Getting from Denver to Keystone

The Route

From DEN, head west on I-70. You'll climb through the foothills, pass Idaho Springs, and go through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel — the highest point on the US Interstate Highway System at 11,158 feet. After the tunnel, take Exit 205 for US-6 East toward Keystone. The resort is about 6 miles from the exit.

Our condo at Silver Mill in River Run Village has free covered parking in a heated underground garage, so you don't need to worry about snow on your car.

Drive Times (Be Realistic)

Friday afternoon and Sunday afternoon I-70 traffic is legendary in Colorado. If you're arriving on a Friday, try to leave Denver before noon or after 7 PM. For Sunday returns, leave the mountains before 10 AM or after 5 PM.

Winter Driving Tips

• →Traction Law: Colorado's Traction Law can be activated on I-70 between September 1 and May 31. When active, your vehicle must have snow tires, tires with the mud/snow designation, or a 4WD/AWD system with adequate tread. OR carry chains.
• →Rental cars: If renting, request AWD or 4WD. Most Denver airport rental agencies have them. A front-wheel-drive sedan with all-season tires can make it in dry conditions but is risky in snow.
• →Gas up before the mountains. Fill up in Denver or Idaho Springs. Gas stations in Summit County charge a premium.
• →Check conditions before you go: Call 511 or visit COtrip.org for real-time conditions, closures, and traction law status.

If you'd rather not drive — especially in winter — airport shuttles run daily from DEN to Keystone. The major operators:

• → Epic Mountain Express: Shared-ride vans and private SUVs. Door-to-door service to Keystone. Epic Pass holders get a 20% discount. 4WD vehicles available.
• → Summit Express: Private and shared shuttles from DEN to all Summit County resorts.

Shared rides are typically $70–100 per person each way. Private SUVs run $300–400+ each way but seat up to 6 passengers, making them competitive for groups. Book in advance during peak ski weeks — slots fill up.

Colorado's state-run Bustang service runs buses from Denver to the mountains along the I-70 corridor. The West Line connects Denver Union Station to Frisco Transfer Center, where you connect to the free Summit Stage bus to Keystone.

During ski season, the Snowstang service offers direct ski-day buses to multiple resorts. Check their website for current routes and schedules.

Bustang is the budget option — fares are typically under $20 each way. Buses have Wi-Fi, bike/ski racks, and are comfortable for the 2-hour ride. The downside: limited schedules and you'll need the local bus connection from Frisco to Keystone.

You don't need a car once you're at Keystone. Here's why:

• →Summit Stage: Free public bus connecting Keystone, Breckenridge, Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco. Runs daily, year-round.
• →Keystone Resort shuttle: Free shuttle within the resort area.
• →Walking: If you stay in River Run Village, the gondola, restaurants, shops, and bars are all walkable. Our condo is a 2-minute walk from the gondola base.
• →Uber/Lyft: Available in Summit County, though wait times and availability vary. More reliable in town than at remote trailheads.

Idaho Springs (Exit 240) — 40 min from DEN

Last real town before the mountains. Good stop for gas (cheaper than Summit County), coffee, and the famous Beau Jo's Colorado-style pizza if you're hungry. Also has the Indian Hot Springs if you want to break up the drive.

Eisenhower Tunnel (Mile 213) — 60 min from DEN

The highest point on the Interstate Highway System at 11,158 feet. You'll pass through the 1.7-mile twin-bore tunnel under the Continental Divide. Once you emerge on the west side, you're in Summit County — Keystone is 15 minutes away.

Silverthorne Outlets (Exit 205) — 75 min from DEN

Right off the highway at your exit. The Outlets at Silverthorne have North Face, Patagonia, Nike, and other outdoor brands. Useful if you forgot gear or want to grab layers before hitting the slopes.