Aspen Colorado Travel and Transportation

Getting Into And Around Aspen, Colorado

Planning an Aspen Vacation? At first glance, looking at a map of Colorado will make getting to Aspen seem like a logistical nightmare. If you've ever taken the beautiful (and sometimes harrowing) scenic “backdoor” route along the one-lane road that runs around the side of the mountains, you'll be even more certain that Aspen is, frankly, a pain to get to. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth! This favorite alpine destination (of everyone, not just the rich and famous) is simply too popular to be burdened by such unlikely access problems.

Looking for Aspen Colorado Lodging

If you're driving in, you'll probably want to take I-70 to Glenwood Springs (another awesome destination) and then head southeast on Highway 82. Only if you're coming from New Mexico would you want to consider coming in from below Aspen, as the route from the southeast takes one through Independence Pass, and some of the the most intense alpine roads in the Colorado Rockies. The views are incredible, but you may find yourself too white-knuckle to enjoy them, driving a foot from the edge of thousands of feet of drop. (Not for the faint of heart.) At its highest point, you'll be at 12,095 feet!

Those flying in to Denver or Eagle will find Aspen is well served by both limosine and van service. You can be met at the airport and driven directly to your hotel or condo, whatever your accommodations may be. But the service doesn't stop there! Aspen has its own airport, and you can take a commuter (or shuttle) flight from the major airports right in to Aspen itself! There are many very convenient, quick and comfortable ways to get to the heart of the Rockies!

Once in Aspen, unless you're staying in a very remote condo, chalet or cabin, you'll find that getting around town is no problem at all. There are in-town shuttle services to shopping, dining, and all sorts of recreations. For travel between villages in the area, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority sees to it that you're able to enjoy the entire area. If you're planning on being out late for apres-ski, be sure to check the schedule, find out when the last city shuttle leaves. Of course, you still won't be stranded, but you may have to ask a local or another guest for a ride, or catch a cab. The Tipsy Taxi program will even reimburse the cab company for your fare, if you're legitimately too drunk to drive. (Tipsy Taxi is sponsored by generous donations from individual concerned citizens who want to make sure everyone gets home safely.)

Your hotel may offer a shuttle from the airport as well. Simply ask if they provide one, either free or at a reduced rate. Even if they don't, the concierge will be happy to arrange for transportation, both to and from the hotel and during your stay.

If you're interested in something a bit less practical but more unique, helicopters are based out of the Aspen area, and could be hired to fly you in (as well as around) to see and enjoy the sights and scenes of this wonderful, magical place.

Now to the bizarre: The most unusual means of transportation around is the Ultimate Taxi. Owned and operated by Jon Barnes, this modified 1978 Checker cab is, without a doubt, the most unlikely and unusual ride around. Not truly transportation, it's more of an amusement park experience, complete with lasers, music keyboards, and 3-D goggles! Guests have included members of the Beatles, Jimmy Buffett, Regis Philbin, George Lucas, Peter Frampton, Clint Eastwood, Jerry Steinfeld, Lee Iacocca, Kevin Costner, Michael Eisner, and literally too many other celebrities to list!

As you can see, getting into and around Aspen doesn't have to be daunting. It can be quite easy, and is often a whole lot of fun!

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