Ditch the Car: Experience Aspen's Best by Foot and Bus
Aspen is not only a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers but also a model for sustainable, car-free travel.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, navigating Aspen without a car is not only possible but also incredibly convenient. We encourage you to avoid the unnecessary stress of parking, traffic, and other inconveniences and make the most of your time here. Here’s how you can enjoy all that Aspen has to offer while minimizing your carbon footprint and maximizing your experience.
Walking and Hiking:
With its pedestrian-friendly streets and breathtaking natural beauty at every turn, Aspen is a walker’s paradise. Many of our town’s attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance of each other, allowing visitors to easily explore on foot.
For those looking to venture a bit further, the Rio Grande Trail and the Hunter Creek Trail offer stunning hiking experiences just a short distance from downtown. These trails are accessible by foot, making them perfect for car-free adventurers. For more hiking trails to explore, click here.
From Ute hunting grounds to a silver mining town to a premier ski resort, Aspen has a rich history. Learn about Aspen’s intriguing past by taking a walking tour around downtown Aspen.
Bike Rentals and Paths
Aspen’s compact size and scenic surroundings make it a perfect place to explore by bike. Numerous bike rental shops offer a variety of bikes ranging from mountain bikes to electric bikes to cruisers.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing ride or an action-packed workout, Aspen’s diverse biking terrain is a great way to get outside and explore the beautiful scenery. The Rio Grande Trail, a picturesque pathway stretching over 40 miles, is ideal for a leisurely ride. The paved path has a gradual slope and runs all the way from Aspen and to Glenwood Springs. For those looking for a more challenging ride, the network of trails around Aspen Mountain provides plenty of exciting options.
WE-cycle, Aspen’s bike-share program, offers a convenient way to zip around town. With numerous stations located throughout Aspen and Basalt, WE-cycle makes it easy to pick up a bike for short trips. Best of all, the first 30 minutes of each ride are free, encouraging quick, eco-friendly commutes.
Biking isn’t just a summertime activity. When snow covers the ground, hop on a fat bike. With thicker tires, fat bikes are more stable on packed snow, making them an enjoyable winter adventure or way to get around town.
Utilize Public Transportation:
Aspen boasts an efficient and extensive public transportation system that makes getting around town and to nearby attractions simple and stress-free.
RFTA (Roaring Fork Transportation Authority) offers frequent, clean, and FREE transportation to and from the airport, downtown, Woody Creek, the Intercept Lot, and Snowmass Village. RFTA has a 70-mile service region, connecting all the way from Aspen to Rifle. Additionally, RFTA offers a guided tour bus to the Maroon Bells during the summer. The high-frequency routes ensure minimal wait times, and buses are equipped with bike racks for cyclers. During the winter, RFTA offers free skier shuttles to all four mountains.
Free Shuttles, Aspen’s free shuttle services, are a fantastic option for getting around the core downtown area. The Downtowner app offers free, on-demand rides within the Aspen service area. Its electric vehicles provide door-to-door service. RFTA operates shuttle services connecting local neighborhoods and popular attractions in downtown Aspen.
Park & Ride: Park for free at the Park & Ride lots in each location listed below, and catch a RFTA bus to Aspen.
- Brush Creek Intercept lot (Snowmass)
- Basalt
- El Jebel
- Carbondale
- Glenwood Springs
Embracing a car-free lifestyle in Aspen not only contributes to preserving the area’s natural beauty but also enhances your travel experience. By choosing public transportation, biking, walking, and ride-sharing, you can enjoy a stress-free and eco-friendly visit.
Plan your trip today and discover the ease and enjoyment of exploring Aspen without a car. For more details on local transportation options, visit our local transportation guide.
Aspen awaits your arrival—let's keep it green and serene together!
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