Best Road Trip Stops from Denver to Aspen

This is our road trip itinerary to see breathtaking Colorado at stops from Denver to Aspen.

While we usually highlight parts of the East Coast on this blog, I just had to give Colorado a shout-out. It is truly a must-see destination because the landscape is so breathtaking.  Just driving through the mountains alone is worth the trip.

We have been lucky enough to take a couple of road trips there, and these are some of the highlights. Stops are listed in order starting in Denver, since this is where most people from the mid-Atlantic begin their journey. The itinerary ends in Aspen, one of the most beautiful places to ski, hike, or just view the incredible fall foliage in the mountains. Some roads begin to close in October, but the foliage in September is gorgeous, making this a great time to go.

The land in Colorado tends to look dry and parched in the foothills. But along the Colorado River, wildlife abounds. The river rushes through the mountains in frothy torrents in some places, and wends gently in others.

The mountains become increasingly dramatic and show a variety of different scenes as you pass through. You’ll see stark rocky outcroppings and lush slopes. In autumn they are marbled with evergreens and aspens fluttering in the purest gold, with splashes of coral and scarlet foliage.  In some areas, the minerals color the rocks in different shades of auburn and copper. Look below to see long slabs of chalky white in some places.

Out of the route but worth visiting: Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings:  If you’re in the Denver area and don’t have the opportunity to go far enough west to view the cliff dwellings found in places like Mesa Verde, you can see an awesome collection of them here.  The landscape at Garden of the Gods is otherworldly. Seeing how people carved out there homes and livelihoods right into the cliffs at Manitou is a site to behold. It is fascinating to learn about for both adults and kids.

Also in the area is Pike’s Peak. So, if you’re ready to climb a gazillion steps, you’ll get to see some gorgeous waterfall views. This is located in nearby Colorado Springs, so it is a bit out of the route from Denver to Aspen. In my opinion, it is still worth seeing. The following destinations are directly on the route.

Denver to Aspen Road Trip Stop #1: Genesee Park

Genesee Park:  If you want to see Bison, you can sometimes see a heard from highway I-70 in this area, but of course stopping off at the park to take a closer look is worth it.  While you’re never guaranteed to see any particular form of wildlife, the chances of seeing them here are pretty good!

Stop #2: Georgetown

Georgetown:  We enjoyed stopping off at this tiny town nestled in the mountains, and watching a herd of wild big horned sheep that live on the steep, rocky mountain face right across the highway from the Wildlife Viewing Area.  This small adobe-type structure is just past a lovely mountain lake, and has several tower viewers to view the sheep, or you can bring your own binoculars.  We got to see them with their young and although they are far away, it is so much fun to view them in their natural habitat doing their thing.  In October and November you may see some of the males knocking their big curved horns together during the seasonal rut.

Denver to Aspen Road Trip Stop #3: Leadville

Leadville was another small town with big character, and a very “wild west” feel.  There is a cute little visitor center with volunteers who are happy to give you some pointers.  There’s even a saloon with some of the original structure from the 1800’s, back when the mining town was first built.

Denver to Aspen Road Trip Stop #4: Twin Lakes

Twin Lakes is a very beautiful place to take photos, with small parking lots near the lakes and campsites with stunning views. You can stop in a non-fee area for free and wander around the rocky slopes towering all around the crystal clear lakes, or get right in to wade through the water if you don’t mind the icy temperatures.  You can walk as far or as little as you want.

Stop #5: Independence Pass

Independence Pass:  As long as you’re not scared of heights, its worth veering off of I-70 to go through Independence Pass – just check the status of the road before you go.  I-82 closes in October till May due to snow, and there are sometimes snow storms that will shut down the roads even during other months.

If it is open, drive up one of the highest paved highway in the US, and stop at Independence Pass to get a taste of the Continental Divide. You’ll find alpine tundra on the mountain tops and see those other worldly views. This is also faster than staying on I-70, though it is not for the faint of heart.

If I-82 is closed, check out Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs – if you drive back to Denver via I-70, you’ll get to drive through Glenwood Springs. Or, if I-82 is closed, skip the pass, lake and Leadville and stop here instead. Hanging Lake was unfortunately closed due to mudslides when we passed through, but if given the chance I would go back again to try and visit this picturesque site, which is close to the hot spring area.  There is a ton to do besides just the springs, but I’m told that the springs themselves are ample reason to spend some time here.

Near Aspen, check out Grotto’s Trail and Maroon Bells

Grotto’s Trail is a really different, fairly easy trail through the forest and along the river, where you can view some really unusual rock formations/caverns.  It’s less than a mile to get to the ice caves and only a few miles outside of Aspen.

Maroon Bells is probably the most photographed place in CO, and it’s easy to see why.  Make a reservation well in advance in order to experience this breathtaking mountain/lake view and hike.

Colorado is a beautiful state, and these are just a few of the many stops you can make on a road trip in this area. We hope you enjoy your I-70 road trip!

For more ideas of family-friendly destinations that are easy to access from the Mid-Atlantic, check out this page.