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Trip from Denver, CO to Edwards, CO

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

2h 14m

Distance

110.6 mi

178 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 5m ★
6 AM
2h 14m
8 AM
2h 33m
10 AM
2h 21m
12 PM
2h 19m
3 PM
2h 22m
5 PM
2h 32m
8 PM
2h 9m

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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consolidated city-county and capital of Colorado, United States

Denver, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Edwards, CO, CO

Edwards, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 110.6-mile drive from Denver to Edwards, Colorado, will take you about 2 hours and 14 minutes. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey entirely within the Mountain West region, making it perfect for a single-day trip. You'll spend 97% of your time on major highways, with a significant 97.7-mile stretch on I-70. The estimated fuel cost is around $17, and with no designated stops, the flexibility is yours. This route offers a practical way to get from the Denver area into the heart of the Colorado mountains.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

55.3 miles from Denver, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 8m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 14m. Total distance: 110.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway experience, with 97% of the 110.6 miles on major roads like I-70 and West 6th Avenue Freeway. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a substantial 97.7 miles on I-70, meaning you'll be covering ground efficiently. While the highway focus suggests a consistent pace, the transition from urban freeways near Denver to the mountain corridor on I-70 will naturally alter the surroundings. This drive is about covering distance on well-maintained roads, allowing you to focus on the journey itself.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 70 is the longest continuous segment at about 97.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and West 6th Avenue Freeway. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near Grant Street.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 14m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (Grant Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.9 miles (East 8th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | Grant Street

Turn right onto Grant Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
0.9 mi into trip | ~2m in | East 8th Avenue

Turn right onto East 8th Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
6
11.4 mi into trip | ~17m in

Take the exit toward I 70 West: Grand Junction

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 70 West: Grand Junction
5
12.1 mi into trip | ~18m in | I 70

Merge onto I 70

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
110 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in | I 70 Business / Edwards Access Road

Enter roundabout onto I 70 Business / Edwards Access Road

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 70 97.7 mi 1h 54m
West 6th Avenue Freeway 9.5 mi 11m
East 8th Avenue 0.9 mi 2m
Grant Street 0.8 mi 1m
Edwards Access Road 0.6 mi 1m
North Kalamath Street 0.1 mi <1m
East Colfax Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 70 — 97.7 mi, about 1h 54m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Denver, CO and Edwards, CO.

1

Start on this road

379 ft · 29 sec · this road
2

Turn right

62 ft · 8 sec
3

Turn right onto I 70 Business; US 40; US 287

358 ft · 14 sec · East Colfax Avenue
4

Turn right onto Grant Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · Grant Street
Use the right lane.
5

Turn right onto East 8th Avenue

0.9 mi · 2 min · East 8th Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Continue on North Kalamath Street

0.1 mi · 22 sec · North Kalamath Street
7

Continue on 6

9.5 mi · 11 min · West 6th Avenue Freeway
Toward West 6th Avenue Freeway Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 55 sec
Toward I 70 West: Grand Junction Use the slight right lane.
9

Merge onto I 70

98 mi · 1 hr 54 min · I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward Edwards
11

Enter roundabout onto I 70 Business

250 ft · 5 sec · Edwards Access Road
12

Continue on I 70 Business

314 ft · 6 sec · Edwards Access Road
13

Enter roundabout onto I 70 Business

106 ft · 2 sec · Edwards Access Road
14

Continue on I 70 Business

301 ft · 6 sec · Edwards Access Road
15

Enter roundabout onto I 70 Business

76 ft · 1 sec · Edwards Access Road
16

Continue on I 70 Business

0.4 mi · 40 sec · Edwards Access Road
17

Turn right

211 ft · 15 sec
18

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour duration and 110.6-mile distance, this trip is easily manageable in one day. You can depart Denver at your leisure, but leaving in the morning will help you avoid potential afternoon traffic, especially as you merge onto I-70. With only 97% of the drive on highways and a 97.7-mile stretch on I-70, plan for your fuel and rest stops before you get deep into that long segment. The $17 fuel cost is a good budget to keep in mind. Consider a quick stop in a town along I-70 if you need a break before reaching Edwards.

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 55.3 miles from Denver, CO, or about 1h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97.7 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 24 miles or 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 55.3 miles or 1h 8m 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 50m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Denver, 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 Denver, CO

This is one driving day of about 110.6 miles and 2h 14m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Denver, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 70 for about 97.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 55.3 mi from Denver, CO · 1h 8m into the drive

Downtown Keystone, CO, CO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Keystone, CO

55 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

Applewood, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Idaho Springs, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 55.3 miles from Denver, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 70 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 97.7 miles.

Arriving in Edwards, CO

The final approach into Edwards, 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 Edwards, CO.

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

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Denver, Colorado

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $60

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+13038930044

Visit website

Phở Hậu Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lakewood, Colorado

1.8 mi

Nola Voodoo Tavern

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Denver, Colorado

2.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Hygge Life Shop & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Avon, Colorado

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 102.7

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19703315745

Visit website

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $60

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+13038930044

Visit website

Phở Hậu Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 7.9

Lakewood, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13039880755

Nola Voodoo Tavern

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17203899544

Visit website

Tikka & Grill, Nepali and Indian Food

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm

+17204767144

Visit website

Hygge Life Shop & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 102.7

Avon, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19703315745

Visit website

Civic Center Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+17209131311

Visit website

Big Blue Bear

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Frisco Historic Park and Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 71.1

Frisco, Colorado

Hours: Closed

+19706683428

Visit website

Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 31.6

Idaho Springs, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13035672421

Visit website

Epic Escape Game

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Denver, Colorado

+13033776060

Visit website

House Of Immersions

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 2–9:30 pm

+13037441008

Visit website

United States Mint Tour Entrance and Gift Shop

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+13035729500

Larimer Square

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17208051973

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.66 one way

$33.33 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 39 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $17.64 $35.29
premium $4.39 $19.13 $38.27
diesel $5.61 $24.42 $48.84

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 38.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 33.2 0 $11.61 $5.31
Efficient EV 27.7 0 $9.68 $4.42
EV Truck/SUV 44.2 0 $15.48 $7.08

Gas CO2

39 kg

EV CO2

13 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Denver, CO

Afternoon in Denver on Thursday

Local time

4:40 PM

MDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Edwards, CO

Afternoon in Edwards on Thursday

Local time

4:40 PM

MDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

60°F

Keystone, CO

55 mi in

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

18 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

2h 14m 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 Denver, CO to Edwards, CO covers 110.6 miles and takes about 2h 14m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 70, West 6th Avenue Freeway, East 8th Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 55.3 miles from Denver, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $16.66 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 straightforward 2h 14m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (Grant Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.9 miles (East 8th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Denver, CO to Edwards, CO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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