Denver to keystone

What time of year?

I would look at a trip Vail > Glenwood Springs (night 1) > Aspen > Buena Vista (night 2) > Keystone. Very scenic.

Here is the mud-map.

Yeah the time of year will make a huge difference

Hi Kaylalilli. I’ll repeat Junglejurd’s question: What time of year? It makes a huuuuge difference. If your trip is between now and late September or after June 1, 2019, I’d say follow Jj’s suggested itinerary. It packs about the most scenic bang for your buck-especially Aspen to Buena Vista (Boona Vista, as the locals say) and Leadville to I-70. Try, if possible, to include a visit to the Glenwood Springs hot springs pools-the original facilities date back to 1888. Things to do in Aspen: the town itself, the mountain -take the gondola up to the top for a hike followed by lunch and/or a beverage-and the Maroon Bells. You will need to take the shuttle bus to the MB in the summer season. The Maroon Bells and lake are one of the most iconic Colorado images. Take highway 82 over very scenic Independence Pass between Aspen and Buena Vista before dark and spend the night in Buena Vista. I recommend Lorenzo’s for good, cheap Mexican food and friendly service. The next day head north through Leadville and Copper Mtn to Keystone. Take some time to poke around in Leadville, a very historic old mining town and one of the highest in the US at 10,200 feet. If you are traveling on the weekend, expect heavy traffic on I-70 and plan accordingly. Also, keep an eye on the weather forecast at all times. Colorado weather can be very dramatic and change quickly.

Yes - all of that's good. I suppose I should clarify whether you have two nights on the road or just the one.

And that top bar in Aspen is the only place I've ever felt woozy from altitude ... I don't think it was the coupla beers.

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