Origin
Broomfield, CO
Afternoon in Broomfield on Sunday
Local time
3:55 PM
MDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Broomfield, CO to Fort Carson, CO
Drive Time
1h 52m
Distance
94 mi
151 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 44m
★
6 AM
1h 53m
8 AM
2h 9m
10 AM
1h 58m
12 PM
1h 57m
3 PM
1h 59m
5 PM
2h 8m
8 PM
1h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Broomfield, CO
Anastasia Shuraeva
Fort Carson, CO
Jacob Moore
Trip Overview
Spanning 94 miles, this direct route from Broomfield to Fort Carson is a straightforward trek through the Mountain West. You should anticipate a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes, making this an ideal candidate for a single-day trip. With a fuel cost estimated at $14, it is an affordable journey that stays entirely within Colorado. You will navigate a mix of thoroughfares, including the North Valley Highway, the Denver–Boulder Turnpike, and the Monument Valley Freeway. Because the distance is relatively short, you won't need to worry about overnight logistics or mid-route lodging. It is a practical, utilitarian drive that gets you from the northern suburbs to the southern military installation efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
47 miles from Broomfield, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 55m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your attention as you navigate through the region. Only 18% of this trip consists of highway driving, meaning you will spend the bulk of your time on local roads rather than high-speed interstates. The most significant portion of your time behind the wheel will be spent on the North Valley Highway, which covers a 68.1-mile stretch. You will experience a transition from the turn-heavy local segments into the flow of the Monument Valley Freeway. This route lacks the monotony of a long-haul interstate cruise, instead offering a more varied driving experience that keeps you engaged with the changing road layout.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
North Valley Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 68.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 West 3rd Avenue.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 94 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West 3rd Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 1 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West 3rd Avenue
At end of road, turn right onto West 3rd Avenue
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
6
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Keep slight left at fork toward CO 121 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward CO 121 South
7
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Turn left toward US 36 East: Denver
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward US 36 East: Denver
8
8.9 mi into trip
|
~12m 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 none lane.
Toward I 25: Denver, Fort Collins
8
86.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 39m in
Take the exit toward CO 115 South: Tejon Street, Nevada Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 140
Toward CO 115 South: Tejon Street, Nevada Avenu...
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Broomfield, CO to Fort Carson, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Collins along the way.
Fort Collins
8.9 mi in
|
~12m
|
via US 36
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Valley Highway | 68.1 mi | 1h 15m |
| Denver–Boulder Turnpike | 8.7 mi | 10m |
| Monument Valley Freeway | 7.8 mi | 9m |
| South Nevada Avenue | 5.4 mi | 8m |
| Nelson Boulevard | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| CO 121 | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| Wetzel Avenue | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| I 25 | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
North Valley Highway
— 68.1 mi, about 1h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Broomfield, CO and Fort Carson, CO.
1
Start on this road
192 ft
·
16 sec
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto West 3rd Avenue
273 ft
·
19 sec
·
West 3rd Avenue
3
Turn left onto Nickel Street
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Nickel Street
4
Turn right onto US 287
140 ft
·
3 sec
·
US 287
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
Toward CO 121 South
6
Turn straight onto CO 121
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
CO 121
Use the none lane.
7
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward US 36 East: Denver
Use the left lane.
8
Merge onto US 36
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the none lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the none lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the none lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Toward I 25: Denver, Fort Collins
Use the none lane.
13
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I 25 south: Denver
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 25
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
I 25
Toward I 25 south: Denver
15
Merge onto I 25; US 87
68 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
North Valley Highway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 25
7.8 mi
·
9 min
·
Monument Valley Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 140
Toward CO 115 South: Tejon Street, Nevada Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Turn right onto CO 115
5.4 mi
·
8 min
·
South Nevada Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Turn left onto Nelson Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
Nelson Boulevard
Use the left lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto Nelson Boulevard
102 ft
·
2 sec
·
Nelson Boulevard
21
Keep slight left at fork onto Nelson Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Nelson Boulevard
22
Enter roundabout onto Nelson Boulevard
142 ft
·
3 sec
·
Nelson Boulevard
23
Continue on Nelson Boulevard
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Nelson Boulevard
24
Turn right onto Wetzel Avenue
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Wetzel Avenue
25
Turn left onto Prussman Avenue
42 ft
·
1 sec
·
Prussman Avenue
26
Arrive at destination
Prussman Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a sub-two-hour drive, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around local traffic patterns. You do not need to schedule formal stops, as the 94-mile distance is easily manageable in one continuous push. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before you head out, as the $14 estimate provides a good baseline for your budget. If you are heading out during peak hours, remember that the heavy reliance on local roads means you should account for potential congestion. Given the turn-heavy nature of the route, stay alert for navigation changes as you transition between the North Valley Highway and the Monument Valley Freeway.
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 47 miles from Broomfield, CO, or about 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68.1 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 80 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 47 miles or 55m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fort Carson, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Broomfield, CO so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Broomfield, CO
This is one driving day of about 94 miles and 1h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Broomfield, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on North Valley Highway for about 68.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 47 mi from Broomfield, CO · 55m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
47 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 47 miles from Broomfield, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before North Valley Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 68.1 miles.
Arriving in Fort Carson, CO
The final approach into Fort Carson, CO usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Fort Carson, CO.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.24 one way
$28.49 round trip
$3.85/gal
25.4 MPG avg
33 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.08 | $15.11 | $30.23 |
| premium | $4.43 | $16.41 | $32.81 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $20.88 | $41.77 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.61
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
(8.7 mi)
$0.61
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
$14
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 32.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 28.2 | 0 | $9.87 | $4.51 |
| Efficient EV | 23.5 | 0 | $8.23 | $3.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 37.6 | 0 | $13.16 | $6.02 |
Gas CO2
33 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Fort Carson, CO
Afternoon in Fort Carson on Sunday
Local time
3:55 PM
MDT
Current temp
64°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
22 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 52m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Broomfield, CO to Fort Carson, CO covers 94 miles and takes about 1h 52m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are North Valley Highway, Denver–Boulder Turnpike, Monument Valley Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 47 miles from Broomfield, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.24 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 94 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West 3rd Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 1 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Broomfield, CO to Fort Carson, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Collins along the way.
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