Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in all of America with incredible parks, lush forests and stunning peaks. From the mountains to the shore, this remarkable landscape intertwines with everyday public life across its cities and towns. It is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore this region and there couldn’t be a better way than embarking on a road trip from Denver to Aspen!
And between these two different cities, the route is packed with a wide array of attractions — all showcasing Colorado at it’s finest. You’ll be surrounded by the state’s varied terrains, from bustling cities to quiet mountain retreats.
As I make my way along this journey, not only am I blessed with a tapestry of Colorado’s views to soak up but also the hospitality that is as varied and seductive as each destination itself.
Planning a Road Trip from Denver to Aspen
It is 198 miles (319 kilometers) from Denver to Aspen and the trip usually takes around four hours by car if you take mainly I-70 West. But before you hit the road, patients are recommended to select from either continuing on I-70 West through Glenwood Springs or cutting down to Independence Pass en route Dillon and taking CO-82 into Aspen.
Taking Independence Pass allows for a faster and gorgeously scenic drive; however, this way is fit to be driven upon only in warm seasons since its steep, narrow roads can get quite dangerous due to snow. Assuming you are making your visit during winter, or it’s a less challenging driving in general too for that matter – going with the I-70 route is definitely much safer.
The journey should be smooth going, you will find that I-70 is a well kept interstate with food and fuel available at regular intervals so the apparent tendency for many CO drivers to have packed bags and coolers means there are fewer stops than most other states.
For the full experience, an overnight stay of 2 – 3 days is recommended. That way, you can spend time in the cute mountain towns and do some hikes while taking your sweet old time meandering through all that beauty.
Stops Along the Denver to Aspen Drive
Denver
Denver is the capital, and largest city in Colorado, which makes it a great place to start not only because you will most likely be flying into Denver and renting a car from there but also for it’s vibrant culture.
Take some time to enjoy all that Denver has to offer before heading for the hills. Stroll through vibrant downtown including Larimer Square, which is part of the original city block; 16th Street Mall and newly revitalized Union Station. Hang out on South Broadway where funky restaurants, bars and clubs abound.
Once you have digested the vibes of Denver, make sure to get cozy so that after a much needed good night sleep in the hotel beds next morning you are ready to hit those mountains early as possible.
Idaho Springs
And so as you leave Denver, take I-70 west — the road truly less travelled-by no Coloradan that leads to some of statistical Colorado’s most storied towns and settings. First stop after about a 45 minute drive is Idaho Springs. This smaller town offers a unique peek at the history of Colorado, and in this case how much mining affected it.
Idaho Springs was a bustling mining town when gold was discovered in 1859. Today it offers numerous tours to explore its history such as walking and driving tours, or mine shaft journey that takes you over thousands of feet under the ground! To get an idea of the gold rush and drive that built up this region, check out the Argo Gold Mine & Mill or head over to Phoenix Gold Mines.
Recommendation: There’s a Beau Jo’s on the main street that locals seem to love, worth looking. An outpost of this pizza joint, which is famous for its “Colorado-style” pie, has been a favorite pitstop after the weekend warriors roll into town from mountain adventures. Culture and some delicious snacks, great to help you fuel for the scheduled stop that is Santa Fe.
Mt. Evans Scenic Byway
A visit to Idaho Springs could easily be combined with a detour along the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway (coming soon). An hour south of I-70, and a summer-only pass through Glenwood Springs is far from the quickest way around Denver to that legendary Budweiser brewery tour.
Colorado’s rugged beauty unfolds before you when traveling over the byway, also known as the highest paved road in North America topping out at 14,260 feet above sea level. Take State Highway 103 from Idaho Springs – that turns into State Highway 5 when you get to the top.
The distance of the drive is close to 28 miles, climbing over an elevation gain of more than 7,000 feet where you can see landscape change in each mile. If you ever take this direction, just turn around and get right back on the I-70 West to head into Aspen.
Georgetown
A mile or so closer to Denver from Idaho Springs, Georgetown is a picturesque mountain town that offers the best place for your kids will enjoy an hour resting here after 20 more miles on I-70 West.
Of course, this town is known for the Georgetown Loop Railroad where visitors can take a ride in an antique train through majestic mountain views Through it you get a glimpse of what the Colorado wilderness used to be like just before and even during that time when railroads were setting up track all over.
Quaint as it may seem, the railroad loop is a favorite among Colorado residents and visitors of all ages.
Dillon Reservoir
Continuing about 40 minutes further along I-70 brings you to the town of Dillon, Colorado, where you’ll find the expansive Dillon Reservoir, a popular destination for year-round water activities.
In winter, the frozen reservoir becomes a playground for snow kite boarding and iceboating. When the warmer months arrive, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other boats to enjoy a day on the shimmering water, all while being surrounded by towering mountain landscapes.
The reservoir is also home to a renowned amphitheater that hosts performances by various bands and theater groups.
If your Colorado adventure takes place in the summer, try to catch one of the free concerts held on Friday and Saturday nights throughout June, July, and August. There’s something magical about an outdoor concert set against the backdrop of the mountains!
Vail or Leadville
Here, you will have to decide if this is where your journey ends and go west on I-70 which represents a longer but all-year-round option or you can head southwards through Independence Pass into Aspen (available only from May up till late October). Depending on your selections, where you need to go next will vary.
If you power through the next fifty minutes on I-70, it leads all the way to Vail — one of America’s top ski destinations.
Vail is best suited for travellers who love skiing or snowboarding, and also looking to enjoy the slopes as much as they can in a few days. If wintertime sports are not for you, enjoy a walk around Vail Village where one can explore several different shops, restaurants and pubs that embody the true feel of a legitimate Colorado skiing town.
