KidPaths

Denver to Aspen and Snowmass Drive With Kids

Aspen is a long mountain day from Denver, so this drive works best with one real break in the middle. Glenwood Canyon is a good place to stretch before the last leg up the valley.

The drive

Distance
199 miles via I-70
Typical drive time
About 3.25 hours in ideal conditions

Measured from Denver, as stated by the official source listed at the bottom of this page. Traffic, weather and stops with kids add time, so plan for a longer day than the map shows.

Kid-friendly stops on the way

Each stop was checked on its own official site. Open it before you go for current hours, prices and any closures.

  1. Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park

    Georgetown and Silver Plume, CO

    A historic narrow gauge railroad and mining park just off I-70, with train rides, a silver mine tour and gold panning.

    Official site

  2. Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path

    Glenwood Springs to Dotsero, CO

    A fairly flat path between the Colorado River and I-70 through Glenwood Canyon, good for all ages and abilities.

    Official site

  3. Hallam Lake

    Aspen, CO

    A 25-acre nature preserve and environmental learning center with a half-mile loop nature trail.

    Official site

  4. John Denver Sanctuary

    Aspen, CO

    A downtown garden with song lyrics etched into native river boulders.

    Official site

Need more ideas before you leave? Browse things to do with kids in Denver or plan a different route.

Free road-trip stop checklist

Stop before everyone runs out of patience: how to plan a real break to burn energy, pick an indoor backup in case it rains, and add up the family total before you pay. One page, emailed now. Then The Weekend Scout once a week: one family outing idea for the weekend. Free. Unsubscribe from any email.

Three things to plan before you leave

  • Colorado's Traction Law applies on I-70 from Morrison to Dotsero every year from September 1 through May 31, and any time conditions require, so check your tires before you leave.
  • The official drive time assumes ideal conditions, so plan for longer with kids and weather.
  • Make Glenwood Springs the main food, fuel and restroom stop.

Checked against: Aspen Snowmass: road trip to Aspen, CDOT: Traction Law (checked )

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Plan the Denver to Aspen and Snowmass family drive with Georgetown and Glenwood Canyon breaks, Aspen nature spots and winter road advice.

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