The BEST Family Aspen Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Colorado has become one of our favorite places to visit as a family. The mountain views are unreal, the summer weather is a welcome break from Houston, and there is so much to do with kids beyond skiing. Usually we visit Rocky Mountain National Park and stay in Estes Park but this time we decided to focus on the Aspen Snowmass area.

​If this is your first time visiting Colorado, I highly recommend looking at my rocky mountains itinerary. Colorado’s national parks are some of the best in the united states and you will love the beautiful landscapes for your first visit.

For this trip, we flew into Denver area, spent one night in the city, and then drove to Snowmass Village, where we stayed at the Viceroy Snowmass. We used Snowmass as our home base for visiting Aspen, Maroon Bells, Lost Forest, and the surrounding Roaring Fork Valley.

Our trip was July 15 through July 20, which gave us five nights in Colorado with travel days on either end. It was enough time to experience the area without trying to pack three activities into every day. We traveled with our two kids, ages 10 and 4, so I planned a mix of easy hikes, outdoor adventures, pool time, good food, and plenty of flexibility.

If you’re planning a summer family trip to Aspen or Snowmass, here is our complete itinerary, along with where we stayed, what we ate, and what I would recommend doing with kids.

Is Snowmass or Aspen better for families?

Aspen and Snowmass are only about 20 to 25 minutes apart, so you can easily experience both during the same trip.

Aspen has more restaurants, luxury shopping, and that classic mountain-town atmosphere. Snowmass Village is another great place which feels quieter and more resort-oriented, with easy access to family activities, trails, gondolas, and outdoor adventures.

We chose to stay in Snowmass because it gave us a relaxing home base while keeping us close to Aspen. It’s also much less expensive than Aspen, especially if you’re looking at luxury hotels. It worked especially well with young kids because we could spend the morning exploring and return to the hotel for pool time or a break in the afternoon.

Where we stayed: Viceroy Snowmass

We stayed at the Viceroy Snowmass, which was the perfect home base for our family. It is located in Snowmass Village, within easy reach of the restaurants in Base Village and the Elk Camp Gondola.

We were graciously upgraded to a two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence with a full kitchen and in-unit laundry, which made our stay even more comfortable. Having separate bedrooms, plenty of space to spread out, and the ability to wash clothes was such a luxury when traveling with two kids.

The hotel felt elevated and luxurious while still being incredibly family-friendly. The service was exceptional throughout our stay, and the pool and hot tubs quickly became a favorite. After a morning of hiking or exploring, the kids were perfectly happy returning to the hotel and swimming for a few hours.

The food was also fantastic, including the in-room dining. Toro, the restaurant inside the Viceroy, was one of the highlights of our stay. We ate breakfast there every morning, and our dinner was easily a 10 out of 10. You have to order the lomo saltado and the chicken. Both were insanely good!

Our Colorado family itinerary

Wednesday, July 15: Arrive in Denver

We flew from Houston to Denver and picked up our rental car at the airport.

Instead of landing and immediately attempting the long drive into the mountains, we spent our first night at The Art Hotel Denver. I highly recommend doing this if you’re traveling with kids, especially if your flight arrives later in the day.

The drive from Denver to Snowmass is beautiful, but it can also be long, winding, and unpredictable. Spending the night in Denver meant we could have dinner, pick up groceries, sleep, and begin the mountain drive in daylight.

For dinner, we ate at Neko Ramen and Rice. Afterward, we picked up water, snacks, and a few easy items for the drive.

If you’re planning to hike or spend full days outside, this is also a good time to buy anything you forgot, including sunscreen, portable snacks, electrolyte drinks, and motion-sickness medication.

We kept the first evening intentionally easy and went to bed early.

Thursday, July 16: Drive from Denver to Snowmass via Independence Pass

After breakfast at the hotel, we picked up pastries from Four Bakery in Denver and left around 9:30 a.m.

There are a few ways to drive from Denver to Snowmass, but we chose the route through Independence Pass. This is not the fastest or most relaxing route, but it is absolutely beautiful. It’s about a four hour drive with stops to Snowmass/Aspen it’s the perfect Colorado road trip.

Independence Pass reaches an elevation of 12,095 feet as it crosses the Continental Divide. The road is narrow, steep, and winding in places, with limited guardrails. If mountain driving makes you nervous, keep that in mind before choosing this route. You should also confirm that the pass is open and check road conditions on the morning of your drive.

