Parking & Getting Around
Getting around the Aspen Snowmass area is simple and convenient. On this page, we offer comprehensive guidance on everything from our efficient bus system to renting a bike to how much a parking meter costs on a Tuesday afternoon.
Tips for Easy Transit and Parking
Our local system of public-transport buses is simply awesome. Timely, efficient and with many free routes, RFTA buses have a high adoption from locals. Utilizing the RFTA system is our top tip, but you'll also want to know these prime tips as well.
Check Parking Lot Status with Our App
Check the Aspen Snowmass App to see the status of parking at your go-to spot. If your favorite lot is full, you can easily reroute to the nearest lot with our help.
Utilize the Brush Creek Park and Ride
Enjoy free parking at Brush Creek Park and Ride and easy transport to both Aspen and Snowmass Village.
Ask Your Hotel
Aspen Snowmass is a hot-bed for hospitality, and many of the accommodations in the valley have their own private shuttle. Inquire at the front desk.
Getting Around with a Car
All Parking Options and Information
In the summer months, Aspen Mountain and Snowmass offer summer activities and adventures, and Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands are closed to operations but still offer hiking and a gateway to the Maroon Bells. Make sure you know where to park for your summer adventure.
Brush Creek Lot
Brush Creek Lot
Colorado Rd. 10, Aspen CO 81611
Free
Access: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk
For easy access to any of our four mountains, park at the Brush Creek Lot and take a RFTA bus to any of our four mountains. This lot is located just 5 miles outside of Aspen and Snowmass on Highway 82 as you approach and it is the central hub of most bus routes.
Buttermilk Lot
Buttermilk Lot
127 W Buttermilk Rd, Aspen, CO 81611
Free
Access: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk
Located at the base of Buttermilk, the Buttermilk parking lot is accessible to access our other mountains. During the summer months, Buttermilk is not operating, and the parking lot is not monitored.
Aspen Highlands Garage
Aspen Highlands Base Village Parking Garage
199 Prospector Road, Aspen, CO 81611
Paid
Please note: We have a new system in place for parking in the Aspen Highlands Garage. You MUST pay for parking before you get on the mountain for the day.
Beginning April 13 and ending May 23rd parking is free in the garage.
Access: Aspen Highlands
Located at the base of Aspen Highlands, the Aspen Highlands Parking Garage offers a limited number of spots that fill up quickly during peak season. The first half hour is complimentary. The daily rate is $7/hr, $30 max on weekdays and $40 max on weekends and holidays.
New this season at Aspen Highlands, we've streamlined our parking process to enhance your experience and get you on the mountain quicker. Guests will no longer need a ticket when entering the Aspen Highlands Parking lot. Instead, you can conveniently pay for parking either through your phone or at the payment kiosks located throughout the parking area.
How It Works:
Pay by Phone: Simply scan the QR code located in the parking lot to pay with your credit card. This contactless payment option allows for a quick and hassle-free experience.
Free public Wifi available under the network Aspen Snowmass Guest
- Scan the QR code.
- Enter your credit card information, license plate number and any applicable coupon code.
Payment Kiosks: For those who prefer a traditional method, payment kiosks are available on-site.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Park first and remember your license plate number.
- Locate payment stations near Aspen Highlands garage exits.
- Press 'Start' on the keypad to begin.
- Enter your license plate number.
- Insert your credit card and follow on-screen instructions.
- Retain your receipt for proof of purchase and expiration time (no need to display on dash).
- Before time expires, you can return to any meter in the same block or zone to add time.
- Once time has expired, your vehicle must be moved to begin a new session.
Due to tight & limited space, vehicles over 21ft are encouraged to park at the Brush Creek Park & Ride where there is a free RFTA bus to Aspen Highlands. (There is not a direct bus, guests must transfer at 8th St. or Rubey Park and use the #3 Castle Maroon line.)
Aspen Metered Parking
City of Aspen Metered Parking
Aspen, CO 81611Paid
Access: Aspen Mountain
Downtown parking meters: Maximum of four hours. Paid parking is in effect from 10am–6pm, Monday through Saturday.
• 10am–10:59am: $4 per hour
• 11am–2:59pm: $6 per hour
• 3pm–6pm: $4 per hour
• 6pm–9:59am: Free
• Free on Sundays
Rio Grande Parking Plaza
Rio Grande Parking Plaza
Aspen, CO 81611Paid
Access: Aspen Mountain
• $2 per hour
• $12 per day
• Free on Sundays
Snowmmass Base Garage
Snowmass Base Garage
Free
Access: Snowmass
Located at the base of Snowmass, Snowmass Base Village Parking Garage is free in the spring and summer months, and always open. It is the recommended place to park to visit Snowmass Bike Park and Lost Forest. No overnight parking.
