📷 Photo by Caleb Jack on UnsplashTop of the Rockies to Aspen
Leadville, Independence Pass, the Maroon Bells and the hot springs at Glenwood.
- Distance
- approx. 308 km (191 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 25 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 6
- States
- CO
- Best time to go
- May and September–October
- Tolls and vignettes
- None expected
- Updated
- August 17, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 308 km (191 mi) with 6 stops, from Denver to Glenwood Springs. About 3 h 25 min of driving in total. Best time to go: May and September–October. No toll roads expected for a car. Mountain passes: Independence Pass (CO-82) (3,687 m, usually open June–October).
More road trips in Colorado · More road trips from Boulder
Photos along the route
Route description
From Denver, take I-70 west into the mountains, then CO-91 south over Fremont Pass to Leadville, a Victorian mining town above 10,000 feet. At this altitude, drink plenty of water and take it easy on the first day.
US-24 leads south to Twin Lakes, where CO-82 begins its climb to Independence Pass at 12,095 feet on the Continental Divide. The pass is closed in winter, vehicles over 35 feet are banned, and on the Aspen side the road narrows to a single lane in places, with steep drops.
The road descends through forest to Aspen. Nearby, the Maroon Bells are two maroon peaks reflected in a lake, but in summer the road is open only to shuttle buses during the day, so reserve your seat in advance.
CO-82 follows the Roaring Fork Valley down to Glenwood Springs, with its large hot springs pool. Return to Denver on I-70 through Glenwood Canyon, which can close after rockfall or heavy rain, so check the road status first.
Which stops are on Top of the Rockies to Aspen?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Denver
CO - 2149 km
Leadville
CO - 334 km
Independence Pass
ViewsTwin Lakes, COA 12,095-foot pass over the Continental Divide, closed in winter. Vehicles over 35 feet are banned.
- 428 km
Aspen
CO - 524 km
Maroon Bells
NatureAspen, COTwo maroon peaks reflected in a lake. In summer the road is shuttle-only during the day.
- 673 km
Glenwood Springs
CO
How do you drive Top of the Rockies to Aspen in 3 days?
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Denver → Leadville · 93 mi · 1 h 39 minOvernight nearby, for example: Belle of Colorado Campground (3 mi); Printer Boy Campground (3 mi).
- Day 2: Leadville → Aspen · 39 mi · 0 h 42 minOn the way: Independence Pass.Overnight nearby, for example: Chapman Campground (13 mi); Elk Wallow Campground (15 mi).
- Day 3: Aspen → Glenwood Springs · 60 mi · 1 h 04 minOn the way: Maroon Bells.Overnight nearby, for example: Carbondale / Crystal River KOA (17 mi); Glenwood Canyon Resort (2 mi).
When is the best time for Top of the Rockies to Aspen?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June. Cold, short days in December–February. Mountain passes on this route are usually open June–October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
What should you know before driving Top of the Rockies to Aspen?
No toll roads expected for a car. Mountain passes: Independence Pass (CO-82) (3,687 m, usually open June–October).
- Independence Pass (CO-82) (3,687 m). Usually open June–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: Go round via I-70 and Glenwood Springs.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
More routes for the best months
Practical guides for this route
Photo by Malivez on UnsplashDriving in the US: The Rules European Visitors Most Often Get Wrong at the Wheel
Photo by Aleksandr Dalakian on UnsplashFuel, Tolls and Distances: Practical US Driving Math for Motorhome and Camper Travelers
Photo by Tracy Zhang on UnsplashUS national parks: entry fees, passes and reservations in plain terms
Themes
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FAQs
How long is Top of the Rockies to Aspen?
3-day road trip of about 308 km (191 mi) with 6 stops, from Denver to Glenwood Springs. About 3 h 25 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Top of the Rockies to Aspen?
We suggest 3 days: about 3 h 25 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Top of the Rockies to Aspen start and end?
It starts in Denver and ends in Glenwood Springs.
Which states does Top of the Rockies to Aspen pass through?
Colorado.
Where can you camp along Top of the Rockies to Aspen?
OpenStreetMap lists 142 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Carbondale / Crystal River KOA, Aunt Sara's Riverdance RV Resort and Sourdough Springs Campground.