Even during the summer months when skiing is not an option, Vail has ample of things to do from scenic hikes and miles of mountain biking trails to some of the best fly fishing.
On the other hand, if you head over Independence Pass, take a left at CO-91 South upon exiting I-70 West and in less than an hour you will be pulling into Leadville: America’s highest incorporated city (10,430 feet).
This is a small town, long since bypassed by the rush of mining traffic that once transformed it into an opulent little wild-west showcase — although I mean “opulence” in only so- much as any given local square mile could have been wall-to-wall prostitutes and drunken miners; Telluride begot Wild Bill Hickok way back when. Walk around downtown Leadville to see historic Victorian homes and buildings, visit the local shops, grab a cup of joe at one of their many cute cafes and hit the road.
Glenwood Springs or Twin Lakes/Mount Elbert
If you are taking the I-70 to Aspen, your next best stop after Vail is Glenwood Springs, located about an hour in that direction. Make Glenwood Springs your resting place: When it’s time to take a rest from behind the wheel, what better reward for helping mom in her big move than one of the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool!
With it’s giant outdoor pool and myriad of smaller therapeuticpools, this opulent natural hot springs complex is resoundingly recommended for its miraculous healing abilities. A stop this relaxing is the perfect way to cap off any whirlwind of a day.
Traveling with kids, you will want to see Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. One of the most unique amusement parks in Colorado, this mountain-top park also makes for one epic place to enjoy a little fun while admiring those amazing views; oh how we love our wildlife!
If you head for the Independence Pass way, instead — well then; WOW as they say!
Turn left from Leadville onto US-24 East and continue for 45 minutes before heading south on CO.82 West which will take you up Independence Pass into Aspen. Don’t miss a visit to Twin Lakes, one of the smallest towns in Colorado that’s located at the base of Mount Elbert (the highest peak).
Nestled between two grand glacial lakes, this bucolic town is surrounded by magnificent peaks such as the imposing Mount Elbert. For nature lovers, Twin Lakes are a must visit as there is enough to keep even the most adventurous occupied thanks to hiking trails and fishing areas complemented by camping grounds.
And Mount Elbert (highest point in the state) looms over all, biding time for an experienced mountaineer to forge her way up its summit.
If you intend to attempt the climb, a great deal of preparation is required. Whether you are pulling aside to stretch your legs and enjoy the views, or intending on staying overnight for hiking & camping, visiting Twin Lakes will appeal much time.
Roaring Fork Valley or Independence Pass
Just know that by the time you reach Denver, no matter what route took to get there — even if it included a stop in Vail as shown above (the “long” way from Denver to Aspen) or over Independence Pass (or both!)— you are about two hours away. plan on making several photo stops along the last leg of your trip.
If you go the way I-70, finally exit to CO 82 just east of Glenwood Springs — only an hour away from Aspenestic live this time and forever.
This is a scenic stretch known as the Roaring Fork Valley where you drive through right by adorable little mountain towns. Maybe stop for lunch in Carbondale or Basalt, then head on to Aspen.
Taking the latter from Twin Lakes to Aspen, and you’ll be driving 32 miles to New Castle over Independence Pass one of Colorado’s most famous roads.
The journey may last for one and a half hour long as the roads are quite steep, narrow and full of numerous curves.
The rest of the drive is safe, provided you stay within whatever speed limits are in effect. Advantage: Do it if you can! Independence Pass by name itself is a beauty that cannot be found in the world.
Aspen
You finally make it to that gorgeous place called Aspen, Colorado! With ski season now here, it’s a way to experience the rugged wilderness of Colorado— with an elegant twist.
Not only the home of some serious ski mountains, but it is also a charming downtown with elegant restaurants and high-end shopping plus art galleries.
Aspen is such an unique place, you will absolutely want to stay a few days. From skiing to hiking, biking and rock climbing plus horseback riding, you name it there is a lot more that Aspen serves as the icing on the cake for your Colorado road trip.
Where to Stay on the Denver to Aspen Drive
Even if you already have places lined up to stay in both Denver and Aspen, you may be looking for a low key spot between the two that is right off i-70 so there will be no straying from your path. Vail is a nice spot if you want to make it an overnight stop. Even over the Independence Pass route, it’s only a minor detour to Vail for more good food and other options too.
Where to Stay in Vail
Enjoy a Private Vacation Rental – available budget-wise to luxury, Vail offers every accommodation type including the gorgeous chalet.
Montaneros in Vail – These conveniently situated and self-catering apartments are a fine option to rest your head year-round. It provides cosy spaces for couples and also bigger units suitable to families.
The Sebastian – This upscale hotel is one of the best if you are looking for a premium place to spend your stay. Bliss in the mountainsWinter Park, Colorado Courtesy of Winter Park ResortMedian price: $2Acres skiable : 3Mountain stats:: Summit, base: FtSki stimulant ratio Trails for summer Rendezvous area has juice to gross hotels plus condos.
Where to Stay in Aspen
Private Vacation Rental — This luxury mountain estate with impressive views; A series of studios, private rooms and condos in downtown Aspen.
The Limelight Hotel — A 4-star hotel at the heart of Aspen that will provide you with a convenient place to stay for your vacation. Its clean, inviting rooms coupled with a pool and hot tub, among other amenities make it well-suited for an enjoyable stay.
The Gant — For a luxury stay in Aspen, the Gant is an excellent mid-range option. Rooms are chic and the resort comes with a pool, an on-site restaurant/bar, as well many other amenities.
The Ultimate Playground for Adventure Lovers
Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, making a drive from Denver to Aspen the perfect opportunity to indulge in beautiful landscapes this state has. There is only one that you need to remember: no matter which way you go, the journey will provide you with enough attractions and plenty of experience.
