Road Trips from Arvada, CO
Arvada is your launchpad for exploring Colorado, whether you're up for a quick afternoon drive or a longer adventure. You've got options ranging from under an hour to over seven hours, with routes that offer high-altitude climbs and mountain driving. Several destinations feature national parks or monuments, making it easy to plan a trip focused on natural scenery. If you want a short loop with some elevation or a longer haul to a major park, Arvada can get you there.
Total Routes
15
Shortest
0.8h
With Parks Nearby
12
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
Fowler, CO
3h 7m156.3 mi one way
Yuma, CO
2h 39m142.3 mi one way
Trinidad, CO
3h 44m207.1 mi one way
Head south for 207.1 miles and 3.7 hours to Trinidad. This drive features high-altitude climbs and surface roads for most of the way. It's a longer option than Northglenn, and it passes near Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, offering a chance for exploration.
Weekend trip
8 total in this range
Fruitvale, CO
4h 29m238.1 mi one way
This 238.1-mile, 4.5-hour trip to Fruitvale takes you mostly on highways through mountain driving with significant elevation changes. It's a good option if you want to visit Colorado National Monument, which is nearby.
Rangely, CO
5h 59m274.5 mi one way
Rangely is the furthest destination at 274.5 miles, requiring 6 hours of driving primarily on highways. This route involves mountain driving with significant elevation changes and offers access to Dinosaur National Monument. It’s a substantial drive for a significant park experience.
Clifton, CO
4h 25m235.5 mi one way
Clifton is 235.5 miles and takes about 4.4 hours via mostly highway driving. The route includes mountain driving with significant elevation changes. Like Fruitvale, it offers proximity to Colorado National Monument for a scenic excursion.
Paonia, CO
4h 59m226 mi one way
This 226-mile drive to Paonia takes approximately 5 hours, mostly on highways. You'll encounter mountain driving with significant elevation changes. A key draw here is the proximity to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park.
Center, CO
4h 35m208.4 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
Browse by Mood
Fowler, CO
3h 7m156.3 mi one way
Yuma, CO
2h 39m142.3 mi one way
Fruitvale, CO
4h 29m238.1 mi one way
Rangely, CO
5h 59m274.5 mi one way
Yuma, CO
2h 39m142.3 mi one way
Clifton, CO
4h 25m235.5 mi one way
Trinidad, CO
3h 44m207.1 mi one way
Paonia, CO
4h 59m226 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring drives might encounter high-altitude climbs and mountain driving. Parks are accessible, but check conditions for Florissant Fossil Beds or national monuments.
Summer
Summer offers ideal conditions for mountain driving and visiting national parks like Colorado National Monument or Dinosaur National Monument.
Fall
Fall foliage could enhance the mountain driving experience. High-altitude sections and park access remain good options.
Winter
Winter driving conditions could be challenging on high-altitude sections and mountain passes. Check road status before heading to any park areas.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Arvada, CO city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.