Travel
Travel Note
Fastest & Easiest : Flying into Aspen
The closest airport is Aspen (ASE), about a 30-minute drive from Carbondale. When flying into Aspen, we recommend connecting through Denver whenever possible. Aspen flights can be weather-dependent, and if anything goes sideways, getting to Denver at least gives you reliable backup options - renting a car or taking the Bustang shuttle (https://ridebustang.com/) to Glenwood Springs. From the Aspen airport, you can: - Rent a car - Or take the RFTA bus down valley to Basalt, Willits or Carbondale (https://www.rfta.com/). If you are staying at one of our hotel block hotels (The Hoffman Hotel or Element Basalt), your RFTA stop is either Willits UV or Willits DV (depending on the direction), and you can take the L, SMV or BRT bus. If you need any help, input the address into Google Maps, hit the public transportation icon, and RFTA bus times and names will pop up.
Travel Note
Most Scenic: Flying into Denver + Driving Independence Pass
If you’re up for a road trip, flying into Denver, renting a car, and driving over Independence Pass is the most scenic option, and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the country. The route winds through alpine lakes, wild wild west towns (ie Leadville) and dramatic mountain views. Independence Pass reaches 12,095 feet so is one of the highest paved passes in the U.S (FUN FACT). Plan for about 3.5-4 hours of driving, plus extra time if you stop and take pics along the way.
Travel Note
Most Budget-Friendly: Flying into Denver + Bus
For a more affordable, low-stress option: - Fly into Denver (DEN) - Take the Bustang from the airport to Glenwood Springs: https://ridebustang.com/ From Glenwood Springs, transfer to the RFTA bus to Basalt, Willits or Carbondale: https://www.rfta.com/ This option takes longer, but it’s reliable and doesn’t require driving mountain roads. If you are staying at one of our hotel block hotels (The Hoffman Hotel or Element Basalt), your RFTA stop is either Willits UV or Willits DV (depending on the direction), , and you can take the L, SMV or BRT bus. If you need any help, input the address into Google Maps, hit the public transportation icon, and RFTA bus times and names will pop up.
Travel Note
Where to stay
We have hotel room blocks at The Hoffman Hotel and Element Basalt, both located in the Willits area. We’ll be providing shuttles from a central, walkable location between those two hotels to our wedding venue, Spring Creeks Ranch in Carbondale, and back, so no one needs to worry about driving. If you prefer more space or a local feel, The Distillery Inn or an Airbnb in Carbondale is a great option! Carbondale is a very walkable, charming town and one of the best ways to experience mountain life while you’re here. For more budget-friendly hotel options, Comfort Inn & Suites Carbondale and Days Inn by Wyndham Carbondale are solid choices in Carbondale and right next to Spring Creeks Ranch (our wedding venue). Scroll down for a link to discounted rates at the Comfort Inn & Suites Carbondale. You can also stay in Aspen, which has fabulous hotels and aging celebrities, but keep in mind it’s more expensive and about a 40-minute drive from the venue. We won’t be providing shuttles to or from Aspen, so you’ll want to plan your own transportation. More hotel info below.
Hotel
The Hoffmann Hotel
Really nice hotel right in Willits! Walkable to our Welcome Party, and, we will be providing shuttles to and from Willits to our wedding. When you use the link below, at the top of the page, make sure you first enter the number of nights you will stay, the number of guests/rooms, and then click "UPDATE." Then, in the calendar, click on the day you will arrive.
Hotel
Element Basalt - Aspen
A nice option in Willits, and right across the street from our Welcome Party location. Note: we will be providing shuttles to and from Willits to our wedding.
Hotel
Comfort Inn & Suites Carbondale on the Roaring Fork
Solid budget-friendly option that is right next to our wedding venue. Please note: we will not be providing a shuttle from this hotel to our Welcome Party in Willits. However, you can hop on the RFTA bus to get to/from Willits.
Travel Note
Should I rent a car?
You generally don’t need to rent a car - the RFTA bus system runs frequently up and down the valley and is very user-friendly. And we plan on having shuttles between our hotels (The Hoffman Hotel and Element Basalt) and the wedding. That said, the bus mostly only follows the highway. If you plan on exploring beyond town (trails, hot springs, etc.), renting a car is a good idea. If you rent a car, and plan to drive to the wedding, there is parking on-site. If you do rent a car, Hertz, Avis, Budget and SIXT are available at the Aspen airport, and plenty of options are available at the Denver airport.
Travel Note
Are Ubers a thing?
Nope, not really. Sometimes they will pop up in the app, but you definitely cannot rely on them! You can schedule a taxi, to and from the airport for example, but these can be a bit pricey. The best local company is High Mountain Taxi: https://www.hmtaxi.com/ You can also catch a free ride within Carbondale or within Basalt using the Ride RF app. Hours are 9am-10pm on the weekends, and 7am-10pm M-F . Download the app here: https://apps.apple.com/il/app/ride-rf/id6745184259
