We drove to Aspen from Denver which took us a little more than 3 hours(160 miles). The Denver to Aspen road trip is one of the most breathtaking drives in Colorado, offering stunning mountain views and natural beauty. The mountain town of Aspen itself is known for its alpine beauty and offers a variety of activities for all seasons. In the winter, you can hit the slopes at one of the top ski resorts in North America. In the summer, you can hike through stunning landscapes and take in breathtaking views at the most photographed mountains in Maroon Bells. You can also explore downtown Aspen, where charming streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Independence Pass – Originally known as Hunter Pass, it is a mountain pass at an elevation of 12,095 feet on the way to Aspen from Denver. State Highway 82 traverses it and there is a scenic overlook near the pass allowing visitors to view the Colorado Rockies. There is a parking lot where you can park and walk to the viewpoint. Due to the high elevation, you may feel a bit dizzy until you get acclimatized.
John Denver Sanctuary – In the heart of Aspen near Rio Grande Park is this quiet spot where you will find many of the iconic singer John Denver’s lyrics etched into native river boulders placed in a perfect circle. At the circle’s Center is a single Colorado Blue Spruce planted to symbolize the sprit of John.
John Denver called Aspen his home for much of his life. His love of the Rocky Mountains inspired many of his songs.
Maroon Bells and Lake – Located just 10 miles west of Aspen in a glacial valley, the 14,000-foot bell-shaped peaks capture the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and is the most photographed mountains in North America.
The Maroon Lake is the anchor to Maroon Bells. The mountain peaks and the glossy lake together create a breathtaking scene. You can take a walk around the lake or hike the combined Crater Lake and Maroon Bells Scenic Loop trails which is about 4.75 miles. The Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail is 1.9-mile loop trail considered easy and takes about 42 minutes to complete and that has cascades at the far end of Maroon Lake.
Hitting scenic trails in Aspen
