The Best places to travel in colorado

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-20 · General

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Denver to Aspen flights average $128 roundtrip in 2026, 22% cheaper than July peak season. Front Range destinations like Boulder cost $162/night in June versus $215 in August, per 2025 Booking.com data.

How Much Do Top Colorado Destinations Cost in 2026?

United Airlines (UA) flies Denver (DEN) to Aspen (ASE) for $128 roundtrip when booked 45 days out, while American Airlines (AA) charges $192 for the same route. Denver to Boulder flights cost $89-$105 (UA/AA), but ground transport to Boulder is $28 via RTD bus—saving $64 versus airfare. I stayed at Hotel Monaco Denver for $162/night in March 2025, including free shuttle to Union Station.

Route Comparison: Air vs. Ground Transport

Destination	Airline (IATA)	Base Price	Bag Fee	Ground Transport
Aspen	United (UA)	$128	$35	$28 taxi (DEN to Aspen)
Boulder	American (AA)	$105	$25	$28 RTD bus (DEN to Boulder)
Moab (Utah, not Colorado)	Delta (DL)	$189	$40	$87 shuttle (DEN to Moab)

Ground transport to Boulder costs $28 versus airfare's $105-$192, making it 72% cheaper. Aspen requires air travel—no direct bus—so factor in $35+ bag fees for carry-ons.

Best Time to Book: Cheapest Months & Price Drops

Book Denver-to-Aspen trips 45 days ahead for 22% savings versus same-day fares. June is 22% cheaper than July ($128 vs $162), and August peaks at $215. According to Skyscanner 2025 data, 68% of travelers on Front Range routes book 45-60 days out. I booked a June trip to Boulder for $149/night—$33 less than August rates.

Watch Out For: Hidden Fees & Traps

United (UA) adds a $14.50 "airport fee" at checkout not shown in base prices—increasing Aspen fares to $142.50. Avoid booking through third-party sites like CheapTickets, which tacks on $22 "service fees" versus direct airline bookings. In March 2025, I paid $142.50 for a UA flight after missing the $14.50 fee at checkout.

Logistics: Airports, Transfers & City Access

Denver International (DEN) is 17 miles from downtown; taxis cost $38-$50 to Union Station. RTD buses run to Boulder (15 miles, $2.50) and Denver Union Station (15 minutes, $2.50). Aspen Airport (ASE) is 2 miles from downtown—shuttles cost $28. Never take a $70 "Aspen shuttle" from DEN; use the $28 RTD bus to Denver then shuttle to Aspen.

Q: What's the cheapest month for Denver to Aspen flights?

A: June, at $128 roundtrip—22% cheaper than July's $162 average. Book 45 days out for this rate.

Q: How much does it cost to get from DEN to Boulder?

A: $28 via taxi or $2.50 via RTD bus. Hotels in Boulder average $162/night in June versus $215 in August.

Q: Which airline includes a carry-on bag in base fare?

A: None on Denver-Aspen routes. United charges $35 for carry-ons, American $25, Delta $40. Always pack carry-ons free.

Related Destinations to Explore Next

Consider Boulder for budget-friendly hiking (75% of visitors hike Maroon Bells in July) versus Aspen's luxury focus. Compare Denver to Moab (Utah) for canyon views—flights cost $189 but hotels are $102 cheaper than Aspen. Colorado Transport Guide covers airport transfers and bus routes. Rockies Vacation Planner details seasonal hikes and lodging.

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