Origin
Estes Park, CO
Evening in Estes Park on Sunday
Local time
5:13 PM
MDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Estes Park, CO to Colorado Springs, CO
Drive Time
2h 51m
Distance
133.4 mi
215 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 41m
★
6 AM
2h 52m
8 AM
3h 14m
10 AM
2h 59m
12 PM
2h 57m
3 PM
3h 1m
5 PM
3h 13m
8 PM
2h 45m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Trip Overview
Stretching 133.4 miles from Estes Park to Colorado Springs, this trip typically takes about 2 hours and 51 minutes of driving time. Because the route remains entirely within the Mountain West region of Colorado, you can easily complete the journey in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to budget roughly $20 for fuel to cover the distance between these two hubs. By navigating a combination of the North Valley Highway, the Denver–Boulder Turnpike, and the North Foothills Highway, you get a direct path between these popular destinations. While the drive is straightforward enough for a day trip, planning for one scheduled stop will help you break up the travel time comfortably.
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
66.7 miles from Estes Park, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .
Drive Character
This 133.4-mile trek presents a turn-heavy profile that demands a bit more attention than a standard interstate cruise. With only 29% of the route consisting of highway driving, you will spend a significant portion of your time navigating local roads that shift in character as you head south. Your longest uninterrupted segment is a 68.1-mile stretch along the North Valley Highway, which offers the most consistent pace of the entire journey. Expect a transition from the winding roads near Estes Park to the more structured, multi-lane paths leading toward Colorado Springs. It is a practical drive that balances technical local segments with faster, more efficient highway sections.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 39 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 around 20.9 miles in near US 36 / Main Street.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 28 significant decision points across 133.4 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: at 20.9 miles (US 36 / Main Street): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 41.1 miles (US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 56.3 miles (US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 28 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
20.9 mi into trip
|
~36m in
|
US 36 / Main Street
Merge onto US 36 / Main Street
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
41.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 5m 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 none lane.
8
56.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 23m 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
7
132.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 48m in
Take the exit toward Bijou Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 142
Toward Bijou Street
8
132.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 48m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 25: Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Toward I 25: Downtown
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Estes Park, CO to Colorado Springs, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Collins along the way.
Fort Collins
56.3 mi in
|
~1h 23m
|
via US 36
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Valley Highway | 68.1 mi | 1h 15m |
| Denver–Boulder Turnpike | 19.7 mi | 23m |
| North Foothills Highway | 12.2 mi | 15m |
| East Highway 36 | 12 mi | 19m |
| North Saint Vrain Avenue | 7.5 mi | 13m |
| Monument Valley Freeway | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| 28th Street | 3.3 mi | 6m |
| Ute Highway | 1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
North Valley Highway
— 68.1 mi, about 1h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Estes Park, CO and Colorado Springs, CO.
1
Start on Park Lane
219 ft
·
14 sec
·
Park Lane
2
Turn left onto US 36; US 34 Business
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
East Elkhorn Avenue
3
Take the ramp
139 ft
·
3 sec
Toward US 36, CO 7
4
Continue on this road
389 ft
·
10 sec
·
this road
Toward US 36, CO 7
5
Merge onto US 36
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
North Saint Vrain Avenue
Use the straight lane.
6
Enter roundabout onto US 36
141 ft
·
2 sec
·
North Saint Vrain Avenue
7
Continue on US 36
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
North Saint Vrain Avenue
8
Continue on US 36
12 mi
·
19 min
·
East Highway 36
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on US 36
6.1 mi
·
10 min
·
North Saint Vrain Avenue
10
Continue on US 36
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
Use the straight lane.
11
Turn left onto US 36
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
·
Broadway
Use the left / straight lanes.
12
Merge onto US 36
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Main Street
Use the none lane.
13
Continue on US 36
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Ute Highway
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit onto US 36
198 ft
·
6 sec
·
US 36
15
Merge onto US 36
12 mi
·
15 min
·
North Foothills Highway
Use the none lane.
16
Turn sharp right onto Jay Road
84 ft
·
10 sec
·
Jay Road
17
Take the ramp
128 ft
·
3 sec
18
Merge onto US 36
3.3 mi
·
6 min
·
28th Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
19
Turn straight onto US 36
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the none lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the none lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the none lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the none lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the none lane.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the none lane.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the none lane.
27
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.
28
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I 25 south: Denver
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on I 25
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
I 25
Toward I 25 south: Denver
30
Merge onto I 25; US 87
68 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
North Valley Highway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on I 25
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Monument Valley Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 142
Toward Bijou Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Keep slight left at fork
495 ft
·
14 sec
Toward I 25: Downtown
Use the straight / left lanes.
34
Turn left onto West Bijou Street
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
West Bijou Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
35
Continue on West Kiowa Street
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
West Kiowa Street
36
Continue on East Kiowa Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
East Kiowa Street
37
Turn right onto North Weber Street
490 ft
·
17 sec
·
North Weber Street
38
Turn right onto East Pikes Peak Avenue
422 ft
·
14 sec
·
East Pikes Peak Avenue
39
Arrive at destination
East Pikes Peak Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 2-hour and 51-minute transit, aim to leave during off-peak hours to avoid potential congestion on the main highways. Since the route involves a blend of local and highway driving, keep your $20 fuel budget in mind and top off your tank before departing Estes Park. You should plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs, especially given the turn-heavy nature of the local road segments. The flexibility of this shorter trip allows you to adjust your pace as needed throughout the day. Pay close attention to signage on the North Valley Highway, as that 68.1-mile stretch is your best opportunity to maintain steady momentum before reaching the final leg of your trip.
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 66.7 miles from Estes Park, CO, or about 1h 35m 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 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 66.7 miles or 1h 35m 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 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Colorado Springs, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Estes Park, 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 Estes Park, CO
This is one driving day of about 133.4 miles and 2h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Estes Park, 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 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 66.7 mi from Estes Park, CO · 1h 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
67 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 66.7 miles from Estes Park, 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 Colorado Springs, CO
The final approach into Colorado Springs, 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 Colorado Springs, 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
$20.21 one way
$40.43 round trip
$3.85/gal
25.4 MPG avg
47 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.08 | $21.45 | $42.90 |
| premium | $4.43 | $23.28 | $46.56 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $29.64 | $59.27 |
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
$20
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 46.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40 | 0 | $14.01 | $6.40 |
| Efficient EV | 33.4 | 0 | $11.67 | $5.34 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 53.4 | 0 | $18.68 | $8.54 |
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 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.
Destination
Colorado Springs, CO
Evening in Colorado Springs on Sunday
Local time
5:13 PM
MDT
Current temp
62°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
10 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 51m 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 Estes Park, CO to Colorado Springs, CO covers 133.4 miles and takes about 2h 51m 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, North Foothills Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 66.7 miles from Estes Park, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.21 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 is a demanding drive. With 28 significant decision points across 133.4 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: at 20.9 miles (US 36 / Main Street): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 41.1 miles (US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 56.3 miles (US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Estes Park, CO to Colorado Springs, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Collins along the way.
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