Denver Road Trip to Aspen 🏞️

Aspen accommodations are crazy expensive—especially over Labor Day weekend. With pets, two nights would easily cost over $2000! 😱 So we stayed in Carbondale, about 30 mins away. More pet-friendly options, better prices, and closer to Glenwood Springs for hot springs soaking! Highly recommend. Route from Denver: Denver → Twin Lakes Reservoir → Independence Pass (short stop with a 5-min walk to the viewpoint, or take a longer trail—super scenic! Mirror-like ponds, layered mountains, perfect for photos 📸). We turned back after soaking it all in. → Aspen Downtown → Glenwood Hot Springs Pool (go by evening—open till 10pm. Day pass is $55/person, even if you’re not staying at the hotel). Booked a shuttle to Maroon Bells 🚐. Parked at the Welcome Center ($50 fee—worth it though!). Took the easier lakeside trail—very walkable and insanely photogenic. Pets are allowed on both shuttle and trail. Bring enough water and snacks—no vendors up there. Plan to spend at least half a day. All photos are straight from my phone—no filter. Colorado’s beauty left me speechless 😮🤳… I just kept clicking! P.S. Congrats to my kitten on her first road trip! 😽🛣️ #Colorado #RoadTrip #Aspen #Denver #MaroonBells #PetFriendlyTravel #FallVibes #HotSprings #OutdoorColorado #TravelWithPets #RawBeauty #ScenicDrive