Origin
Manitou Springs, CO
Night in Manitou Springs on Sunday
Local time
10:05 PM
MDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Manitou Springs, CO to Aurora, CO
Drive Time
1h 26m
Distance
71.1 mi
115 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 19m
★
6 AM
1h 26m
8 AM
1h 39m
10 AM
1h 31m
12 PM
1h 29m
3 PM
1h 31m
5 PM
1h 39m
8 PM
1h 22m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Manitou Springs, CO
gabesdotphotos photographer
Aurora, CO
Raul Kozenevski
Trip Overview
Traveling from Manitou Springs to Aurora covers 71.1 miles and typically takes about 1 hour and 26 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey is well within a single day’s reach, you can easily complete it as a straightforward day trip without needing an overnight stay. You will traverse the Mountain West, shifting from the foothills near Manitou Springs toward the urban landscape of Aurora. Budgeting approximately $11 for fuel should cover your needs for the trip. This route serves as a practical connection between two distinct areas, offering a manageable travel window that leaves you plenty of time at your destination.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
35.6 miles from Manitou Springs, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 45m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your attention as you navigate through the region. With only 18% of the journey spent on highways, the character of the road is defined more by local connections than long-distance interstate cruising. You will spend your longest uninterrupted stretch covering 51.8 miles on the Ronald Reagan Highway. While you will utilize the Monument Valley Freeway and I-225 to finalize your route, the experience remains focused on shorter, localized segments. Be prepared for a driving environment that shifts from regional thoroughfares into the more controlled pace of a metropolitan approach.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Ronald Reagan Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 51.8 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 0.3 miles in near US 24 Business / Manitou Avenue.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 71.1 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 0.3 miles (US 24 Business / Manitou Avenue): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Lane positioning matters here; at 61.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 61.7 miles (I 225): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
US 24 Business / Manitou Avenue
Enter roundabout onto US 24 Business / Manitou Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
8
61.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 13m in
Take the exit toward I 225 North: Aurora, Limon
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 200
Toward I 225 North: Aurora, Limon
7
61.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 13m in
|
I 225
Keep slight left at fork onto I 225 toward I 225 North: Limon
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward I 225 North: Limon
7
70.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 23m in
Take the exit toward CO 30: 6th Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 9
Toward CO 30: 6th Avenue
7
70.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward CO 30: Colorado National Guard, Lowry Campus, 6th Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward CO 30: Colorado National Guard, Lowry Ca...
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Manitou Springs, CO to Aurora, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Limon along the way.
Limon
61.4 mi in
|
~1h 13m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan Highway | 51.8 mi | 54m |
| I 225 | 8.5 mi | 9m |
| Monument Valley Freeway | 3.2 mi | 3m |
| West Fillmore Street | 1.5 mi | 3m |
| Manitou Avenue | 1.4 mi | 4m |
| Midland Expressway | 1 mi | 1m |
| South 31st Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Fontmore Road | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Ronald Reagan Highway
— 51.8 mi, about 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Manitou Springs, CO and Aurora, CO.
1
Start on this road
93 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto Cañon Avenue
34 ft
·
4 sec
·
Cañon Avenue
3
Turn left onto Park Avenue
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Park Avenue
4
Continue on Park Avenue
90 ft
·
9 sec
·
Park Avenue
5
Turn left onto US 24 Business
480 ft
·
22 sec
·
Manitou Avenue
6
Continue on US 24 Business
1.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Manitou Avenue
Use the none lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
8
Merge onto US 24
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Midland Expressway
Use the none lane.
9
Continue on US 24
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
West Cimarron Street
10
Turn sharp left onto South 31st Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South 31st Street
11
Turn right onto West Fontanero Street
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
West Fontanero Street
12
Continue on Fontmore Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Fontmore Road
13
Continue on West Fillmore Street
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
West Fillmore Street
14
Take the ramp
161 ft
·
6 sec
Toward I 25
15
Turn left
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
16
Merge onto I 25
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Monument Valley Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 25
52 mi
·
54 min
·
Ronald Reagan Highway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 200
Toward I 225 North: Aurora, Limon
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 225
0.1 mi
·
7 sec
·
I 225
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 225
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
I 225
Toward I 225 North: Limon
Use the none lane.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 9
Toward CO 30: 6th Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork
141 ft
·
5 sec
Toward CO 30: Colorado National Guard, Lowry Campus, 6th Avenue
23
Turn left onto CO 30
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
·
East 6th Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
24
Turn right onto Vaughn Street
257 ft
·
12 sec
·
Vaughn Street
25
Turn right onto North Zion Street
509 ft
·
27 sec
·
North Zion Street
26
Turn left onto North Vaughn Street
0.2 mi
·
43 sec
·
North Vaughn Street
27
Arrive at destination
North Vaughn Street
Trip Plan
Since the trip is a short 1 hour and 26 minutes, you have significant flexibility in your departure schedule to avoid peak local traffic. There are no mandatory stops required to complete the 71.1-mile distance, allowing you to drive straight through if you prefer. Keep a close eye on your navigation as you transition between the Ronald Reagan Highway and I-225, as the road configuration changes frequently. Given the $11 fuel estimate, filling up before you leave Manitou Springs is a simple way to ensure a stress-free departure. Use this quick transit time to your advantage by planning your arrival in Aurora during off-peak hours for a smoother transition.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 35.6 miles from Manitou Springs, CO, or about 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.8 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 71.1 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 35.6 miles or 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Aurora, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Manitou 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 Manitou Springs, CO
This is one driving day of about 71.1 miles and 1h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Manitou Springs, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Ronald Reagan Highway for about 51.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 35.6 mi from Manitou Springs, CO · 45m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
36 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 71.1 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 35.6 miles from Manitou Springs, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Aurora, CO
The final approach into Aurora, 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 Aurora, 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
$10.77 one way
$21.55 round trip
$3.85/gal
25.4 MPG avg
25 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.08 | $11.43 | $22.86 |
| premium | $4.43 | $12.41 | $24.82 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $15.80 | $31.59 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 24.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 21.3 | 0 | $7.47 | $3.41 |
| Efficient EV | 17.8 | 0 | $6.22 | $2.84 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 28.4 | 0 | $9.95 | $4.55 |
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% 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
Aurora, CO
Night in Aurora on Sunday
Local time
10:05 PM
MDT
Current temp
66°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
32 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
1h 26m 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 Manitou Springs, CO to Aurora, CO covers 71.1 miles and takes about 1h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Ronald Reagan Highway, I 225, Monument Valley Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 35.6 miles from Manitou Springs, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.77 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 71.1 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 0.3 miles (US 24 Business / Manitou Avenue): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Lane positioning matters here; at 61.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 61.7 miles (I 225): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Manitou Springs, CO to Aurora, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Limon along the way.
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