How to Use Park-and-Ride Services in Colorado’s Mountain Towns

Colorado’s mountain towns are tight on parking. Park-and-ride solves that — here’s how to use it.

1. What’s a Park-and-Ride?

A lot where you leave your car and hop on a shuttle or bus into:
- Town centers
- Ski resorts
- Festivals or trailheads

Often free or low-cost. Saves time, gas, and sanity.

2. Why Use It?

- Towns like Vail, Aspen, and Telluride are small
- Ski lots fill by 8am
- Avoid steep, icy side streets
- Shuttles are frequent and free

3. Key Town Locations

Vail:
- Overflow lots + Red Sandstone lot
- Free town buses run every 5–10 mins

Breckenridge:
- Airport Rd Park-and-Ride → gondola shuttle

Telluride:
- Park at Mountain Village → gondola to town

Aspen:
- Brush Creek Lot on Hwy 82 → free RFTA buses

Winter Park:
- Park at The Village or satellite lots → shuttle to lifts

Steamboat:
- Meadows Lot → free shuttle to base + downtown

4. Shuttle Basics

Most run:
- Every 15–30 mins
- Free
- Year-round or seasonal

Track with:
- Transit App
- Resort apps
- Posted signs at stops

5. Tips for First Timers

- Arrive early (especially ski weekends)
- Snap a pic of where you parked
- Bring snacks for shuttle waits
- Don’t bring open alcohol
- Be courteous to locals riding too

6. Overnight Rules

Most lots = no overnight stays

Exceptions:
- Some trailheads (with permit)
- Designated van/RV spots at a few resorts (check first)

7. Extend with Bustang + Pegasus

Use:
- Bustang to Frisco, Vail, Avon
- Then hop on Summit Stage or town shuttle

Great if avoiding I-70 altogether.

8. Gear Questions

Most buses allow:
- Skis + snowboards
- Bikes in summer (racks provided)

Check if hauling large bags or equipment.

9. Tip Your Driver

Optional but kind. Especially if:
- They help with gear
- It’s snowing like crazy
- They waited for you

10. Final Tip

Mountain parking is war. Avoid the battle. Use the lot, ride the shuttle, and enjoy the mountain like a local.