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Before you go
Your trip to Aspen.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Aspen – Colorado Destination Aspen and Vail about 320 km from Denver
How to get there
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Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) 7 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Aspen airport (ASE) is 7 km from downtown, with domestic flights. By car, Denver is about 320 km via Highway 70 and Glenwood Springs; in summer Independence Pass shortens the route. Shuttle vans run from Denver airport.
How many days
Five to seven days to ski the four mountains. In summer, two or three days for the Maroon Bells, Independence Pass and valley trails.
When to go
December to March for skiing; in January Buttermilk usually hosts the X Games, a winter sports competition. June through September for hiking, with mild days and cool nights. In late September the aspens turn yellow.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No car is needed for skiing: downtown is walkable, and city buses link the four mountains free of charge. In summer a car helps for Independence Pass; access to the Maroon Bells is by bus with reservation.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Aspen
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Morning
Aspen Mountain from the gondola
Ride the Silver Queen gondola, which departs from downtown, to the top of Aspen Mountain. In winter, ski the mountain’s runs; in summer, hike the trails at the summit, with views of the surrounding peaks.
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Afternoon
Historic downtown
Go down and walk through downtown, with its brick buildings from the silver era, such as the Wheeler Opera House (1889), and the art galleries around the pedestrian streets.
2 days in Aspen
Day 1
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All day
Maroon Bells
Reserve the bus to Maroon Lake and spend the day at the foot of the Maroon Bells, with the trail to Crater Lake. On the way back, stop at Aspen Highlands.
Day 2
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All day
Independence Pass
In summer, drive up Independence Pass to the Continental Divide, stopping at the ghost town of Independence and the viewpoints. In winter, ski at Snowmass or Buttermilk.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Aspen airport to downtown?
The airport is 7 km from downtown, with local bus service and taxis. Many hotels offer shuttle service; confirm when you book.
Does Aspen Mountain have beginner runs?
No: Aspen Mountain has intermediate and advanced runs. Beginners usually go to Buttermilk or to the beginner areas at Snowmass, which are connected to town by bus.
Can you visit Aspen in summer?
Yes. From June to September the Aspen Mountain gondola operates for hikers and cyclists, and the Maroon Bells, Independence Pass and the valley trails are the main attractions.
What time zone is Aspen in?
UTC−7 in standard time (Mountain Time) and UTC−6 from March to November, with daylight saving time.