Traveling from Grand Junction to Aspen is a relatively easy, simple drive that will take you 2 ½ hours without stops (and assuming decent weather).
It’s a scenic drive southeast of town, all completed on a combination of interstate and four lane highways. Whether you’re headed to Ajax or Snowmass for ski season, exploring Aspen’s trails/dining/shopping in the summer, or planning a relaxing weekend getaway, the trip is pretty in some spots, and easy to navigate.
How Far Is It From Grand Junction to Aspen?
The distance from Grand Junction, Colorado to Aspen, Colorado is 129 miles, from downtown to downtown. If you don’t want to drive, there are several Grand Junction to Aspen shuttle and car services available.
Typical Drive Times
Google maps gives us an average of 2 ½ hours to drive from GJ to Aspen, but this can easily be a three hour drive or more during winter storms.
In Aspen’s less busy time, (late spring and late fall), after the skiers have left and the summer tourism season is over, you can usually make this in under two and a half hours.
Most of the trip (90 miles), is on Interstate 70. The rest is on Highway 82, a four-lane highway that is mostly divided, kept up and plowed frequently.
Highway 82 is the only road out of Aspen, (in the winter), so Colorado Department of Transportation work hard to keep this vital artery open and safe for visitors and Roaring Fork Valley residents alike.
So even in winter it’s usually manageable, and the route is flat, meaning you won’t face any scary mountain passes on this drive.
Best Driving Route
I say this is “the best route from Grand Junction to Aspen,” but in reality, it’s the only reasonable route:
I-70 East to Glenwood Springs, then CO-82 to Aspen.
This is the fastest, safest, and most consistent way to get to Aspen, and it’s not even close.
It’s well-maintained all year, fully paved, and offers plenty of places to stop for fuel, food, and bathroom breaks.
Directions from Grand Junction to Aspen
- Start in Grand Junction and head east on I-70.
- Continue past Palisade and through DeBeque Canyon along the Colorado River.
- Drive the flat desert terrain to Glenwood Springs, take the Glenwood Springs exit and follow CO-82 south toward Aspen.
- Pass through Carbondale, Basalt, and Snowmass Village.
- Follow CO-82 right into Aspen.
Scenic Alternate Route to Aspen
I don’t recommend this in winter, but if you have a little time to kill and want to drive from Grand Junction to Aspen on a drive even more scenic than the main route, there is an alternative path.
It has you driving south from Grand Junction to Delta, then over McClure Pass (elevation 8,755 feet above sea level).
From there you drop down into Marble, then Redstone and into Carbondale.
This beautiful route is 155 miles (from GJ to Aspen), and will take you around 3 ½ hours to drive.
Winter Driving Tips
Winter travel in this part of Colorado is generally safe, but weather can change quickly.
Something to be aware of, and a point I forget as well, is that just because the road is dry now, it doesn’t mean there won’t be a dangerous icy patch ahead.
It’s easy to get lulled into driving too fast, thinking the road is clear, however the w canyons along Hwy 82 (Snowmass Canyon), create shady spots, where ice can build up and catch drivers off guard.
As you probably know, “black ice” is a thing. It’s where the ice on the road is not really detectable. Just know that driving while temps are anywhere near 32 degrees puts you in the possibility of coming across some black ice.
The point is, I know you want to get to Aspen, but the speed limits here and the electronic highway warning signs are there for a reason.
Bring These Basics
Snow tires or all-weather tires, a full tank of gas, an ice scraper, gloves, and warm clothing in case of delays.
Colorado’s Traction Law
During storms, Colorado may enforce traction laws requiring vehicles to have adequate tread depth, all-wheel drive, or chains/snow socks for two-wheel drive cars.
Of course, your discount rental may not always come with proper winter tires, so double-check before you book.
When to Consider a Shuttle
If a major winter storm is coming, a shuttle (although pricey) may be safer and easier than driving yourself. This is especially true if you’re not experienced with snowy mountain driving or are carrying a lot of ski equipment.
