Best Airports For Your Colorado Adventure

Colorado is a major year-round destination for adventure seekers, with travellers flying in from all over the world. The state has several airports to arrive in and depart from, with Denver International Airport being the most popular and busiest airport in the state. However, it may be worth considering flying into a smaller airport that will get you closer to your ultimate destination, especially during the snowy season. Colorado Springs Airport, for example, is located about a 15-minute drive from The Springs downtown and is serviced by four commercial airlines. Another option is Durango-La Plata County Airport, which is the best option for anyone wanting to travel to the Southwest.

Pros and cons of flying into Denver Airport vs Colorado Springs Airport

Denver International Airport (DIA)

Pros

• Offers a greater selection of flights and destinations.
• Generally has lower airfares due to competition from the hundreds of flights available.
• May be a better option if you are already familiar with navigating large airports.
• Is a good choice if you are looking for a budget-friendly option and don't mind dealing with potential lines and crowds.

Cons

• It is a large and busy international airport, so you may encounter long lines and crowds, especially during peak travel times.
• Parking can be challenging as some lots remain closed, and the parking fees can be high.
• Navigating the airport and getting through security can be more time-consuming and stressful.
• Rental car companies are not on-site, so you will need to take a shuttle to reach them.

Colorado Springs Airport (COS)

Pros

• A smaller, less congested airport with shorter lines and compact facilities.
• On-site rental car companies make it more convenient and save time.
• Offers quick and convenient access to the airport terminal, with short-term and long-term parking lots located close to the TSA checkpoint.
• The overall experience is more relaxed and less stressful compared to larger airports.

Cons

• Airfares may be higher, and there may be limited flight options, especially for direct flights.
• The drive to Colorado Springs from Denver Airport is about 90 minutes, so flying into COS can save you time if your final destination is closer to this airport.
• If your trip involves visiting Denver or areas closer to Denver Airport, flying into DIA might be more convenient.

Ultimately, the decision between flying into Denver Airport or Colorado Springs Airport depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as your final destination, the availability of direct flights, your budget, and your tolerance for busy airports. Weighing the pros and cons of each airport will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your travel plans and priorities.

The best airport to fly into for skiing in Colorado

When it comes to choosing the best airport to fly into for a skiing trip to Colorado, there are several options to consider, depending on your preferred ski resort and the convenience of the airport location. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision:

Denver International Airport (DEN):

Denver International Airport is a popular choice for travellers as it offers a wide range of flights and is relatively close to the Rocky Mountains. However, the closest ski resort is still over an hour's drive away. This airport is ideal if you plan to visit the ski resorts in Summit County, Winter Park, Granby Ranch, Echo Mountain, or Eldora Mountain Resort. You can also opt for a shuttle service to these resorts.

Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE):

Aspen boasts its own regional airport, conveniently located just a mile from the closest ski area, Buttermilk. Other nearby ski resorts include Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, and Snowmass. The airport offers direct flights from several major cities, including Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Phoenix, and Denver.

Telluride Regional Airport (TEX):

Telluride Regional Airport is a smaller airport located just 5 miles from downtown Telluride. While it only offers year-round nonstop flights to and from Denver International, it can be a more convenient option than driving. Alternatively, Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is a larger airport located 1.5 hours from Telluride, offering nonstop flights from various cities across the USA.

Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN):

Located about 40 minutes from Steamboat Ski Resort, Yampa Valley Regional Airport provides quick access to the Northwest Colorado region. It offers nonstop flights from several cities, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Dallas Love, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles.

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE):

Eagle County Regional Airport is ideal if you want to skip the long drive from Denver to Vail. It is a convenient, high-elevation airport located within a 40-minute drive of Beaver Creek and a 50-minute drive of Vail. Major airlines such as United, Delta, and American Airlines offer flights to this airport.

Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO):

If you're headed to the thrilling ski slopes of Purgatory Resort, Durango-La Plata County Airport is a great option. The resort is just a 50-minute drive from the airport, and you'll pass through the vibrant town of Durango along the way.

Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC):

For those travelling to Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is a convenient choice. It is located less than a 45-minute drive from the resort and offers flights from Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, and Houston.

Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT):

Grand Junction Regional Airport is your gateway to the stunning ski slopes on Grand Mesa. It is a 45-minute drive from the airport to Powderhorn Mountain Resort, which receives about 250 inches of light snow each year.

When planning your trip, consider the proximity of the airport to your chosen ski resort, the availability of direct flights, and the convenience of ground transportation options. Each airport has its advantages, and by choosing the one that best suits your needs, you can maximise your time on the slopes and enjoy a seamless travel experience to Colorado's world-class ski destinations.

The closest airport to the Rio Grande National Forest

The Rio Grande National Forest is a 1.8-million-acre forest in south-central Colorado. It offers a range of recreational activities and sightseeing opportunities, from the high peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Range to the rugged canyons and ancient calderas.

When travelling to the Rio Grande National Forest, visitors can fly into the San Luis Valley Regional Airport with a direct flight from Denver International Airport. This flight takes approximately 50 minutes and costs around $277 for a round trip.

Other popular routes to the Rio Grande National Forest include flights from Sea-Tac Airport and LaGuardia Airport, with average flight times of 6 hours and 15 minutes, and 7 hours and 30 minutes, respectively. These longer flights cover greater distances, with the flight from LaGuardia Airport being approximately 1721 miles.

The best airport for a trip to Durango, Colorado

Durango, Colorado is a popular destination for travellers to the state, and the Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) is the main airport serving southwest Colorado. Durango is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from several US cities. The airport is located approximately 15 miles southeast of historic downtown Durango.

The closest international airport to Durango is Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) in New Mexico, which is about a 3.5-hour drive away. However, there are currently no direct flights from Albuquerque to Durango, so you would need to rent a car to make the drive.

Another option is to fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), which is located about 6.5 hours away from Durango by car. United Airlines offers daily direct flights from Denver to Durango, with fares typically ranging from $300 to $400.

If you're coming from the west, you can fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Arizona, which offers daily direct flights to Durango with American Airlines. Fares for this route typically range from $250 to $300.

For travellers coming from Texas, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) also offers daily direct flights to Durango with American Airlines. This option has morning, afternoon, and evening departure options, with fares typically starting at $350.

In addition to these larger airports, there are also several regional airports near Durango, including Grand Junction Regional Airport and Telluride Regional Airport, which offer connections to Denver and other major cities.

The best airport for a trip to Aspen

Aspen, Colorado is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. The most convenient airport to fly into is the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), which is located just 3 miles from downtown Aspen and 6 miles from Snowmass Village. ASE offers direct flights to and from 9 major US cities, including Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Dallas.

However, as ASE is a small airport, it may be more expensive to fly there. An alternative is to fly to Denver International Airport (DEN), which is located 124 miles from Aspen. DEN is the largest and most active airport in the Rocky Mountain region, offering more than 1600 daily flights from over 200 cities. From DEN, visitors can take ground transportation to Aspen via I-70 and Colorado Highway 82.

Other nearby airports include Eagle County Airport (EGE), 70 miles from Aspen, and Grand Junction Airport (GJT), 130 miles from Aspen. These airports offer nonstop flights from several major cities during the winter season.

Frequently asked questions