Aspen to Crested Butte or Crested Butte to Aspen Private Transfer | Pearl Pass Shuttle
Private SUV transfer between Aspen and Crested Butte — in both directions. Bikes included.
Where Mountain Biking Was Born
In 1976, a group of riders from Crested Butte loaded their modified Schwinn bikes and pedaled over Pearl Pass to Aspen. It was one of the first organized mountain bike rides in history. Every trail you've ever ridden traces its roots back to that crossing — right here, between these two towns.
Today, the Pearl Pass Tour runs every September: 38 miles, 12,705 feet at the summit, one of the most iconic point-to-point rides in Colorado. And when you finish on the other side, Aspen Moments picks you up.
How It Works
Whether you need a transfer from Aspen to Crested Butte or from Crested Butte to Aspen — for Pearl Pass, hiking, or simply a day trip — we handle the logistics so you don't have to.
The base price of $960 covers a one-way transfer between your hotel in Aspen or Snowmass Village and Crested Butte — in either direction.
If your trip includes an Ashcroft Trailhead pickup or dropoff, we add $100 to cover the extra distance on Castle Creek Road. Here are the two scenarios:
- Aspen/Snowmass → Ashcroft → Pearl Pass → Crested Butte ($1,060): We pick you up at your hotel, drop you at Ashcroft to start Pearl Pass, and pick you up in Crested Butte when you finish. If you make your own way to Ashcroft and only need pickup in Crested Butte, the price is $960.
- Crested Butte → Pearl Pass → Ashcroft → Aspen/Snowmass ($1,060): We pick you up at your hotel, drop you in Crested Butte to start Pearl Pass from that side, and pick you up at Ashcroft when you finish and bring you back to your hotel. If you make your own way down from Ashcroft and only need the dropoff in Crested Butte, the price is $960.
Bikes included. We carry up to 6 full-size mountain bikes at no extra charge. If you're bringing a full group with bikes, let us know in advance so we have the rack ready.
The Route
Pearl Pass itself — the historic dirt crossing directly between Ashcroft and Crested Butte — is only accessible by high-clearance 4WD, by bike, or on foot. For the Aspen to Crested Butte or Crested Butte to Aspen transfer by SUV, we take the paved route via Carbondale.
- Main route via Carbondale: 104 miles, approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. Paved, year-round access.
- Scenic alternative via Independence Pass: Add about 40 minutes but cross one of Colorado's most iconic passes at 12,095 feet. Available June–October when the pass is open. Worth it if you're not in a hurry.
Options & Pricing
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Aspen / Snowmass → Crested Butte (one way) | $960 |
| Crested Butte → Aspen / Snowmass (one way) | $960 |
| Including Ashcroft Trailhead pickup or dropoff | $1,060 |
| Full day trip: Aspen → Crested Butte → Aspen | $1,750 |
Up to 6 passengers. Up to 6 bicycles included. Available 24 hours a day, year-round.
Wait Time Policy
Long trails mean unpredictable finishing times. A flat tire, a tough section, a slower pace than expected — it happens. Here's how we handle it:
At Ashcroft: When we arrange a pickup time, we include a 30-minute grace period at no charge. If you run over by more than 30 minutes, we charge $95/hour (billed per minute) for the additional wait time. We recommend building in a buffer when booking.
In Crested Butte: If you'd like to stop for food or a beer before heading back to Aspen, we're happy to wait. Wait time in Crested Butte is charged at $95/hour, billed per minute from the moment we arrive.
After the Ride
Your friends who did Pearl Pass before will tell you the same thing: you finish hungry, thirsty, and completely wrecked in the best way possible. Crested Butte town has exactly what you need — craft beer, good food, a chance to sit down and actually process what you just did.
Full Day Trip to Crested Butte
Not doing Pearl Pass but want to spend a day in Crested Butte? We'll take you there from Aspen in the morning, give you time to explore the town, hike, eat, or just wander — and bring you back to Aspen in the evening. No need to drive, no need to coordinate two separate bookings.
$1,750 round trip — significantly less than two separate one-way transfers.
Winter Transfers
Most operators don't offer the Crested Butte to Aspen or Aspen to Crested Butte route in winter. We do. The route via Carbondale stays accessible year-round, though conditions and timing vary. Contact us to discuss winter availability.
Book Your Transfer
Ready to go? Book your Aspen to Crested Butte or Crested Butte to Aspen transfer directly, or contact us with your dates, group size, and whether you're bringing bikes.