A Locals Guide on Where to Park in Aspen

Vacation Prep

There are many options for exploring the Aspen area once you are here. Aspen has multiple choices for getting around town, from public transportation to bike rentals to walking around. However, if you choose to drive, we have some recommendations on where to park in Aspen.

Downtown Parking

Parking rates for downtown vary by season and time of day. Aspen’s Parking Department is available for questions, and they are stringent on monitoring and enforcing on-street parking programs, so be wary. Parking is enforced from 10:00 am to 5:59 pm, and there is a 4-hour parking limit.

Peak Season Rates

June–September & December–March
Monday–Saturday (Max 4 hrs/day) 

10:00 am – 10:59 am: $4/hr

11:00 am – 2:59 pm: $6/hr

3:00 pm – 5:59 pm: $4/hr

Off-Season Rates

April–May & October–November
Monday–Friday (Max 4 hrs/day) 

10:00 am – 10:59 am: $2/hr

11:00 am – 2:59 pm: $4/hr

3:00 pm – 5:59 pm: $2/hr

Free Downtown Parking Options

FREE 15-minute parking available via PayByPhone (one per day)

FREE between 6 pm – 2:59 am, 7 am – 9:59 am (no parking 3-7 am to allow for street cleaning & snow plowing)

FREE Sundays & Holidays (see below for qualifying days)
 

For questions, please call (970) 429-1761 or email parking@aspen.gov

Residential Parking

Residential zones are located just outside of downtown. Free 2-hour parking is available in residential zones, with free Saturdays and Sundays year-round. Please note that only one free 2-hour session/day/zone is available.

To purchase a full-day pass for these zones for $8 using the PayByPhone app or text ASPEN2 to 25023.

Rio Grande Parking Garage

Located one block off Main Street at 425 Rio Grande Place, this parking garage provides covered parking 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Discounted passes are also available. 

For more information on the Rio Grande Parking Garage, call (970) 920-5430 or click here.

PARKING PRICING:

0-1 Hours $2

1-2 Hours $4 

2-3 Hours $6

3-24 Hours (Daily Max) $12 

Free from 5 pm to 5 am 

Free Sundays

Free Holidays 

DISCOUNT PASSES:

$60 10-Visit Pass

$120 20-Visit Pass

From the plaza, the free Galena Street Shuttle provides convenient service to Aspen's downtown core and Aspen Mountain from 8:15 am to 5 pm during the winter.

Carpool Parking

FREE carpool parking permits for residential zones are available for carpools of two or more adults of driving age. Daily passes are available at the Parking Kiosk at the Brush Creek Park & Ride. For more information on the carpooling program, call (970) 920-5038.

Accessible Parking

There are several ADA spaces available in Aspen. ADA-permitted vehicles may park in any legal parking space free of charge with no time restrictions. 

How to Pay

The easiest way to pay for parking is by downloading and using the PayByPhone app. You can also pay at one of our conveniently located pay stations. The process for both is straightforward:

TEXT2PARK

For Downtown: Text ASPEN1 to 25023

For Residential: Text ASPEN2 to 25023

PAY BY PHONE

PayByPhone, the cashless parking app used in Aspen, texts “expiring meter” reminders and helps avoid parking tickets.

Download in APP Store: PayByPhone app 

Enter location: Downtown (2400), Residential (2401)

Choose duration

Confirm payment

PayByPhone App Parking Codes:

2400 – Downtown location (4-hour max per day)

2401 – Residential location ($8 per day)

2514 – FREE 15 minutes (can only be used once a day)

2515 – 15-minute parking for $0.50 (can only be used once a day)

2516 – 30-minute parking for $1 (can only be used once a day)

VIA PAY STATION

Follow prompts

Enter license plate #

No need to display your ticket on the dash

Parking Lot Status

Searching for parking is frustrating, and lots get full during peak times and on powder days. There are several parking lots around the Aspen Snowmass area, but they fill up quickly. You can now check the Aspen Snowmass App to see the status of parking at your favorite parking lot. If your favorite lot is full, re-route to the nearest lot with our help.

Lot status is reported daily between 8 am and 1 pm at Aspen Highlands Parking Garage, Buttermilk Parking Lot, Two Creeks Parking Lot, and the Town Park Parking Lot. After noon, parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The app is available for free download in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Download today to get ready for helpful parking information and more.

Getting Around without a Car

Aspen Snowmass prides itself on limiting the need for car transportation with pedestrian-friendly streets, free shuttles, a seamless bus system, numerous limo and taxi companies, and new ride-sharing options. With plenty of things to do here and many ways to get there, you can easily forego the car and get to your destination if you decide to do so.

Come Explore and Stay with Us

Whether you explore Aspen by car or via one of the other options, let Alpine Property host you at one of our beautiful vacation rentals. With all of the comforts of home plus the finest amenities, you can enjoy ski-in, ski-out access, mountain views, elegant decor, comfortable furnishings, private hot tubs, pools, fully-equipped kitchens, wood-burning fireplaces, and high-speed internet. We offer rentals in Aspen and Snowmass that can accommodate any group size. 

Browse our rentals in Aspen and Snowmass to find your perfect home away from home. When you are ready to book a stay with us, call 1-866-209-1540.

Get in touch with us