Practical Traveler's Guide
Travel &
Lodging
Everything you need to navigate your journey to the Rocky Mountains. We recommend booking early, as September is a beautiful and popular time in Aspen.
Getting There
Air Travel
Flying directly into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is undoubtedly the easiest option, located just 10 minutes from downtown Aspen and Hotel Jerome.
Most major carriers offer connecting flights through Denver, Chicago, or Los Angeles.
The Scenic Route
For those with a bit more time, the drive from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Aspen is roughly 3.5 to 4 hours and is one of our absolute favorite drives in the country.
The route via I-70 West and Independence Pass (Hwy 82) offers breathtaking continental divide vistas.
Denver (DEN)
5,280 ft
~ 3.5 hrs via I-70 W & Independence Pass
Aspen
8,000 ft
Explore our curated road trip map with stops at our favorite cafes and viewpoints along I-70 and Hwy 82.
Open in Google MapsA Note on Altitude
Aspen sits at 8,000 feet. We recommend drinking plenty of water and taking it easy on your first day to help acclimate to the mountain air!
Where to Stay
Stay Downtown
All of the weekend's events are within walking distance of downtown Aspen. We highly recommend booking a hotel or a AirBnB/Vrbo in the downtown area so you can walk to everything with ease!
While Hotel Jerome is our primary venue and a beautiful, historic Aspen icon… it's also incredibly expensive. We do not recommend you stay there, as there are more affordable options within walking distance.
The Limelight Hotel
A more contemporary mountain experience with excellent amenities, located just a few blocks from the Jerome.
The Mollie Aspen
A beautifully redesigned boutique hotel with a vibrant social scene, rooftop pool, and mountain views right in the heart of downtown.
Getting Around Aspen
Walking
Downtown Aspen is very walkable! Most hotels are within 5–10 minutes of everything.
Downtowner
A free, on-demand electric shuttle that will pick you up and drop you off anywhere within the downtown Aspen zone. Request a ride through the Downtowner app.
Free RFTA Buses
Excellent public transportation throughout Aspen and surrounding areas.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are available, though they may be limited during peak times.