Rather than treating this as a transfer day, we made the drive part of the trip. If you can brave it, it’s the best way to see the most scenic routes on the way to Aspen. 

Lunch in Leadville

We stopped for lunch at The Leadville Grill and Cantina. It is a casual, family-friendly restaurant serving Mexican and American food, with a large patio and relatively quick service.

Leadville is also a good place to stretch your legs, use a real bathroom, and take a break before continuing higher into the mountains.

Twin Lakes Overlook

Our next stop was Twin Lakes, where you get sweeping views of the glacial lakes surrounded by some of Colorado’s tallest mountains.

You don’t need a lot of time here. We spent about 20 minutes enjoying the view and walking toward the shoreline. There are basic pit toilets available, which is helpful to know when traveling with kids.

Independence Pass Summit

From Twin Lakes, we continued to the Independence Pass summit.

There is a paved path leading to a viewing platform overlooking the Continental Divide. The walk itself is short, but at more than 12,000 feet, you may feel the elevation almost immediately.

Take your time, drink water, and don’t push anyone who is feeling dizzy, nauseated, unusually tired, or short of breath. Even a short, easy walk can feel harder at this altitude.

We planned about 30 minutes at the summit, which was enough time to enjoy the scenery without making the travel day too long.

The Grottos Trail

Our final stop before Snowmass was the Grottos Trail, a short trail near Aspen featuring rock formations, a waterfall, and natural ice caves.

The main trail is manageable for kids, but the footing becomes less predictable around the ice caves. Those areas can be wet and slippery, so use your judgment based on your children’s ages and comfort levels.

You can enjoy the scenery without climbing down into every section.

Arriving in Snowmass

We arrived at Viceroy Snowmass in the late afternoon and checked into the hotel.

With lunch, viewpoints, and short walks, the trip from Denver took most of the day. I would allow at least six and a half to seven hours for this route rather than relying on the nonstop driving time shown on your phone.

For dinner, you can keep things casual in Snowmass Base Village. Family-friendly options include:

• The Daly Diner
• Zane’s Tavern
• Base Camp Bar & Grill
• Taster’s Pizza

Taster’s Pizza is a particularly easy, affordable option when everyone is tired and you just want something the kids will actually eat.

Friday, July 17: Maroon Bells

Maroon Bells was one of the experiences I was most excited about, and it lived up to the hype.

The Maroon Bells are two distinctive mountain peaks reflected in Maroon Lake, just outside Aspen. It is one of the most photographed places in Colorado, but it still feels special when you see it in person.

Getting to Maroon Bells

During the busy summer season, access is controlled, and most visitors need to reserve a shuttle in advance.

We booked the 8:45 a.m. shuttle from Aspen Highlands. From the Viceroy, allow approximately 25 to 30 minutes to drive to Aspen Highlands, plus time to park and find the shuttle area.

Do not plan to buy breakfast on the way unless you have plenty of extra time. We either ate at the hotel or stocked up on grab-and-go breakfast items the night before.

Clark’s Market and City Market are both helpful for affordable snacks, drinks, breakfast items, and picnic supplies.

Hiking at Maroon Lake with kids

Once we arrived, we walked the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail.

The main lakeside trail is approximately one mile, relatively flat, and appropriate for families. It is also manageable with a stroller, although a more rugged stroller will be easier on sections of the path.

Arriving around 9:00 or 9:15 a.m. gave us lovely light and manageable crowds. For the classic glassy reflection on the lake, you may need an earlier arrival and perfectly calm weather, but the views are beautiful regardless.

Bring layers because the temperature can change quickly, even in July. I would also pack:

• Water & Water Bottle Bag
• Sunscreen
• Hats
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light jackets
• Easy snacks
• A baby carrier if your youngest may get tired
• Bug spray

We took the shuttle back to Aspen Highlands in the early afternoon and returned to Snowmass.

Afternoon at the hotel

After Maroon Bells, we intentionally left the rest of the afternoon open. The kids swam, we used the hot tubs, and everyone had a chance to rest.

This balance made the trip much more enjoyable. A scenic outing in the morning followed by an unstructured afternoon was usually enough for our family.

