Overview

Driving from Denver to Aspen is a breeze, but to spend some time in Denver is vital in order to get the true flavor of the old and new of the Rockies. This modern city offers all the things outdoor lovers like best, as well as plenty to do with the kids.

Location

Denver, Colorado lies only 15 miles east of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, about in the center of the state. Many Interstate highways run through Denver, including I-70, I-76 and I-25.

Services/Amenities

Denver is a large and metropolitan city with a number of award-winning restaurants. You’ll find just about any cuisine you could name, from Chinese and French to Italian and Japanese. Plenty of live entertainment, too!

Your lodging options in Denver couldn’t be better. Choose from luxury inns, high-class hotels or economy lodges and motels. You’ll have your pick!

Activities

Traveling from Denver to Aspen is easy, but you’ll want to experience some of the outdoor adventures waiting for you in the big city before heading off to Aspen.

• Hiking
  There are so many hiking trails around Denver, it’s difficult to list them all. One you should try is the Bear Peak hike, up a wooded canyon near Boulder. It’s only 6.75 miles but is strenuous. Perhaps you prefer easier hikes, and then the Community Ditch Trail is the one for you. This is 8.1 miles of an easy hike with only 370 feet gained in elevation. Some of the other trails you can explore are Goat Mountain near Littleton, Davidson Mesa Loop and Deckers Cliff.
• Fishing
  Trying your hand at fishing is great around Denver. Cast a line into Barr Lake, or visit Cherry Creek State Park or Chatfield State Park.
• Climbing
  Not more than one hour away are famous places to climb like Eldorado Canyon, Boulder Canyon and Lumpy Ridge.

Attractions

Drive from Denver to Aspen to get to the heart of the mountains, but visit these attractions before you leave!

• Denver Botanic Gardens
  The Denver Botanic Gardens gives peace and inspiration as they present gardens from all over the world. You can get a real education, too, on the flowering plants, with lots of botanical and horticulture information.
• Children’s Museum of Denver
  Your kids will love the interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Denver, with daily educational programs and year-round events.
• Red Rocks Park
  Here is where the mountains meet the plains, and you can see the geological wonders of the Rockies. In the summer you can go to any one of the numerous summer concerts held in the Red Rocks Amphitheater.
• Elitch Gardens
  If you love thrill rides, water rides and more, you’ll find it at Elitch Gardens. Shows are put on throughout the season, and there are plenty of family and kid’s rides. The water park is a favorite with all visitors.

Getting Here

To get to Aspen from Denver, Colorado, take Interstate 70 West for about 66 miles and take exit 195. You’ll continue on CO 91 South to US Highway 24. When you come to CO 82, take a right and follow that right into Aspen. It only takes about three hours and 14 minutes (159 miles).