Aspen Car Tours: Top 5 Scenic Drives & Helpful Tips

Thinking about a trip to Aspen, Colorado? That mountain town isn’t only for ski trips, so plan your trip to hit some seriously superb drives, is that right? Instead of hitting the slopes, why don’t you discover the twisting roadways and breathtaking vistas surrounding this Rocky Mountain jewel, that is what I would do if I visited for the first time. We’ve assembled a list of five very exciting auto tours, just to turn your Aspen getaway into an unforgettable adventure.

Independence Pass: A Rocky Mountain High

Okay, the Independence Pass. is like your headliner when discussing Aspen car tours. Often topping out at 12,095 feet, very high up I’d say. That scenic byway, basically, that snakes through the Sawatch Range is really available during the warmer months—think Memorial Day through late October—giving you absolutely spectacular panoramic scenes filled with alpine meadows and imposing rocky outcrops. You know? Be ready for narrow lanes with switchbacks, it is an experience that makes it all exciting. I reckon you’ll want to stop often for photos, due to the fact the views actually reach across Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.

There are quite a few pull-offs meant for appreciating overlooks, so it seems to be a chance to actually soak it all in. It tends to be a haven for those liking wildflowers, mostly during July. So just see fields turning into a mosaic including color. Yet do not forget, considering the extreme altitude, just take breaks, plus stay hydrated to manage any altitude illness.

“It’s not about the destination, it is more about the drive”

Maroon Bells: Picture-Perfect Peaks

Yeah, you have those Maroon Bells. Those are supposedly some of the absolute most photographed peaks around North America, that’s right? This iconic vista simply really lives just outside Aspen and often provides almost stunning reflections in Maroon Lake. Throughout summer and fall months, what’s really happening there, is vehicle access will be limited to shuttle service. So book a shuttle ticket ahead of time, it might be smart that way. Is it right?

Nevertheless, if you actually prefer more alone time, that can change that as well. During off-peak periods, like your early morning or later daytime, driving there is likely. The pathway up to Maroon Lake is smooth, this offers a pretty laid-back travel surrounded by luxurious woods, in addition to meadows. On getting there, you know, devote some time for simple trails surrounding the pond for assorted points of views.

Castle Creek Road: A Glimpse Into History

For anyone who tends to be after not just natural splendor but really an historical backdrop, okay? Consider that trip through Castle Creek Road, and that one is located just near Aspen, which makes a convenient travel, so you may visit some more distant websites, that’s correct. You see, this road will carry everyone for you into the ghost area of Ashcroft, really.

As I said, that was actually your lively mining camp back in the late 1800s. Okay, to get here currently truly allows almost a peaceful, contemplative experience. Furthermore, Castle Creek Road runs alongside Castle Creek providing various picnic areas and starting details for increases. It kind of feels like that makes it truly great at spending one whole afternoon experiencing precisely what character meets days gone by.

Kebler Pass: A Symphony of Colors

Thinking about what it is you’ll call it, “the most beautiful,” you get this, which may really boast the state’s the most magnificent views of changing aspen trees during the autumn, actually? The journey into Kebler Pass commonly starts almost near Crested Butte (simply take CO-12 to the west). While much of this involves gravel, really it is possible provided a car that could survive terrain as a low clearance vehicle. Basically, what occurs, this makes that journey seriously really worth almost almost any issues.

Yeah, particularly really throughout fall, forests literally explode including tones relating to red, orange, as well as golden. You can also find so much of picture prospects for anybody enthusiastic about photographs. Make sure that people deliver food items plus a warm covering since parts here is commonly remotely located but breathtakingly superb. Seriously, if you have any fall getaway projects on, which could have recently climbed almost to number one!

Rio Grande Trail: A Relaxing Riverside Route

If perhaps it ends up you favor something easier and much more accessible when compared with mountain passes though, in reality this River Grande path that, I think, adheres directly along with the former Denver plus River Grande rail series delivers pretty that particular opportunity. That commonly paved path makes its way basically beginning just around Aspen then going all the path up to Glenwood Springs, turning this actually well suited for bicycles including simple motoring using something low pressure just like scooters etc. Well you can see it there.

For anyone considering taking vehicles across, take heart which fragments commonly overlap local roadways in smaller towns. It’s pretty cool to just unwind along the riverside stopping occasionally when I see picturesque locations when I want to catch moments out in peace which does actually generate peace.