Lakewood, CO to Redlands, CO is 245.3 miles and takes about 4h 36m via I 70, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Mountain West region, offering a straightforward, highway-focused experience. Given its relatively short duration and the predominant use of major interstates, this trip is well-suited for a single-day journey. You'll be covering nearly the entire distance on highways, making it a practical option for getting between these two Colorado locations efficiently.
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
122.6 miles from Lakewood, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 17m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 36m. Total distance: 245.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 98% of the journey taking place on major roads like I 70 and West 6th Avenue Freeway. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including one uninterrupted segment of 233.8 miles on I 70. The character of the drive is largely dictated by its interstate nature, offering efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways. Expect smooth sailing for the vast majority of your time behind the wheel.
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 233.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and West 6th Avenue Freeway. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.5 miles in.
Driving Effort5/10
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 245.3 miles you will encounter 15 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 1.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles (US 6 / West 6th Avenue Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1.5 mi into trip|~2m in
Take the ramp toward US 6 West
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward US 6 West
5
1.6 mi into trip|~3m in|US 6 / West 6th Avenue Freeway
Merge onto US 6 / West 6th Avenue Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
6.8 mi into trip|~9m 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
7.4 mi into trip|~10m in|I 70
Merge onto I 70
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
241.3 mi into trip|~4h 28m in
Take the exit toward 24 Road, Redlands Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 28
Toward 24 Road, Redlands Parkway
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
233.8 mi
4h 18m
West 6th Avenue Freeway
5.2 mi
6m
Redlands Parkway
1.8 mi
3m
24 Road
1.7 mi
2m
South Wadsworth Boulevard
1.5 mi
2m
Broadway
0.1 mi
<1m
22 1/2 Road
<0.1 mi
<1m
Redlands Court
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 233.8 mi, about 4h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lakewood, CO and Redlands, CO.
1
Start on CO 121
1.5 mi·2 min·South Wadsworth Boulevard
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·19 sec
Toward US 6 WestUse the right lane.
3
Merge onto US 6
5.2 mi·6 min·West 6th Avenue Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Take the exit
0.7 mi·55 sec
Toward I 70 West: Grand JunctionUse the slight right lane.
5
Merge onto I 70
234 mi·4 hr 18 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 28Toward 24 Road, Redlands Parkway
7
Enter roundabout onto 24
311 ft·5 sec·24 Road
8
Continue on 24
340 ft·5 sec·24 Road
9
Enter roundabout onto 24 Road
120 ft·2 sec·24 Road
10
Continue on 24 Road
0.5 mi·45 sec·24 Road
11
Enter roundabout onto 24
103 ft·1 sec·24 Road
12
Continue on 24
1.0 mi·1 min·24 Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
13
Continue on Redlands Parkway
1.8 mi·3 min·Redlands Parkway
14
Enter roundabout onto Broadway
11 ft·0 sec·Broadway
15
Continue on Broadway
383 ft·6 sec·Broadway
16
Turn slight right
352 ft·15 sec
Use the right lane.
17
Turn left onto Redlands Court
26 ft·4 sec·Redlands Court
18
Turn left onto 22½
161 ft·11 sec·22 1/2 Road
19
Turn left onto CO 340
325 ft·6 sec·Broadway
20
Arrive at destination
CO 340
Trip Plan
Since this is a single-day trip, consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and potentially avoid any afternoon traffic. With a drive time under 5 hours, you won't need to split it, offering flexibility in your schedule. Plan for your fuel needs, as the estimated cost is $37, and the longest stretch without a significant change in major highway is substantial. It's wise to fill up before embarking on that 233.8-mile segment on I 70 to ensure a seamless journey.
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 122.6 miles from Lakewood, CO, or about 2h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 233.8 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 54 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.6 miles or 2h 17m 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 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Redlands, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lakewood, 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 Lakewood, CO
This is one driving day of about 245.3 miles and 4h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Lakewood, 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 233.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 122.6 mi from Lakewood, CO
· 2h 17m into the drive
The midpoint is around 122.6 miles from Lakewood, 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 233.8 miles.
Arriving in Redlands, CO
The final approach into Redlands, 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 Redlands, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Colorado National Monument
National Monument
Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panoram...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.96 one way
$73.92 round trip
$3.83/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.05
$39.13
$78.26
premium
$4.39
$42.43
$84.87
diesel
$5.61
$54.16
$108.32
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.6
0
$25.76
$11.77
Efficient EV
61.3
0
$21.46
$9.81
EV Truck/SUV
98.1
1
$34.34
$15.70
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Lakewood, CO
Morning
in Lakewood on Saturday
Local time
7:00 AM
MDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Redlands, CO
Morning
in Redlands on Saturday
Local time
7:00 AM
MDT
Current temp
69°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
25 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 36m 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 Lakewood, CO to Redlands, CO covers 245.3 miles and takes about 4h 36m 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, Redlands Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 122.6 miles from Lakewood, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $36.96 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 245.3 miles you will encounter 15 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 1.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles (US 6 / West 6th Avenue Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Lakewood, CO to Redlands, CO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Colorado National Monument.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
