Origin
Glenwood Springs, CO
Night in Glenwood Springs on Wednesday
Local time
9:09 PM
MDT
Current temp
37°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Glenwood Springs, CO to Colorado Springs, CO
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
4h 17m
Distance
222.7 mi
358 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 4m
★
6 AM
4h 17m
8 AM
4h 44m
10 AM
4h 26m
12 PM
4h 24m
3 PM
4h 28m
5 PM
4h 42m
8 PM
4h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Glenwood Springs, CO
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 222.7-mile drive from Glenwood Springs, CO to Colorado Springs, CO will take you about 4 hours and 17 minutes. It's a straightforward trip, primarily on I 70 and other major roadways, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day adventure. With an estimated fuel cost of around $34, this route offers an economical way to travel between these two Mountain West destinations. You'll spend about 72% of your time on highways, so expect a fairly direct journey. This drive is well-suited for those looking for efficiency and a clear path to their destination.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
111.4 miles from Glenwood Springs, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 9m into the drive .
Drive Character
The majority of this 4-hour, 17-minute drive is focused on highway travel, accounting for 72% of the total mileage. You'll experience long stretches of efficient driving, including a significant 145.3-mile segment on I 70. This means you'll have ample opportunity to maintain speed and cover ground quickly. While the profile is highway-focused, the inclusion of North Valley Highway and West 6th Avenue Freeway suggests you'll transition to major arterial roads as you approach your destination, offering a blend of high-speed travel and more populated thoroughfares.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 North Valley Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 222.7 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 0.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 145.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 153.9 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 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
8
145.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 49m 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
153.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 59m 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
7
221.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 13m 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
221.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 14m 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 Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Glenwood Springs, CO to Colorado Springs, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Lakewood along the way.
Lakewood
145.7 mi in
|
~2h 49m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 70 | 145.3 mi | 2h 48m |
| North Valley Highway | 60.6 mi | 1h 5m |
| West 6th Avenue Freeway | 7.9 mi | 9m |
| Monument Valley Freeway | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| US 6 | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| East Kiowa Street | 0.3 mi | 1m |
| West Kiowa Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| West Bijou Street | 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 Glenwood Springs, CO and Colorado Springs, CO.
1
Start on Pine Street
123 ft
·
8 sec
·
Pine Street
2
Turn right onto West 6th Street
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
West 6th Street
3
Enter roundabout onto Laurel Street
144 ft
·
2 sec
·
Laurel Street
4
Continue on Laurel Street
448 ft
·
23 sec
·
Laurel Street
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
6
Merge onto I 70
145 mi
·
2 hr 48 min
·
I 70
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 261
Toward US 6 East: 6th Avenue, Lakewood
Use the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto US 6
7.9 mi
·
9 min
·
West 6th Avenue Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
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.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 25 South: Colorado Springs
11
Merge onto I 25
61 mi
·
1 hr 5 min
·
North Valley Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 25
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Monument Valley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 142
Toward Bijou Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
495 ft
·
14 sec
Toward I 25: Downtown
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Turn left onto West Bijou Street
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
West Bijou Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
16
Continue on West Kiowa Street
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
West Kiowa Street
17
Continue on East Kiowa Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
East Kiowa Street
18
Turn right onto North Weber Street
490 ft
·
17 sec
·
North Weber Street
19
Turn right onto East Pikes Peak Avenue
422 ft
·
14 sec
·
East Pikes Peak Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
East Pikes Peak Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour, 17-minute duration, this route is comfortably manageable as a single-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave Glenwood Springs early to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically along the 145.3-mile stretch on I 70 to refuel and stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer highway segments, to ensure you have ample gas before reaching Colorado Springs, where prices might differ.
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 111.4 miles from Glenwood Springs, CO, or about 2h 9m 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 49 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.4 miles or 2h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 31m
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 Glenwood Springs, 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 Glenwood Springs, CO
This is one driving day of about 222.7 miles and 4h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Glenwood Springs, 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 111.4 mi from Glenwood Springs, CO · 2h 9m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
111 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 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 111.4 miles from Glenwood Springs, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 70 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 145.3 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.
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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.55 one way
$67.11 round trip
$3.83/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.05 | $35.53 | $71.05 |
| premium | $4.39 | $38.53 | $77.05 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $49.17 | $98.34 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 66.8 | 0 | $23.38 | $10.69 |
| Efficient EV | 55.7 | 0 | $19.49 | $8.91 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 89.1 | 1 | $31.18 | $14.25 |
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Night in Colorado Springs on Wednesday
Local time
9:09 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
7 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
4h 17m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Glenwood Springs, CO to Colorado Springs, CO covers 222.7 miles and takes about 4h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 70, North Valley Highway, 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 111.4 miles from Glenwood Springs, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.55 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 222.7 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 0.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 145.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 153.9 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Glenwood Springs, CO to Colorado Springs, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Lakewood along the way.
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