Trip.ovh US Road Trip Planner

Trip from Boulder, CO to Cimarron Hills, CO

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 59m

Distance

99.6 mi

160 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min

4 AM

1h 51m ★

6 AM

1h 59m

8 AM

2h 17m

10 AM

2h 5m

12 PM

2h 4m

3 PM

2h 6m

5 PM

2h 16m

8 PM

1h 54m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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city in and county seat of Boulder County, Colorado, United States

Boulder, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Cimarron Hills, CO, CO

Cimarron Hills, CO

Connor Scott McManus

Trip Overview

The drive from Boulder, CO to Cimarron Hills, CO covers 99.6 miles and takes about 1h 59m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on North Valley Highway, Denver–Boulder Turnpike, North Powers Boulevard for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly surface roads. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 63 miles on North Valley Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $15.01 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

49.8 miles from Boulder, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 58m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
North Valley Highway	63 mi	1h 9m
Denver–Boulder Turnpike	19.7 mi	23m
North Powers Boulevard	10.1 mi	13m
Interquest Parkway	1.9 mi	3m
Constitution Avenue	1.1 mi	2m
28th Street	0.8 mi	1m
Peterson Road	0.7 mi	1m
Arapahoe Avenue	0.6 mi	1m

Longest stretch: North Valley Highway — 63 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Boulder, CO and Cimarron Hills, CO.

1

Start on this road

87 ft · 6 sec · this road

2

Turn right onto 19th Street

143 ft · 13 sec · 19th Street

3

Turn left onto Arapahoe Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Arapahoe Avenue

Use the left / straight / right lanes.

4

Turn right onto US 36

0.8 mi · 1 min · 28th Street

5

Turn straight onto US 36

3.4 mi · 4 min · Denver–Boulder Turnpike

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

6

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36

1.7 mi · 1 min · Denver–Boulder Turnpike

7

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36

2.6 mi · 3 min · Denver–Boulder Turnpike

8

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36

2.4 mi · 2 min · Denver–Boulder Turnpike

9

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36

2.2 mi · 2 min · Denver–Boulder Turnpike

10

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36

1.9 mi · 2 min · Denver–Boulder Turnpike

11

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36

2.5 mi · 2 min · Denver–Boulder Turnpike

12

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36

2.0 mi · 2 min · Denver–Boulder Turnpike

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

13

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36

1.1 mi · 1 min · Denver–Boulder Turnpike

Toward I 25: Denver, Fort Collins Use the straight / slight right lanes.

14

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 47 sec

Toward I 25 south: Denver Use the straight / slight right lanes.

15

Continue on I 25

0.4 mi · 33 sec · I 25

Toward I 25 south: Denver

16

Merge onto I 25; US 87

63 mi · 1 hr 9 min · North Valley Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

17

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min

Exit 153 Toward Interquest Parkway Use the right lane.

18

Continue on Interquest Parkway

1.9 mi · 3 min · Interquest Parkway

Use the left lane.

19

Turn right onto CO 21

10 mi · 13 min · North Powers Boulevard

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

20

Turn left onto Constitution Avenue

1.1 mi · 2 min · Constitution Avenue

Use the left lane.

21

Turn right onto Peterson Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · Peterson Road

22

Turn left onto Palmer Park Boulevard

521 ft · 12 sec · Palmer Park Boulevard

23

Arrive at destination

Palmer Park Boulevard

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.

The halfway point lands around 49.8 miles from Boulder, CO, or about 58m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 22 miles or 27m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 49.8 miles or 58m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 33m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cimarron Hills, CO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Boulder, CO so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Boulder, CO

This is one driving day of about 99.6 miles and 1h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Boulder, CO.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on North Valley Highway for about 63 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Greenwood Village, CO, CO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Greenwood Village, CO

50 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Commerce City, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Meal break

The midpoint is around 49.8 miles from Boulder, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before North Valley Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 63 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Sushi Bistro TASUKI

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Boulder, Colorado

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Hours: 5–9:30 pm

+13034479718

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Denver, Colorado

1.3 mi

Sushi Bistro TASUKI

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Boulder, Colorado

Hours: 5–9:30 pm

+13034479718

Visit website

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $60 mile 28.4

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+13038930044

Visit website

Tikka & Grill, Nepali and Indian Food

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately mile 28.4

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm

+17204767144

Visit website

Old Town Hot Pot

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30 mile 35.6

Aurora, Colorado

Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm

+13036580870

Visit website

Nola Voodoo Tavern

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour Moderately mile 28.4

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17203899544

Visit website

Pearl Street Mall

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Boulder, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13034493774

Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 28.4

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+18666369969

Visit website

Rock Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 56.9

Castle Rock, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+17207332260

Visit website

Chautauqua Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Boulder, CO

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+13034137200

Visit website

Big Blue Bear

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 28.4

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

House Of Immersions

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 28.4

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 2–9:30 pm

+13037441008

Visit website

Larimer Square

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 28.4

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17208051973

Visit website

Castle Rock Adventure Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 56.9

Castle Rock, CO

+17207339477

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 85 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Arapahoe Avenue

Turn left onto Arapahoe Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight / right lanes.

6

18 mi into trip | ~22m in | US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

8

20 mi into trip | ~25m in | US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike toward I 25: Denver, Fort Collins

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 25: Denver, Fort Collins

6

21.1 mi into trip | ~26m in

Take the exit toward I 25 south: Denver

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 25 south: Denver

7

85 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in

Take the exit toward Interquest Parkway

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 153 Toward Interquest Parkway

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.01 one way

$30.01 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 35 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.05	$15.89	$31.78
premium	$4.39	$17.23	$34.46
diesel	$5.61	$21.99	$43.98

Estimated Tolls: $1.38

Denver–Boulder Turnpike (19.7 mi) $1.38

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$15

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 34.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	29.9	0	$10.46	$4.78
Efficient EV	24.9	0	$8.71	$3.98
EV Truck/SUV	39.8	0	$13.94	$6.37

Gas CO2

35 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Boulder, CO

Morning in Boulder on Saturday

Local time

11:34 AM

MDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cimarron Hills, CO

Morning in Cimarron Hills on Saturday

Local time

11:34 AM

MDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

2 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 59m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

National Monument

Beneath a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado lies one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world. Petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossil...

25 mi from route ~63 min detour $10 near mile 82.4

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

99.6 mi in 1h 59m across surface roads — expect steady turns and local traffic rather than long highway runs.

Only 22% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.

23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 63 mi on North Valley Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Arapahoe Avenue.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 99.6 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Arapahoe Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 18 miles (US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 20 miles (US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Boulder, CO to Cimarron Hills, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Collins along the way.

Fort Collins

20 mi in | ~25m | via US 36

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 59m. Total distance: 99.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 63 miles on North Valley Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.38 in tolls one way, starting with Denver–Boulder Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Cimarron Hills, CO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Arapahoe Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 18 miles (US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 20 miles (US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Cimarron Hills, CO before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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