Dinner at Toro

We had dinner at Toro inside the Viceroy, and it was exceptional. This was our favorite dinner of the trip and one I would absolutely recommend, even if you aren’t staying at the hotel.

Saturday, July 18: Lost Forest at Snowmass

The next day, we spent the day at Lost Forest, an outdoor adventure area located on Snowmass Mountain.

One of the best parts of this day was not needing an early start. The Elk Camp Gondola typically begins running around 10 a.m., so we could have a relaxed breakfast before heading out.

We rode the gondola up the mountain, which was an experience on its own. Once at the top, families can choose from several activities depending on everyone’s age and comfort level.

Activities may include:

• Breathtaker Alpine Coaster
• Ropes courses
• Hiking trails
• Fishing pond
• Disc golf
• Robin’s Nest playground for children ages 2 to 10
• A human-sized ball track
• Scenic gondola rides
• Short hike around Elk base camp

Not every activity will work for every child, so check the current height, weight, and age requirements before purchasing a package.

We had lunch at Elk Camp Restaurant and sat outside on the mountain. After taking the gondola back down, you can return to the hotel for the pool or drive into Aspen for shopping and dinner.

Sunday, July 19: Family rafting and an afternoon in Aspen

For our final full day, we wanted another outdoor experience, so we planned a family rafting trip.

With a four-year-old, it was important to choose a gentle scenic float rather than a moderate whitewater trip. Age requirements vary depending on the outfitter, water levels, and river conditions, so call before booking and give them your child’s exact age and approximate weight.

Thunder River Adventures offers a family float on the Lower Roaring Fork that is designed for families with younger children. The experience includes calmer water, paddling and non-paddling options, and a riverside lunch.

This type of trip gives you the fun of being on the river without putting a young child on a more intense Class III route.

Half-day rafting also leaves time for exploring Aspen before or after the trip.

Things to do in Aspen

Aspen is very walkable once you are in the downtown area. We spent time strolling, shopping, eating, and enjoying the mountain-town atmosphere. There are some great hotels here if you’d prefer staying in one of the most luxurious small towns in north america! 

A few places worth checking out include:

• Kemo Sabe: Very expensive, but such a fun experience. You can design a custom hat or shop for custom leather goods.
• The Little Bird: A designer consignment store with a mix of luxury fashion and accessories.
• FWRD and Revolve: Worth checking for current Aspen shopping experiences or seasonal pop-ups.
• John Denver Sanctuary: A peaceful landscaped park along the Roaring Fork River with gardens, engraved stones, and walking paths.
• Aspen’s luxury shops: There are plenty if designer shopping is your thing.
• Mountain Biking on bike trails

If you want a slower alternative to rafting, check whether Bluegrass Sundays on Aspen Mountain is taking place during your visit. It can be a fun combination of live music, mountain views, food, and lawn time. The summer lineup and schedule can change, so confirm the event before building your day around it.

Where to eat in Aspen

We loved Meat & Cheese for a farm-to-table lunch. The food felt fresh and interesting without being overly formal.

For dessert, we tried both Paradise Bakery and Sundae. Paradise Bakery has good gelato, but Sundae was our favorite ice cream stop. It was so, so good and absolutely worth adding to your Aspen itinerary.

Monday, July 20: Snowmass to Denver via Vail

Our flight home departed Denver at 8:28 p.m., so we left Snowmass around 9:00 to 9:30 a.m.

For the return drive, we took I-70 through Glenwood Canyon rather than driving over Independence Pass again. This route is generally faster and less stressful when you have a flight deadline.

That said, I-70 traffic can be unpredictable. Road construction, accidents, mountain weather, and weekend traffic can add significant time, so leave yourself a generous buffer.

Lunch in Vail

We stopped in Vail for lunch at Grill on the Gore and spent a little time walking around and window-shopping.

Vail works well as a day trip because the village is pretty, walkable, and full of restaurants. After lunch, the drive to Denver takes approximately two hours without major traffic.

We continued to Denver, filled the rental car with gas, and returned it well before our flight. If you have extra time, you can stop for an early dinner before heading to the airport, but I would only do this if traffic and timing are comfortably in your favor.