Town Park Station
Town Park Station
2909 Brush Creek Rd, Snowmass Village, CO 81615Free
Access: Snowmass
Located in Snowmass and formerly named 'The Rodeo Lot," shuttles depart from Town Park Station every 10 minutes between 7:30am – 5:30pm. Shuttles depart every 20 minutes between 6:40am – 7:30am and 5:30pm – 6:30pm.
Two Creeks Lot
Two Creeks Lot
31 Burnt Mountain Cir, Snowmass Village, CO 81615
Closed
Access: Snowmass
Two Creeks is closed for the 2025 summer season. We will see you when the lifts start running for the winter 2025-2026 season.
West Buttermilk
West Buttermilk
West Buttermilk Road, Aspen, Colorado 81611Closed
Access: Buttermilk
The West Buttermilk lot is closed for the 2025 summer season. See you for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Parking Lot Quick Directions
Aspen Highlands & Two Creeks Parking FAQ
How do I redeem my parking permit this season
Here’s how to get started:
1. Access the Portal
- Go to Aspen Snowmass Permit Portal on either a mobile or desktop device.
2. Select “Sign Up With Code”
- Enter your unique code (sent via email) and select Confirm Code.
3. Create Your Account
- Follow prompts to set up your account with the required personal information.
4. Register Your Permit
- Once logged in, navigate to Permits and select Register/Manage Permits.
- Click on Register a Vehicle Permit.
5. Assign a Vehicle
- Your associated permit will display. Select your permit.
- Click +Add a New Vehicle and enter your vehicle information.
- Ensure the license plate number has no dashes or spaces.
6. Complete Registration
- Enter your full name and email for permit management purposes and select Register Permit.
You will receive a confirmation message: "Congrats! You have successfully registered your permit."
Are the first 30 minutes still free at Aspen Highlands
When your license plate is scanned at Aspen Highlands it starts a parking session. You must pay within the first 30 minutes, or the first 30 mins are complimentary if you enter and exit within 30 minutes.
How do I pay for parking?
QR codes are located on signs throughout the lots for guests to pay via their phones. There in no need to download an app, the QR code sends guests directly to the payment portal. In addition, there is a kiosk at the entrance to Aspen Highlands Center building from garage and three kiosks at Two Creeks – two in the main plaza between the buildings accessible from the front lot, and one at the front of the side lot near the base of the lift.
Can I have two cars in the lot at once if I have a season pass that allows for two vehicles
No, only one vehicle is active at a given time. If you plan on using two vehicles on the same day, you will need to pay for the inactive vehicle. If you are using your second vehicle, you will need to go into the portal and make that the active vehicle. That vehicle will stay active until you change it.
How do I switch between two vehicles registered on my season pass
Go into the portal and you will see which vehicle is active. If you need to switch, just click on the other vehicle. It will stay active until it is changed.
Can I register all three vehicles I use during winter on my season pass
You can register a maximum of two vehicles at a time, and only one can be active at any given time. If you need to add a third (or fourth) vehicle, you will need to remove one of the existing ones. It can easily be added back at a later time by removing another vehicle.
Why is the parking process changing
Most municipalities and parking lot operators are moving to license plate-based parking systems to improve the customer experience and take advantage of new technologies. By switching to the new process, Aspen Snowmass will eliminate paper tickets at both locations and ease congestion as guests exit the lot at Highlands.
Can I still get free parking for four or more occupants
Getting Around Without a Car
White public bus with blue and purple stripes drives at the camera, "Maroon Bells" shows on the screen, and the maroon bells rise up behind the bus
Pedestrian-friendly streets, free shuttles, reliable public transportation and numerous limo and taxi companies make sure that you can ditch the car for your visit.
RFTA Bus System
Roaring Fork Transit Authority
The RFTA or Roaring Fork Transit Authority (which locals simply call “Rafta”) has routes to all four mountains, around town, downvalley, and most places in between. Convenient schedules and (more importantly ski and snowboard racks) make them a popular choice for visiting the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass. Enjoy your après cocktail worry-free knowing your Designated Driver is arriving every 15 minutes to shuttle you home!
Visit RFTA’s website to learn more about schedules and fares.
You can receive estimated arrival times by text message with RFTA SMS Text Schedules. You can get information online in advance of your trip or find information on how to text at any posted bus stop!
Quick Guide to RFTA
Traveling from mountain to mountain? Use the 4-Mountain Connector route
Traveling around Aspen? Use the City of Aspen route
Traveling around Snowmass Village? Use the Snowmass Village route
Traveling to Aspen from Down Valley? Use the VelociRFTA: Bus Rapid Transit route
Hotel Shuttles
On Bike
In summer, Four Mountain Sports rents cruiser, road and mountain bikes for getting around. Even the Limelight Hotel Aspen offers complimentary cruiser bikes to guests.
On Foot
In Snowmass Village, the Mall and Base Village areas are also perfect for strolling.
Taxi / Limo Service
• Aspen Limo Services
• High Mountain Taxi
• Corporate Transportation Specialists - CTS Aspen
• Nomi Limo