Origin
Parker, CO
Evening in Parker on Sunday
Local time
5:23 PM
MDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Parker, CO to Colorado Springs, CO
Drive Time
1h 6m
Distance
55 mi
88 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 1m
★
6 AM
1h 6m
8 AM
1h 17m
10 AM
1h 10m
12 PM
1h 9m
3 PM
1h 11m
5 PM
1h 17m
8 PM
1h 3m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Parker, CO
Egor Komarov
Trip Overview
Traveling from Parker to Colorado Springs is a straightforward 55-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes. Because of the manageable distance, this trip works perfectly as a quick day trip, allowing you to head out and back without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily utilize a mix of Crowfoot Valley Road, I-25, and the Monument Valley Freeway to complete the trek. Budgeting around $8 for fuel covers the trip comfortably, making it an affordable excursion within the Mountain West region. Since both cities share the same regional characteristics, you can expect a familiar feel throughout the drive. Overall, this is a highly efficient route that serves as a practical connection between these two Colorado hubs.
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
27.5 miles from Parker, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 35m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive that emphasizes speed and efficiency over winding backroads. Approximately 79% of your total mileage is spent on highways, providing a consistent pace for the majority of the hour-long trip. You will encounter a significant 36-mile stretch on I-25, which acts as the backbone of your journey. While the transition from local roads like Crowfoot Valley Road to the major interstate brings a change in traffic density, the route remains predictable. Behind the wheel, you will experience a steady, utilitarian drive that prioritizes reaching your destination quickly rather than offering a technical or slow-paced touring experience.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 25 is the longest continuous segment at about 36 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 25 and Crowfoot Valley Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3 miles in near Stroh Road.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 55 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 3 miles (Stroh Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.9 miles (Crowfoot Valley Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.9 miles (I 25): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
3 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
Stroh Road
Turn right onto Stroh Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
3.9 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
Crowfoot Valley Road
Turn left onto Crowfoot Valley Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
5
11.9 mi into trip
|
~19m in
|
I 25
Merge onto I 25
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
53.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 3m 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
54.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 3m 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
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 25 | 36 mi | 37m |
| Crowfoot Valley Road | 6.1 mi | 9m |
| Monument Valley Freeway | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| South Parker Road | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| Founders Parkway | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| Stroh Road | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| East Kiowa Street | 0.3 mi | 1m |
| East Mainstreet | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 25
— 36 mi, about 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Parker, CO and Colorado Springs, CO.
1
Start on South Pikes Peak Drive
100 ft
·
8 sec
·
South Pikes Peak Drive
2
Turn right onto East Mainstreet
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
East Mainstreet
3
Turn left onto CO 83
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
South Parker Road
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto Stroh Road
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Stroh Road
Use the right lane.
5
Turn left onto Crowfoot Valley Road
6.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Crowfoot Valley Road
Use the none lane.
6
Turn right onto CO 86
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Founders Parkway
Use the left / none lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I 25 South: Colorado Springs
8
Merge onto I 25
36 mi
·
37 min
·
I 25
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 25
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Monument Valley Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 142
Toward Bijou Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
495 ft
·
14 sec
Toward I 25: Downtown
Use the straight / left lanes.
12
Turn left onto West Bijou Street
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
West Bijou Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Continue on West Kiowa Street
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
West Kiowa Street
14
Continue on East Kiowa Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
East Kiowa Street
15
Turn right onto North Weber Street
490 ft
·
17 sec
·
North Weber Street
16
Turn right onto East Pikes Peak Avenue
422 ft
·
14 sec
·
East Pikes Peak Avenue
17
Arrive at destination
East Pikes Peak Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the short 1 hour and 6 minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility when choosing your departure time. However, since the route relies heavily on I-25, try to avoid peak commuting hours to ensure you maintain a smooth, uninterrupted drive. With no mandatory stops required, you can easily complete the 55-mile distance in one go, though keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is wise even with the low $8 cost estimate. My best advice is to utilize the Monument Valley Freeway transition carefully, as this final portion of the route can be busier as you approach the city center. Staying attentive during that longest 36-mile highway stretch will help you navigate the transition into Colorado Springs with ease.
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 27.5 miles from Parker, CO, or about 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 36 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 55 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 27.5 miles or 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 55m
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 Parker, 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 Parker, CO
This is one driving day of about 55 miles and 1h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Parker, 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 I 25 for about 36 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 27.5 mi from Parker, CO · 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
28 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 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 27.5 miles from Parker, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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
$8.33 one way
$16.67 round trip
$3.85/gal
25.4 MPG avg
19 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.08 | $8.84 | $17.69 |
| premium | $4.43 | $9.60 | $19.20 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $12.22 | $24.44 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$33–$58
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 19.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 16.5 | 0 | $5.77 | $2.64 |
| Efficient EV | 13.8 | 0 | $4.81 | $2.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 22 | 0 | $7.70 | $3.52 |
Gas CO2
19 kg
EV CO2
6 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
Colorado Springs, CO
Evening in Colorado Springs on Sunday
Local time
5:23 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
24 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 6m 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 Parker, CO to Colorado Springs, CO covers 55 miles and takes about 1h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 25, Crowfoot Valley Road, Monument Valley 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 27.5 miles from Parker, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.33 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 12 significant decision points across 55 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 3 miles (Stroh Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.9 miles (Crowfoot Valley Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.9 miles (I 25): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Parker, CO to Colorado Springs, CO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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