Origin
Edwards, CO
Evening in Edwards on Sunday
Local time
5:07 PM
MDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Edwards, CO to Castle Rock, CO
Drive Time
2h 44m
Distance
136 mi
219 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 34m
★
6 AM
2h 45m
8 AM
3h 6m
10 AM
2h 52m
12 PM
2h 50m
3 PM
2h 53m
5 PM
3h 5m
8 PM
2h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Edwards, CO
RDNE Stock project
Castle Rock, CO
Peter Mayer
Trip Overview
Traveling from Edwards to Castle Rock covers 136 miles across the Mountain West, typically taking about 2 hours and 44 minutes. Because of the manageable distance, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $21 for fuel to complete the journey. The path utilizes a combination of the Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway, the North Valley Highway, and the West 6th Avenue Freeway. Given the route's duration and flow, it serves as a straightforward connection between these two Colorado locations, offering a practical way to navigate the region efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
68 miles from Edwards, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 22m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that transitions through varied road types as you make your way toward Castle Rock. With only 6% of the trip consisting of major highway travel, you will spend most of your time navigating local roads rather than monotonous interstate stretches. You will experience your longest uninterrupted segment during the 98-mile stretch on the Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway. Be prepared for a shift in driving intensity as you move off the main highway and onto the more technical local sections. This mix keeps the drive engaging, requiring you to stay alert and adjust to the changing pace of the road.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 98 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Edwards Access Road.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 136 miles you will encounter 13 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: at 0.1 miles (Edwards Access Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 98.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 107.1 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Edwards Access Road
Enter roundabout onto Edwards Access Road
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
8
98.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 58m in
Take the exit toward US 6 East: 6th Avenue, Lakewood
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 261
Toward US 6 East: 6th Avenue, Lakewood
7
107.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 9m in
|
US 6
Take the exit onto US 6 toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs
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.
Toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs
8
134.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 41m in
Take the exit toward Wilcox Street, Wolfensberger Road
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 182
Toward Wilcox Street, Wolfensberger Road
6
135.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 43m in
|
5th Street
Turn left onto 5th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Along This Route
Between Edwards, CO and Castle Rock, CO, road signs point toward Lakewood and Colorado Springs.
Lakewood
98.9 mi in
|
~1h 58m
Colorado Springs
107.1 mi in
|
~2h 9m
|
via US 6
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway | 98 mi | 1h 56m |
| North Valley Highway | 26.6 mi | 30m |
| West 6th Avenue Freeway | 7.9 mi | 9m |
| US 6 | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| Edwards Access Road | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| North Wilcox Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| 5th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| North Cantril Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway
— 98 mi, about 1h 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Edwards, CO and Castle Rock, CO.
1
Start on this road
211 ft
·
17 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto Edwards Access Road
151 ft
·
3 sec
·
Edwards Access Road
3
Enter roundabout onto Edwards Access Road
321 ft
·
6 sec
·
Edwards Access Road
4
Continue on Edwards Access Road
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
·
Edwards Access Road
5
Enter roundabout onto I 70 Business
126 ft
·
2 sec
·
Edwards Access Road
6
Continue on I 70 Business
150 ft
·
3 sec
·
Edwards Access Road
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
8
Merge onto I 70
98 mi
·
1 hr 56 min
·
Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway
Use the none lane.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 261
Toward US 6 East: 6th Avenue, Lakewood
Use the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto US 6
7.9 mi
·
9 min
·
West 6th Avenue Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit onto US 6
0.6 mi
·
59 sec
·
US 6
Toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 25 South: Colorado Springs
13
Merge onto I 25
27 mi
·
30 min
·
North Valley Highway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 182
Toward Wilcox Street, Wolfensberger Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn left onto East Wolfensberger Road
432 ft
·
20 sec
·
East Wolfensberger Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
16
Continue on North Wilcox Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
North Wilcox Street
Use the none lane.
17
Turn left onto 5th Street
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
5th Street
Use the left lane.
18
Turn right onto North Cantril Street
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
North Cantril Street
19
Arrive at destination
North Cantril Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 2-hour and 44-minute drive, plan for at least one stop to break up the journey and stretch your legs. Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to leave when it best suits your schedule, though keeping an eye on local traffic patterns near the urban stretches is a smart move. Keep your $21 fuel budget handy and consider refueling before leaving the Edwards area to ensure a smooth ride. Since the route features significant local road segments, focus on maintaining a steady pace rather than rushing through the turn-heavy sections. Your best bet is to plan your single stop near the midpoint of the trip to keep your energy levels consistent until you reach Castle Rock.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 68 miles from Edwards, CO, or about 1h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98 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 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 68 miles or 1h 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Castle Rock, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Edwards, 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 Edwards, CO
This is one driving day of about 136 miles and 2h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Edwards, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway for about 98 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 68 mi from Edwards, CO · 1h 22m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
68 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 68 miles from Edwards, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98 miles.
Arriving in Castle Rock, CO
The final approach into Castle Rock, 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 Castle Rock, 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
$20.61 one way
$41.22 round trip
$3.85/gal
25.4 MPG avg
48 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.08 | $21.87 | $43.73 |
| premium | $4.43 | $23.74 | $47.47 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $30.21 | $60.43 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.8 | 0 | $14.28 | $6.53 |
| Efficient EV | 34 | 0 | $11.90 | $5.44 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 54.4 | 0 | $19.04 | $8.70 |
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 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
Castle Rock, CO
Evening in Castle Rock on Sunday
Local time
5:07 PM
MDT
Current temp
38°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
16 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 44m 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 Edwards, CO to Castle Rock, CO covers 136 miles and takes about 2h 44m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway, North Valley Highway, West 6th Avenue Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 68 miles from Edwards, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.61 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 136 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Edwards Access Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 98.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 107.1 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Edwards, CO and Castle Rock, CO, road signs point toward Lakewood and Colorado Springs.
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