures when visibility is impeded by smoke.
Once more, snowfall is the primary factor to take into account if you intend to travel during the winter. The weather in this area can be unpredictable, even though November to February is when this is most likely to happen.
As we’ve mentioned, snow can cause unsafe driving conditions and travel distractions. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to consider travel advisories before leaving for this area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denver to Aspen a nice drive?
Yes, the drive to Aspen from Denver is lovely and offers breathtaking views of the mountains. It takes between three and four hours, depending on the amount of traffic and the weather.
How can I travel from Denver to Aspen efficiently?
The best routes to travel from Denver to Aspen are I-70 West and CO-82 South by car. Alternatively, take a plane from Denver to the small airport in Aspen. There are no flights from Denver to Aspen.
Why is Aspen so famous?
Aspen is well-known for its top-notch ski resorts, opulent facilities, and thriving arts and culture scene. High-profile occasions like the X Games and the Aspen Music Festival are also on the list.
Is Aspen expensive to visit?
Aspen is generally expensive to visit, with high costs for accommodations, dining, and activities. Its reputation as a luxury destination attracts affluent tourists and celebrities.
Is Aspen always cold?
No, Aspen is not always cold. While it has cold, snowy winters, summers are mild and pleasant, with temperatures often ranging from the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit (20s to 30s Celsius).
For further details on the road trip from Denver to Aspen kindly visit www.aspenchamber.org
