Grand Junction to Aspen drive: Distance, time & best stops

The best road trip stops on the Grand Junction to Aspen drive are Parachute CO, Glenwood Springs CO and Carbondale CO. The distance from Grand Junction to Aspen by car is 128 miles, with a 2h9m driving time.

Planning a Grand Junction to Aspen road trip itinerary

The Grand Junction to Aspen drive takes you from western Colorado to one of the premier Rocky Mountains ski resorts.

Grand Junction has several craft breweries to enjoy, but it is also the main hub of Colorado’s wine industry. The Whitewater Hill Vineyards is a good spot for tastings.

On the museums front, the Eureka McConnell Science Museum is all about button-pushing discovery. The Museum of the West covers regional history.

The highlight of Grand Junction, however, is the Colorado National Monument. Here, the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive connects stunning mesas and canyons for a proper taste of the American West.

For overnight Grand Junction accommodation, the La Quinta Inn and Hotel Maverick are really well-reviewed by guests.

Of the Colorado ski resorts, Aspen is the one with the star power. But it also has a sense of heritage grandeur, and cultural leanings. You’ll find ballet, art museums, concerts and theatre here, alongside the snow.

For skiers, four mountains are linked together with 336 trails and 46 lifts. For non-skiers, there are ghost tours, history tours, yoga classes, fat biking, ice climbing and fly fishing.

You will almost certainly need to book your Aspen accommodation in advance. Look for the best deals here.

Grand Junction to Aspen distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Grand Junction to Aspen is 128 miles. You can expect a driving time of around two hours and nine minutes. The best stops to add to a Grand Junction to Aspen road trip itinerary are Parachute CO, Glenwood Springs CO and Carbondale CO.

Grand Junction to Aspen drive: Parachute CO

The small town of Parachute CO lies next to the Parachute Ponds State Wildlife Area. This is a good spot for hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing. The backdrop is provided by the prominent, multi-coloured Battlement Mesa, and the Colorado River runs alongside the I-70.

Best stops between Grand Junction and Aspen: Glenwood Springs CO

Glenwood Springs CO is a mountain resort town, famous for its hot springs. For a soak, try the Iron Mountain Hot Springs or Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.

Walkers can take on the hikes to Doc Holliday’s Grave or the photogenic Hanging Lake, while the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offers cave tours and thrill rides.

It’s also a great spot for rafting on the Colorado River. Choose between a gentle half day float through the canyon or tackling the rapids on a whitewater adventure.

Due to the massive hot springs pool, the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the best place to stay in Glenwood Springs. But you may be able to get better deals on alternative accommodation in the town.

Grand Junction to Aspen road trip attractions: Carbondale CO

Carbondale is often seen as a cheaper place to stay before driving into Aspen to go skiing, but it does have a few attractions of its own. Marble Distilling makes small batch spirits – you can taste them at the bar.

For outdoor activity, however, the best spot is Red Hill. Here, a 6.2 mile looping hiking trail brings you a good workout and magnificent mountain views.