Our favorite restaurants in Snowmass and Aspen

These were some of the restaurants and dessert stops we enjoyed:

Toro at Viceroy Snowmass

A 10 out of 10 for us. We ate breakfast here every morning, and dinner was exceptional.

The Daly Diner

A casual, family-friendly option in Snowmass Village. This is an easy choice when dining with kids.

Taster’s Pizza

Affordable, casual pizza in Snowmass. Nothing overly fancy, but good and convenient after a long day.

Meat & Cheese

A really delicious farm-to-table restaurant in Aspen. This is a great lunch stop while shopping and walking around town.

Paradise Bakery

A popular downtown Aspen stop for gelato and baked treats.

Sundae

Our favorite ice cream of the trip. Add it to your list!

Tips for visiting Aspen and Snowmass with kids

Give everyone time to adjust to the altitude

Snowmass Village sits at approximately 8,000 feet, while Independence Pass reaches more than 12,000 feet. Drink plenty of water, take it easy during the first day, and pay attention to headaches, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue.

Plan one major activity per day

It is tempting to fill every hour, but mountain activities can be surprisingly tiring. Our best days included one main adventure followed by swimming, shopping, or an easy dinner. Also, in peak season there can be a lot of traffic driving into Aspen and into Maroon Bells. 

Make reservations early

Maroon Bells shuttle reservations can sell out. Lost Forest packages, rafting trips, and popular restaurants may also require advance planning during the summer.

Pack layers

Even in July, mornings and evenings can be cool. Temperatures also drop as you gain elevation.

Keep snacks in the car

Driving times are longer than they look, particularly when traveling through the mountains. We kept water and snacks with us at all times.

Check road and river conditions

Independence Pass and Glenwood Canyon can be affected by weather, closures, construction, and other hazards. Check conditions before every major drive.

River activities also change with water levels, so confirm that the chosen trip is appropriate for your youngest child.

Build in pool time

This may sound obvious, but the hotel pool was a genuine activity for our kids. It allowed us to enjoy the bigger Colorado experiences without everyone becoming exhausted.

Is Snowmass worth visiting in the summer?

Absolutely. Snowmass is often associated with ski season, but summer may be even better for families who enjoy hiking, scenic drives, mountain activities, and cooler weather.

We loved having access to Aspen while staying somewhere quieter and more relaxed. Between Maroon Bells, Lost Forest, rafting, shopping, and simply enjoying the mountains, there was plenty to fill the trip without making it feel rushed.

This itinerary gave us a little bit of everything: a beautiful road trip, easy family hikes, outdoor adventures, great food, hotel time, and a chance to explore both Aspen and Snowmass.

Colorado continues to be such a special place for our family, and this was one of those trips that felt exciting and restorative at the same time. If you’re considering a summer family trip to the Aspen and Snowmass area, I hope this itinerary helps you plan it!

Be prepared for altitude sickness

Nausea can be a concern when traveling through the mountains, especially when you combine the higher elevation with Colorado’s winding roads. Eesa threw up once during our trip, so we picked up age-appropriate nausea medicine and kept an oxygen can nearby just in case. The oxygen cans are sold everywhere in the area, but they aren’t a substitute for medical care or moving to a lower elevation if symptoms become severe. Bring bags for the car, offer small sips of water, and speak with your pediatrician before the trip about safe medication options for younger children. Nausea and vomiting are also common with motion sickness on winding roads, so it isn’t always easy to tell what is causing it.

Colorado family trip planning checklist

Before your trip, remember to confirm:

• Maroon Bells shuttle reservations
• Lost Forest hours and package availability
• Rafting age and weight requirements
• Bluegrass Sundays schedule and lineup
• Independence Pass seasonal opening and road conditions
• Glenwood Canyon and I-70 road conditions
• Restaurant reservations
• Gondola operating dates and hours
• Rental-car pickup and return timing
• Current trail conditions and weather forecasts
• Don’t forget to pack good walking shoes for the miles of trails!

Check out my list of travel essentials that you NEED to pack for a stress-free vacation with kids.

Let me know if you found this itinerary helpful! Visiting Colorado has become a yearly tradition of ours, whether its Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, or one of the many state parks. I promise you, you and your family will have a great time! Summer months are great to visit but for an early spring trip, check out my other Colorado roap trip itineraries! Colorado has the most scenic drives, stunning mountain passes and so much more to do with your family.