Origin
Wheat Ridge, CO
Evening in Wheat Ridge on Sunday
Local time
5:07 PM
MDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Wheat Ridge, CO to Broomfield, CO
Drive Time
21m
Distance
12.9 mi
21 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$2
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 20m
★
6 AM
0h 22m
8 AM
0h 25m
10 AM
0h 23m
12 PM
0h 22m
3 PM
0h 23m
5 PM
0h 25m
8 PM
0h 20m
★
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Wheat Ridge, CO
Hazar ÇELİK
Broomfield, CO
Anastasia Shuraeva
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a quick commute between Wheat Ridge and Broomfield, this 12.9-mile trip is an efficient way to navigate the Mountain West. You can expect to spend about 21 minutes behind the wheel, making this an ideal day trip that requires no overnight stay. With a fuel budget of just $2, the drive is incredibly economical for a brief excursion. The route follows a mix of major thoroughfares, including Sheridan Boulevard, the Denver–Boulder Turnpike, and North Wadsworth Boulevard. Because the journey is so short, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure time around your own schedule.
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
6.4 miles from Wheat Ridge, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 11m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving experience as you transition between local roads and more substantial highway segments. Approximately 35% of your trip is spent on highways, providing a balance between stop-and-go city navigation and faster movement. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 4.6-mile segment on Sheridan Boulevard, which helps break up the journey. As you move through the route, the road character shifts from local boulevard traffic to the higher-speed flow of the Denver–Boulder Turnpike. It is a straightforward drive that prioritizes utility and speed over long-distance cruising.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Sheridan Boulevard is the longest continuous segment at about 4.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near CR 180 / West 38th Avenue.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 12.9 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 (CR 180 / West 38th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
CR 180 / West 38th Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto CR 180 / West 38th Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
1.4 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Take the ramp toward I 70 East, I 76 East: Denver, Fort Morgan
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 70 East, I 76 East: Denver, Fort Morga...
7
1.7 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / right lanes.
Toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan
7
2.9 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the exit toward CO 95: Sheridan Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 1B
Toward CO 95: Sheridan Boulevard
7
8.1 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 36 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward US 36 West
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Wheat Ridge, CO to Broomfield, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Morgan along the way.
Fort Morgan
1.4 mi in
|
~3m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sheridan Boulevard | 4.6 mi | 7m |
| Denver–Boulder Turnpike | 3.6 mi | 4m |
| North Wadsworth Boulevard | 1 mi | 1m |
| Heartland Expressway | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| CO 121 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Teller Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| West 38th Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| West Midway Boulevard | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Sheridan Boulevard
— 4.6 mi, about 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wheat Ridge, CO and Broomfield, CO.
1
Start on this road
24 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto Teller Street
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
Teller Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto CR 180
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
West 38th Avenue
Use the none lane.
4
Turn right onto CO 121
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Wadsworth Boulevard
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward I 70 East, I 76 East: Denver, Fort Morgan
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan
Use the left / right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 76
0.6 mi
·
44 sec
·
Heartland Expressway
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 1B
Toward CO 95: Sheridan Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn left onto CO 95
4.6 mi
·
7 min
·
Sheridan Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
10
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward US 36 West: Boulder
Use the left lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward US 36 West
Use the none lane.
12
Merge onto US 36
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the none lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
0.8 mi
·
52 sec
·
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the none lane.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
Toward CO 121: Wadsworth Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn right onto CO 121
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
CO 121
Use the none lane.
17
Continue on US 287
204 ft
·
5 sec
·
US 287
Use the none lane.
18
Turn right onto West Midway Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
West Midway Boulevard
Use the right lane.
19
Turn right onto Nickel Street
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
·
Nickel Street
Use the right lane.
20
Turn left onto West 3rd Avenue
273 ft
·
17 sec
·
West 3rd Avenue
Use the left lane.
21
Turn left
192 ft
·
14 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a short 21-minute drive, you do not need to worry about planning formal rest stops or complex itineraries. Aim to time your departure outside of peak commuting hours to ensure you maintain that quick 21-minute pace across the 12.9-mile distance. Keep a close eye on traffic patterns when switching from Sheridan Boulevard to the Denver–Boulder Turnpike, as highway merge points can be the most variable part of the drive. Because your fuel costs are low at roughly $2, you can easily prioritize convenience over hunting for the cheapest gas prices. Take advantage of the trip's brevity to remain flexible with your schedule throughout the day.
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 6.4 miles from Wheat Ridge, CO, or about 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 4.6 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 12.9 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 6.4 miles or 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Broomfield, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wheat Ridge, 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 Wheat Ridge, CO
This is one driving day of about 12.9 miles and 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Wheat Ridge, 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 Sheridan Boulevard for about 4.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 6.4 mi from Wheat Ridge, CO · 11m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
6 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 12.9 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 6.4 miles from Wheat Ridge, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Broomfield, CO
The final approach into Broomfield, 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 Broomfield, 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
$1.95 one way
$3.91 round trip
$3.85/gal
25.4 MPG avg
5 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.08 | $2.07 | $4.15 |
| premium | $4.43 | $2.25 | $4.50 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $2.87 | $5.73 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.24
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
(3.6 mi)
$0.24
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
$2
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$27–$52
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 4.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $1 in charging · 0 stops · 60% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 3.9 | 0 | $1.35 | $0.62 |
| Efficient EV | 3.2 | 0 | $1.13 | $0.52 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 5.2 | 0 | $1.81 | $0.83 |
Gas CO2
5 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (60% 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
Broomfield, CO
Evening in Broomfield on Sunday
Local time
5:07 PM
MDT
Current temp
42°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
22 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
21m 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 Wheat Ridge, CO to Broomfield, CO covers 12.9 miles and takes about 21m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Sheridan Boulevard, Denver–Boulder Turnpike, North Wadsworth Boulevard. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 6.4 miles from Wheat Ridge, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $1.95 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 20 significant decision points across 12.9 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 (CR 180 / West 38th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Wheat Ridge, CO to Broomfield, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Morgan along the way.
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