How do I get to Glenwood Springs? Drive from Denver: 2.5 hours (157 miles) via I-70 west. Amtrak's California Zephyr stops daily. Bustang bus runs $25 from Denver. The drive through Glenwood Canyon is one of Colorado's most scenic routes.
Glenwood Springs sits at the western end of Glenwood Canyon, right where I-70 opens up into the valley. Getting there is actually pretty straightforward - and the drive is genuinely beautiful.
Driving from Denver
Distance: 157 miles
Time: 2.5-3 hours (without traffic)
Route: I-70 west the entire way
This is one of the best drives in Colorado. You'll pass through the Eisenhower Tunnel (highest point on the Interstate system), ski country, and then 12 miles through Glenwood Canyon - carved walls of rock on both sides, Colorado River below.
Traffic Reality
I-70 traffic can be brutal on weekends, especially during ski season.
Worst times:
- Saturday mornings (westbound) - everyone heading to ski
- Sunday afternoons (eastbound) - everyone coming home
- Friday evenings - weekend exodus from Denver
Best times:
- Weekday mornings
- Saturday after 6pm
- Sunday before 10am
Pro tip: Check cotrip.org for real-time traffic before leaving. A 2.5-hour drive can become 5 hours on bad days.
Winter Driving
I-70 through the mountains requires preparation in winter:
- AWD/4WD or chains required when traction law is in effect
- Check CDOT road conditions before departing
- Eisenhower Tunnel can close in severe weather
- Glenwood Canyon occasionally closes for rockfall or accidents
Taking the Train (Amtrak)
The California Zephyr runs daily from Denver Union Station to Glenwood Springs. And it's actually amazing.
Time: 5.5 hours
Cost: $40-80 one way
Schedule: Departs Denver around 8am, arrives Glenwood Springs around 1:30pm
Why it's worth it:
- No driving stress through mountain traffic
- Views you can't see from I-70 (tracks follow Colorado River)
- Full dining car and observation car
- You can walk around, relax, enjoy the scenery
Downsides:
- Only one train per day each direction
- Can run late (Amtrak delays are common)
- Need ground transportation in Glenwood Springs
My take: Take the train one direction, drive the other. Best of both worlds.
Bustang (Colorado's Bus System)
Cost: About $25 one way from Denver
Time: 3-3.5 hours
Schedule: Multiple departures daily
Bustang runs along I-70 with stops in major towns. It's cheap, comfortable enough, and has WiFi. Good option if you don't want to drive and train timing doesn't work.
Flying
Glenwood Springs doesn't have a commercial airport. Nearest options:
Eagle County Airport (EGE): 60 miles east, 1-hour drive. Has direct flights from major cities during ski season.
Aspen Airport (ASE): 42 miles southeast, 1-hour drive. Expensive flights but closer.
Denver International (DEN): 157 miles, 2.5-3 hour drive. Most flights, best prices.
From Other Colorado Destinations
From Aspen: 42 miles, 1 hour via Highway 82
From Vail: 60 miles, 1 hour via I-70
From Grand Junction: 88 miles, 1.25 hours via I-70
Getting Around Glenwood Springs
Downtown Glenwood Springs is walkable. Hot springs, restaurants, and shops are all within walking distance of each other.
For attractions like Hanging Lake (when open) or Glenwood Caverns, you'll want a car. RFTA buses connect to Aspen and Carbondale if you need to go that direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Glenwood Springs from Denver?
157 miles via I-70 west. Without traffic, it's about 2.5 hours. Weekend ski traffic can double that, especially westbound Saturday mornings and eastbound Sunday afternoons.
Can you take a train to Glenwood Springs?
Yes! Amtrak's California Zephyr runs daily from Denver Union Station. It takes about 5.5 hours and follows the Colorado River through canyons you can't see from the highway. Around $40-80 one way.
Is I-70 to Glenwood Springs scary to drive?
The drive is well-maintained and scenic. Glenwood Canyon is dramatic but the road is modern with good safety features. In winter, mountain sections can be challenging - use proper tires and check conditions before going.
Do I need a car in Glenwood Springs?
Downtown is walkable with hot springs, restaurants, and shops close together. For Hanging Lake, Glenwood Caverns, or Iron Mountain Hot Springs, a car helps. RFTA buses connect to Aspen if needed.
What's the best time to drive to Glenwood Springs?
Weekdays are best. If driving on weekends, go Saturday evening or Sunday morning westbound. Avoid Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons during ski season when traffic is worst.
Is Glenwood Canyon ever closed?
Occasionally, yes. Rockfall, mudslides, accidents, and severe weather can close the canyon. It's the only I-70 route, so closures mean long detours. Check cotrip.org before traveling.