Aspen, Colorado, is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, world-class skiing, and luxurious amenities. However, you can explore Aspen on a budget without sacrificing the experience. With a bit of planning and savvy choices, you can enjoy the best of this picturesque town without breaking the bank. In this guide, I’ll share tips and a detailed itinerary for how to explore Aspen on a budget, including how we managed to save money on accommodation, dining, and activities while still immersing ourselves in all the natural beauty and adventure the area has to offer. Whether you’re planning a similar trip or just looking for some inspiration, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your adventure
A Budget-Friendly Base
Since hotels and Airbnbs can be quite expensive in Aspen, we opted to stay in Basalt to save some money. This charming town, just a short drive from Aspen, not only offers more affordable accommodation options but also provides access to additional hiking trails and outdoor activities. I enjoyed staying in Basalt as it opened up more hikes in the area and provided a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to Aspen.
Day 1: Denver to Aspen
Our adventure began with an early start, leaving Denver at 5 AM. Our first stop was Leadville for breakfast and coffee, which is about an hour and a half from Aspen. After fueling up, we took the scenic Independence Pass to Aspen, with views that were absolutely stunning and surreal.
We arrived in Aspen around 9:30 AM and spent some time exploring downtown, including a quick snack at one of the charming cafes. From there, we headed to Basalt to drop off our belongings at our Airbnb. Once settled, we parked at the Brush Creek parking lot, which offers free parking. From this point, you can catch an RFTA bus to Aspen Highlands where you obtain your shuttle tickets, and from there the shuttle takes you to Maroon Bells. It’s important to book a shuttle reservation ahead of time as it can be sold out. You can book your reservation here. Switching buses in Aspen was quite convenient. Alternatively, you can park in the Aspen Highlands parking structure, but it costs $8 per hour.
The hike and views at Maroon Bells are breathtaking. We spent about three hours soaking in the natural beauty before hopping back on the bus to the parking area.
From there, you can either catch a bus back to Aspen or rent a bike for a scenic ride back to town. We opted to spend some more time in Aspen, enjoying dinner at Mi Chola and a leisurely walk around the town before catching a bus back to the parking area and returning to Basalt for the night.
Day 2: Basalt, Carbondale, and Snowmass
The next day, we spent the morning exploring Basalt and hiked in Carbondale, which was a beautiful experience. The hike offers great views, but it is a bit rocky, so I recommend wearing hiking shoes.
For lunch, we enjoyed Mediterranean food at Jaffa Middle Eastern Kitchen. In the evening, we headed to Snowmass, doing a small hike in the area before returning to Aspen for drinks and dinner, enjoying the vibrant nightlife and cozy atmosphere of the town.
Alternatively, you can also choose to do the Maroon Bells hike on this day if you want to relax on the first day and not have to worry about making it to your Maroon Bells shuttle reservation on time.
Day 3: Heading Home
Our final day started with a visit to the Sunday farmers market in Basalt, where we grabbed some coffee at a local cafe. We did not have enough time to drive back to Aspen, but you definitely could if you wanted and take the Independence Pass back home for a scenic drive. We opted not to take Independence Pass to save time and drove back to Denver from Basalt.
Tips for Budget Travelers
- Stay in Nearby Towns: Consider staying in Basalt or Carbondale to save on accommodation costs.
- Free Parking: Use free parking lots like Brush Creek and take public transportation to popular destinations.
- Pack Snacks and Water: Reduce dining costs by packing your own snacks and water for hikes and day trips.
- Plan Ahead: Book shuttle reservations to popular spots like Maroon Bells in advance to ensure availability and avoid last-minute expenses.
- Check Restaurant Prices: Before dining out, check the prices of restaurants as some can be quite expensive. Opt for more budget-friendly options or local eateries.
Traveling to Aspen on a budget requires thoughtful planning and making smart choices, but it’s entirely possible to enjoy this beautiful destination without overspending. By opting to stay in Basalt for more affordable accommodations and taking advantage of free parking and public transportation, we were able to explore Aspen’s highlights like Maroon Bells and downtown attractions without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hiking in the scenic mountains, enjoying local cuisine at budget-friendly spots, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Aspen offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler, even those on a budget.