Trip from El Jebel, CO to Lakewood, CO

Q: What are the main roads on this route?

The main roads are I 70, CO 82, West 6th Avenue Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

Q: Is this a good same-day trip?

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Q: Where should I stop halfway?

The midpoint is about 86.1 miles from El Jebel, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

Q: How much does gas cost for this trip?

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.95 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Q: What is the best time to leave?

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Q: How many breaks should I plan?

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Q: What towns show up on signs driving from El Jebel, CO to Lakewood, CO?

The route from El Jebel, CO to Lakewood, CO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

3h 32m

Distance

172.2 mi

277 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 20m ★

6 AM

3h 32m

8 AM

3h 57m

10 AM

3h 41m

12 PM

3h 38m

3 PM

3h 42m

5 PM

3h 56m

8 PM

3h 25m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

city in Jefferson County, Colorado, United States

Lakewood, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from El Jebel, CO to Lakewood, CO covers 172.2 miles and takes about 3h 32m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 70, CO 82, West 6th Avenue Freeway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 145.3 miles on I 70. At current regular gas prices, budget about $25.95 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.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

86.1 miles from El Jebel, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 32m. Total distance: 172.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 3h 32m highway drive covering 172.2 miles, with most of the trip on I 70 and CO 82. The longest continuous stretch is about 145.3 miles on I 70.

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 145.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and CO 82. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 17.4 miles in near 27th Street.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 172.2 miles you will encounter 12 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 17.4 miles (27th Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 17.5 miles (Midland Avenue): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 19.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

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

17.4 mi into trip | ~28m in | 27th Street

Enter roundabout onto 27th Street

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

17.5 mi into trip | ~28m in | Midland Avenue

Enter roundabout onto Midland Avenue

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

19.9 mi into trip | ~33m in

Take the exit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

165.3 mi into trip | ~3h 22m 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

170.5 mi into trip | ~3h 28m in

Take the exit toward CO 121 South: Wadsworth Boulevard

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward CO 121 South: Wadsworth Boulevard

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 70	145.3 mi	2h 48m
CO 82	17.2 mi	28m
West 6th Avenue Freeway	4.9 mi	5m
Midland Avenue	1.6 mi	2m
North Wadsworth Boulevard	1.4 mi	2m
West 8th Street	0.4 mi	<1m
27th Street	0.3 mi	<1m
Grand Avenue	0.2 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 70 — 145.3 mi, about 2h 48m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between El Jebel, CO and Lakewood, CO.

Start on CR 13

285 ft · 7 sec · El Jebel Road

Turn right onto CO 82

17 mi · 28 min · CO 82

Use the straight lane.

Turn left onto 27th Street

0.1 mi · 14 sec · 27th Street

Use the left lane.

Enter roundabout onto 27th Street

86 ft · 1 sec · 27th Street

Continue on 27th Street

0.1 mi · 12 sec · 27th Street

Enter roundabout onto Midland Avenue

13 ft · 0 sec · Midland Avenue

Continue on Midland Avenue

1.6 mi · 2 min · Midland Avenue

Turn right onto West 8th Street

0.4 mi · 50 sec · West 8th Street

Turn left onto CO 82

0.2 mi · 41 sec · Grand Avenue

Continue on CO 82

0.1 mi · 38 sec · Laurel Street

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec

Merge onto I 70

145 mi · 2 hr 48 min · I 70

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec

Exit 261 Toward US 6 East: 6th Avenue, Lakewood Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto US 6

4.9 mi · 5 min · West 6th Avenue Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Toward CO 121 South: Wadsworth Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn slight right onto CO 121

1.4 mi · 2 min · North Wadsworth Boulevard

Continue on CO 121

369 ft · 15 sec · South Wadsworth Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

CO 121

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 86.1 miles from El Jebel, CO, or about 1h 50m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 145.3 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 38 miles or 54m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 86.1 miles or 1h 50m 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 54m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving El Jebel, 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 El Jebel, CO

This is one driving day of about 172.2 miles and 3h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from El Jebel, 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 I 70 for about 145.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 86.1 mi from El Jebel, CO · 1h 50m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Silverthorne, CO

86 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

Gypsum, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Frisco, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 86.1 miles from El Jebel, 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 145.3 miles.

Arriving in Lakewood, CO

The final approach into Lakewood, 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 Lakewood, CO.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

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

Phở Hậu Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lakewood, Colorado

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.2

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13039880755

Top Coffee Stop

Hygge Life Shop & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Avon, Colorado

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 73.8

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19703315745

Visit website

Phở Hậu Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.2

Lakewood, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13039880755

Doc Holliday's Saloon and Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.6

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+19709452388

Visit website

Hygge Life Shop & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 73.8

Avon, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19703315745

Visit website

Belmar Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 172.2

Lakewood, Colorado

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13039877800

Visit website

Woodward Copper Barn

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 98.4

Frisco, Colorado

Hours: 12–8 pm

+18883501544

Visit website

Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 147.6

Idaho Springs, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13035672421

Visit website

Sister City Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 172.2

Lakewood, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–10 pm

+13039877800

Visit website

Doc Holliday's Grave Trailhead

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 24.6

Glenwood Springs, CO

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+19703846400

Visit website

Clear Creek White Water Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 159.9

Golden, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13033848000

Visit website

Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 172.2

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+18666369969

Visit website

Frisco Historic Park and Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 110.7

Frisco, Colorado

Hours: Closed

+19706683428

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.95 one way

$51.89 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 60 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.05	$27.47	$54.94
premium	$4.39	$29.79	$59.58
diesel	$5.61	$38.02	$76.04

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 60.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	51.7	$18.08	$8.27
Efficient EV	43.1	$15.07	$6.89
EV Truck/SUV	68.9	$24.11	$11.02

Gas CO2

60 kg

EV CO2

20 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

El Jebel, CO

Afternoon in El Jebel on Thursday

Local time

3:31 PM

MDT

Current temp

39°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lakewood, CO

Afternoon in Lakewood on Thursday

Local time

3:31 PM

MDT

Current temp

44°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

5 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

3h 32m 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 El Jebel, CO to Lakewood, CO covers 172.2 miles and takes about 3h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 70, CO 82, West 6th Avenue Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 86.1 miles from El Jebel, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.95 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.