Glenwood Springs is a great place to start from with many things to do, such as enjoying the world famous hot springs, shopping and dining. The ride up the valley toward Aspen on Hwy 82 can be busy at times, so try to avoid the rush hours. Aspen in the summer is a cool town with it's many cafe's and great shopping, but plan on paying top dollar for everything.
After you pass through the town staying on Hwy 82, you'll start heading up the road that takes you over Independence Pass. Along the way there are many places to stop and see, such as the ice caves, old ghost towns and of course, places to take in the scenery.
As you get to the end of the last valley, you'll start up the switchbacks that take you over the top. (Watch for sand and rocks that might have fallen into the road.) There are several small pull offs as you go up, and when you get to the top there is a large parking lot and places to take pictures. (Remember when traveling over this pass to take your leathers, even in the summer.)
The road has several switchbacks on the way down, and at one point has you riding on the side of a cliff with no guardrail. Once you get down into the valley, Hwy. 82 meanders through the pine forest and along the river towards Twin Lakes. In the little town of Twin Lakes there is a cafe' and a few small stores, and just down the road is the marina, where you can rent a boat.
At the intersection of Hwy 82 and Hwy. 24, you'll make a left and head up the valley with the Arkansas River to your right, and the Collegiate Peaks on the left. The ride takes you through steep rocky canyons and green mountain valleys, where there are many ranches.
When you arrive in Leadville, make a left on Second street, and stop in at the Pastime Cafe' & Saloon, where you'll get 15% off your food with your coupon. Leadville also has a historic train that you can ride, and a town that has some interesting stores and bars, like the Silver Dollar, which was frequented by some famous old west characters.
Leaving Leadville on Hwy. 24 will take you past where the 10th Mountain Division received their training in WW II . Watch for the pull off on the right that has an interesting display with pictures of what it looked like during that time.
You'll also go over Tennessee Pass before you make your way down into the town of Minturn. On the far end of town, is where you can find Chily Willy's, which is a great place to enjoy a cocktail and some Tex Mex food on the open deck. And don't forget to use your coupon to recieve your 10% off your food and drink.
At Minturn, you'll intersect the interstate, or you can stay on the frontage road, Hwy. 6, which runs along the river and through many little towns. At Gypsum, you'll have to get on the interstate, and although most of us avoid them, this ride will take you through Glenwood Canyon. If you have the time, stop at Hanging Lakes, put on your hiking shoes and climb the trail to one of the most beautiful places you'll ever see.
Getting back on the slab, you'll soon arrive in Glenwood Springs for some good food and a soak in the hot springs.

Aspen to Leadville
1: Start out going SOUTHEAST on RIO GRANDE PL toward E BLEEKER ST. 0.1 miles
2: RIO GRANDE PL becomes E BLEEKER ST. <0.1 miles
3: Stay STRAIGHT to go onto N SPRING ST. <0.1 miles
4: Turn LEFT onto E MAIN ST / CO-82. Continue to follow CO-82. 0.2 miles
5: Turn LEFT onto E COOPER AVE / CO-82. Continue to follow CO-82 (Portions may be closed seasonally). 42.9 miles
6: Turn LEFT onto US-24. 15.1 miles
7: Turn RIGHT onto E 8TH ST. <0.1 miles
8: End at Leadville, CO US
Total Est. Time: 1 hour, 48 minutes Total Est. Distance: 58.51 miles

Leadville to Gypsum
1: Start out going EAST on E 8TH ST toward POPLAR ST. <0.1 miles
2: Turn LEFT onto POPLAR ST. 0.4 miles
3: POPLAR ST becomes US-24. 0.5 miles
4: Turn LEFT to stay on US-24. 31.3 miles
5: US-24 becomes US-6. 3.2 miles
6: Enter next roundabout and take 2nd exit onto US-6 / HWY 6 & 24. 1.0 miles
7: Enter next roundabout and take 2nd exit onto US-6. Pass through 1 roundabout. 27.5 miles
8: End at Gypsum, CO US
Total Est. Time: 1 hour, 31 minutes Total Est. Distance: 64.32 miles

Gypsum to Glenwood Springs
1: Start out going NORTHWEST on US-6 toward TRAIL GULCH RD. 0.3 miles
2: Enter next roundabout and take 2nd exit onto US-6. 0.1 miles
3: Merge onto I-70 W / US-6 W via the ramp on the LEFT toward GRAND JUNCTION. 23.7 miles
4: Take EXIT 116 toward CO-82 E / GLENWOOD SPGS / ASPEN. 0.1 miles
5: Turn RIGHT onto NORTH RIVER DR. <0.1 miles
6: NORTH RIVER DR becomes 6TH ST. 0.1 miles
7: Turn LEFT onto OLIVE ST. <0.1 miles
8: End at Glenwood Springs, CO US
Total Est. Time: 28 minutes Total Est. Distance: 24.61 miles