There is also the option of taking the Bustang bus to Glenwood Springs from Grand Junction, then taking the RFTA bus (Roaring Fork Transportation Authority) bus from Glenwood into Aspen.
One more thing: if you’re headed to Snowmass instead, you’ll turn on Brush Creek Road before you get to Aspen. Directions and more information is here: Grand Junction to Snowmass
Best Places to Stop Between Grand Junction and Aspen
Even though the drive is fairly short, it’s filled with a couple of stops that you may feel is worth exploring.
Palisade
Known for wineries and fruit orchards, Palisade is a good spot for a quick photo or a snack during summer and fall. There’s not much here in winter, however, although some wineries have tasting rooms open.
Glenwood Springs
At around 90 miles from Grand Junction this is the most popular stop. This charming town is home to the famous Glenwood Hot Springs.
From I-70, and then driving on Colorado Highway 82, you’ll find incredible views of Mount Sopris ahead.
Carbondale and Basalt
Pricey (check out the real estate prices), but suitable places to top off your gas tank or grab a coffee before the final stretch into Aspen. Maroon Bells
Woody Creek Tavern
This is to your left when driving to Aspen, about eight miles before you get into town. I threw this in here, because I love this little dive bar. It’s where famous author Hunter Thompson used to drink.
Parking in Aspen
Aspen is beautiful, but streets can get very crowded and parking is limited. Even more so during winter and holiday weekends.
And while CDOT handles snow removal on CO-82, the city of Aspen is in charge of clearing the streets in the town limits. You can often expect slick, and snow-packed streets in the town of Aspen itself during winter.
The Drive from Grand Junction to Aspen During Different Times of the Year
Summer
Smooth, light traffic (except for during events like the Food and Wine Classic, Snowmass Balloon Festival etc.), easy driving, and some of the best scenery of the year.
Fall
Beautiful foliage, cooler temperatures, and generally good road conditions, but keep your eye out for deer crossing the road. There are areas of Highway 82 where there is wildlife fencing put up to keep deer and elk off the road, but deer on the road is always a risk in Colorado.
Winter
We already talked about this, but before heading out, you can always check out weather reports and highway live cams from the Colorado Department of Transportation here: CDOT Hwy 82 Conditions
Spring
I grew up near a ski resort town (Winter Park), and spring is what everyone called “mud season” as the snowfall melted and tourists fled.
That means fewer drivers, but unpredictable conditions. It can (and has) snowed in May here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Grand Junction to Aspen?
About two hours and thirty minutes under normal conditions.
What’s the best route?
I-70 East to Glenwood Springs, then CO-82 directly into Aspen.
What is the distance from the Grand Junction Airport to Aspen
It’s 128 miles from the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) to Aspen. The airport is just off of the interstate, making this an easy quick getaway out of town.
Is the route open year-round?
Yes, via I-70 and Highway 82.
Do I need a 4-Wheel Drive Vehicle?
No, although it can be handy during snow storms, or driving around the streets of Aspen, since the snow can stick around awhile.
What is the distance from the Aspen Airport to Grand Junction?
Because the Aspen airport (ASE) is located west of Aspen, it’s only 125 miles to Grand Junction, (or just over a 2 hour drive in normal conditions. However since a lot of workers at area hotels, the ski area, restaurants, etc. don’t live in Aspen, they drive or bus this route going home, meaning this westbound route can get really busy at rush hour.
One last thing: Highway 82 actually goes east through Aspen and up and over Independence Pass (elevation 12,095 feet), but this road is closed from late October to mid-May every year.
My point is that this offers a different way to get out of town during the summer months, other than having to rely on CO-82 westbound.
(By Steve Beauregard. Top Aspen photo courtesy of Dominco Convertini via Flickr. Highway photo courtesy of Doug Kerr via Flickr. Mt. Sopris picture courtesy of Carolyn Cuskey via Flickr, Gondola picture courtesy of Marcin Wichary via Flickr, and the fall downtown Aspen photo courtesy of Jay Gannett via Flickr).