How to get to Gaylord Rockies from Denver International Airport (DEN)
From Denver International Airport (DEN) you can reach Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center by taxi or rideshare (typical 10–16 minutes), by rental car, or by taking the RTD A-Line train one stop to 61st & Peña station and catching the Gaylord Rockies shuttle (hotel shuttle runs about every 30 minutes). The property does not provide a complimentary airport shuttle directly from DEN terminals.
In this guide
- Overview: location and timing
- Train + hotel shuttle (cost-conscious and reliable)
- Taxi or rideshare (fastest door-to-door)
- Driving & rental cars — directions and parking
- Arrival at Gaylord Rockies — check‑in, luggage, and access
- Family notes: water park access and kids’ logistics
- Practical tips and final checks before travel
Overview: location and timing
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is located at 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd in Aurora (postal code 80019). The resort sits off E‑470 and is marketed as a Denver‑area property but is physically in Aurora.
Drive times from DEN commonly quoted range from about 10–16 minutes depending on traffic and route; published hotel materials list roughly 6.3 miles from the airport. There is no complimentary shuttle that meets passengers at DEN terminals.
- Address: 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora, CO 80019
- Reported distance from DEN: about 6.3 miles (drive time commonly 10–16 minutes)
- Property sits off highway E‑470
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Denver International Airport (DEN) |
| Typical drive time | 10–16 minutes (variable) |
| On-site parking | Self and valet options (fees apply) |
Train + hotel shuttle (cost-conscious and reliable)
Take the RTD A‑Line from DEN to 61st & Peña station. Trains run roughly every 15 minutes during the day; the A‑Line runs between DEN and Union Station and operates late into the night (hours vary by schedule).
From 61st & Peña the resort operates a free shuttle that meets passengers and runs approximately every 30 minutes from about 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM. The shuttle is the hotel’s connection — confirm current shuttle hours before travel.
- A‑Line fare from DEN: a fare is required (trip cost is published; check RTD for current price).
- Station to hotel shuttle: free and typically every 30 minutes (hotel‑operated).
- This option avoids taxi/rideshare surge pricing and airport curb queues.
| Step | Notes |
|---|---|
| Buy A‑Line ticket at DEN | Confirm current RTD fare and any pass options |
| Ride to 61st & Peña | One stop from the Jeppesen Terminal complex |
| Take hotel shuttle | Shuttle is free; check hotel for exact pick‑up point and schedule |
Taxi or rideshare (fastest door-to-door)
Taxis and rideshare services pick up at DEN (typically on the Jeppesen Terminal curb/Level 5 for taxis; rideshare pick‑up zones vary). Taxi fares have been reported in guides as averaging about $28 each way to Gaylord Rockies, but fares fluctuate with traffic and provider.
Rideshare apps (Uber/Lyft) provide a direct trip to the resort; during busy times surge pricing can raise costs. Expect a similar 10–16 minute travel time under normal traffic conditions.
- Taxis: curb pick‑up at Jeppesen Terminal Level 5 (confirm current taxi staging at DEN).
- Rideshare: request pick‑up at DEN rideshare zone; check app for pickup location.
- Cost: variable; taxi fares reported around $28 each way (subject to change).
| Option | Typical benefit | Typical drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Simple curb pickup | Fare estimates vary; queuing at airport possible |
| Rideshare | App-based payment and tracking | Surge pricing during peak times |
| Private car / limo | Door-to-door service, pre-bookable | Higher cost |
Driving & rental cars — directions and parking
All major rental‑car companies operate from DEN. From the airport, follow Peña Boulevard and use E‑470 to reach the Gaylord Rockies exit; actual driving directions depend on current road conditions and GPS guidance.
The resort offers both self‑parking and valet; parking fees apply and reported nightly rates vary by source and date, so check with the resort for current parking pricing and availability.
- On‑site self‑parking and valet are available (fees apply).
- Rental cars: major companies operate at DEN Rental Car Center (use airport guidance for pick‑up/drop‑off).
- If you plan to drive into downtown Denver, allow roughly 30 minutes from the resort under normal traffic.
| Parking type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Self‑parking | Fee applies; in/out privileges reported on hotel pages |
| Valet parking | Fee applies; check hotel for daily rate |
| Rental cars | Hertz has on‑site options; full roster of companies at DEN |
Arrival at Gaylord Rockies — check‑in, luggage, and access
Standard check‑in time at Gaylord Rockies is 4:00 PM and check‑out is 11:00 AM. The resort offers Mobile Check‑In/Check‑Out and a Mobile Key via its app to open guest rooms and access public areas.
You will be asked for a photo ID and credit card at check‑in. The property operates as a cashless property, accepting cards and mobile payments; if you must use cash the hotel provides a way to convert cash into gift cards.
- Check‑in: 4:00 PM; check‑out: 11:00 AM.
- Mobile Check‑In/Key available — download the hotel app before arrival if you prefer contactless access.
- Hotel phone for assistance (BookResorts agents, 24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350.
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| ID & card | Photo ID and credit card required at check‑in |
| Cash | Property is cashless; cash can be converted to gift cards |
| Minimum check‑in age | Minimum age to check in is 21 |
Family notes: water park access and kids’ logistics
Registered overnight guests have exclusive access to Arapahoe Springs Water Park. The water park includes indoor and heated outdoor pools, water slides, whirlpools, and a seasonal lazy river; some attractions have height or supervision rules.
Cabanas at the water park are seasonal and require reservations. Check current hours and any age/height rules (for example, slide height rules can be enforced at the attraction) before arrival.
- Arapahoe Springs access is included for registered overnight guests as part of resort amenities (confirm any fee details with the hotel).
- Lazy river is seasonal; indoor waterpark runs year‑round but hours may vary.
- Cabanas are available seasonally and require reservations.
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Indoor water park | Open year‑round; hours may vary |
| Heated outdoor pool & lazy river | Outdoor lazy river is seasonal |
| Cabanas | Available seasonally; reserve in advance |
Practical tips and final checks before travel
Confirm shuttle hours and train schedules before travel — RTD fares, shuttle times and hotel shuttle frequency can change. If arriving very late or very early, verify shuttle availability or pre‑book a taxi/rideshare.
If you need specific room types, the property lists many room names (examples: Deluxe Room, Junior Suite, Executive Suite, Room, with Sofa bed). Use the exact room name when booking or when asking the front desk to avoid confusion.
- Double‑check RTD A‑Line schedules and fare information on the RTD or airport websites.
- If you need accessible transportation, ask the hotel about shuttle accessibility or arrange a reachable taxi/rideshare.
- Keep the resort phone number handy: +1 (888) 605-1350 for BookResorts agents available 24/7.
| Before you go | Quick checklist |
|---|---|
| Shuttle | Confirm hotel shuttle hours and pick‑up location at 61st & Peña |
| Train fare | Purchase A‑Line ticket at DEN if using train + shuttle |
| Parking / rental car | Reserve rental car or confirm parking rates |
