Traveling to and from the Roaring Fork Valley during the closure
Before hitting the road, travelers are strongly encouraged to download the COtrip Planner App or visit COtrip.org as summer is a key time for critical roadwork safety improvements.
For Summer 2027 air travel to Aspen and Snowmass, several regional airports offer access to the Roaring Fork Valley, and a variety of options exist for ground transportation. All times and distances are to the Brush Creek Park & Ride, approximately 6 miles from Aspen and 5 miles from Snowmass, where local transit services are available.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Distance: Approximately 200 miles from Aspen Snowmass, ~3 hours 45 minutes’ drive.
Flights: Non-stop flights from 230+ destinations worldwide on 25+ carriers.
Driving Route: I-70 West and Hwy 82 via Glenwood Springs, or I-70 West and CO-91/US-24 via Leadville and Independence Pass. Know before you go, by downloading COtrip Planner App or visit COtrip.org for real-time road conditions.
Ground Transport: rental cars, private car services, public transport via Bustang/RFTA.
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE)
Distance: Approximately 67 miles from Snowmass, ~1 hour 35 minutes’ drive.
Flights: Increased flight schedules planned for summer 2027; current summer schedules offer non-stop flights from Denver, Dallas and Chicago.
Driving Route: I-70 West and Hwy 82 via Glenwood Springs. Know before you go, by downloading COtrip Planner App or visit COtrip.org for real-time road conditions.
Ground Transport: increased rental car services, private car services.
Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)
Distance: Approximately 126 miles from Snowmass, ~2 hours 15 minutes’ drive.
Flights: Non-stop flights from 6 U.S. cities on 4 carriers.
Driving Route: I-70 East and Hwy 82 via Glenwood Springs. Know before you go, by downloading COtrip Planner App or visit COtrip.org for real-time road conditions.
Ground Transport: rental cars, private car services, public transport via Bustang/RFTA.
Rifle Garfield County Airport (RIL)
Distance: Approximately 65 miles from Snowmass, ~1 hour 30 minutes’ drive.
Flights: Serves general aviation and private jets with FBO operations managed by Atlantic Aviation; planned AERO jet charter service for summer 2027.
Ground Transport: rental cars, private car services. Know before you go, by downloading COtrip Planner App or visit COtrip.org for real-time road conditions.
Alternative airport options:
Gunnison–Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC)
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)
FAQs
Which airport should I fly into?
Four regional airports serve Aspen Snowmass in summer 2027. Denver gives you the most flight options. Vail/Eagle gets you here fastest.
| Airport | Distance | Drive time | Summer service |
| Denver International (DEN) | ~200 miles | 3.5 to 4 hours | The largest hub in the Rocky Mountain region, with nonstop service from 200+ cities and extensive international connections |
| Vail/Eagle County (EGE) | ~70 miles | 1 hour 35 minutes | The closest commercial airport, with summer nonstops from Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago |
| Grand Junction (GJT) | ~130 miles | 2 hours 15 minutes | Nonstop service from Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Dallas/Fort Worth |
| Montrose Regional (MTJ) | ~130 miles | 2 hours 45 minutes | Seasonal nonstop service from Denver and select U.S. cities |
What is the best route from Denver?
Three routes work, and each offers something different.
- I-70 and Highway 82 through Glenwood Springs. 199 miles, about 3 hours 15 minutes. The most reliable route, and Glenwood Canyon is worth the drive on its own.
- I-70 to Leadville and over Independence Pass. 159 miles, about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest route, crossing the Continental Divide three times.
- Highway 285 to Buena Vista and over Independence Pass. 185 miles, about 4 hours. The longest and most scenic, with views of 17 of Colorado’s fourteeners.
Aspen Snowmass’s Denver to Aspen road trip guide covers the stops along each one.
Travelers are strongly encouraged to allow extra time and to download the COtrip Planner App or visit COtrip.org before your trip—summer is a key time for critical roadwork safety improvements.
Is there a train?
Yes. Amtrak’s California Zephyr stops in Glenwood Springs, about 40 miles from Aspen Snowmass, on its route between Chicago, Denver and San Francisco. The stretch through Glenwood Canyon is one of the most scenic rail segments in the country. From the Glenwood Springs station, RFTA buses run up valley to Carbondale, Basalt, Snowmass and Aspen.
What about bus service?
Bustang connects Denver and Grand Junction along I-70 with a stop in Glenwood Springs, where you can transfer to RFTA for the final leg. It is the most affordable way in.
Can I book a private transfer?
Yes. Private car and shuttle services operate from Denver, Vail/Eagle, Grand Junction and Montrose. Aspen Snowmass has a ground transportation page that lists options, and their reservations team can arrange transfers as part of a lodging package.
Do I need a car once I’m in the Roaring Fork Valley?
No. Once you have arrived, Aspen and Snowmass Village are two of the easiest mountain towns in the country to get around without one, and most of it is free.
- RFTA buses connect Aspen and Snowmass Village all day, free of charge, with service continuing down valley to Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs.
- Village Shuttle circulates through Snowmass Village, connecting lodging, Base Village and the Snowmass Mall. Free.
- Downtowner is an on-demand electric shuttle in Aspen and Snowmass Village. Request a ride from the app. Free.
- We-Cycle is the local bikeshare, with stations throughout both towns. The first 30 minutes are free.
Many guests drop the rental car at their lodging and do not touch it again until departure. If you are planning day trips to the Maroon Bells, Glenwood Springs or Marble, having it helps.