Traveling and Visa Information

The Aspen Center for Physics is located in the town of Aspen, Colorado, in the Rocky Mountains West of Denver, well-known as a ski resort in winter and for hiking and other outdoor activities in summer. To get here, you may drive, fly, or take a shared shuttle van. Due to the excellent, free bus system and the town’s walkability, generally you do not need a car during your stay.

If you are flying, please make reservations far in advance since flights to Aspen often sell out. 

Aspen has its own airport (ASE), about 10 minutes out of town. It is served by United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines with nonstop flights from Atlanta, Austin, Denver, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Orange County, Phoenix, and San Francisco. Please note that some flights operate seasonally, and that all of the options below are subject to change. See Aspen Snowmass’s guide to “Getting Here” for more information or use Google Flights.

Please be aware that many flights during the winter season can be delayed/cancelled due to winter snow storms and other inclement weather. It helps to know all of your options in case you get diverted to Denver.

Many participants choose to fly to Denver and take ground transportation to Aspen, about a 4-hour drive (over scenic but steep mountain passes). See more options for Ground Transportation below.

Other Airports

There are also direct flights to Eagle County Airport (about 80 minutes by car from Aspen) from Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, and Houston. 

Flying to Grand Junction Regional Airport (about 2 hours by car from Aspen) is an option with direct flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Los Angeles. 

By Shared Shuttle Van, Bus, Train or Rental Car

• Shuttle service via Roaring Fork Express (5 hours, reservations required, by phone (970) 486-3002) – Goes from Aspen to Glenwood
• The Bustang runs from Denver to Glenwood Springs where you can transfer to a local RFTA bus to Aspen. 
• The Amtrak California Zephyr train runs from Denver to Glenwood Springs where you can transfer to a local RFTA bus to Aspen. 
• Rental car (one way rentals are available)

Shared ride found through the Center’s Ride Board (details below).

How to Use ACP’s Ride Share Board

If you are interested in sharing a car ride to Aspen (from Denver or other), please check the ACP Ride Board on our website to offer or request a ride, or to share a rental car.  

• Click this link to access the ACP Ride Board
• At the bottom of the page, click Add/Edit
• Choose the date you wish to share a ride
• Choose the approximate time you need the ride
• In the text entry box enter the details of your travel and your contact information 
• Click the “Create Event” button to add your entry to the calendar

Rental cars are typically available in Denver, as well as Aspen. If you are driving from Denver, please note that Independence Pass is closed in the winter – you should take 1-70 from Denver to Glenwood Springs, then CO-82 to Aspen. There is also a car-sharing service similar to a rental service called Turo, but it’s typically more expensive.

Parking is free at the Center and at the Aspen Meadows Resort. Please pick up an Aspen Center for Physics parking permit at the front desk when you arrive. To park in downtown Aspen, you need to use the PayByPhone App or the parking meters.

If you need a letter of invitation to process your visa, contact the Center at acp@aspenphys.org. Be sure to allow enough time for the visa process as it has been taking longer than in years’ past.