Road Trips from Boulder, CO
Heading out from Boulder this weekend? You've got options ranging from quick, under-an-hour drives to longer hauls that take most of a day. Many routes offer a solid drive score of 8, with a mix of highway and surface roads. If parks are on your mind, a few destinations are within a half-day's drive, including one with access to national monuments. For those looking for a longer escape, there's a route that recommends an overnight stay.
Total Routes
12
Shortest
1.6h
With Parks Nearby
10
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
Weekend trip
6 total in this range
Delta, CO
5h 40m287.6 mi one way
This is the longest drive at 5.7 hours and 287.6 miles, with a highway-focused profile. Notably, it offers access to two national parks, Colorado National Monument and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park.
Monte Vista, CO
5h 13m227.9 mi one way
Gunnison, CO
5h 2m211.7 mi one way
Orchard Mesa, CO
5h 4m257.4 mi one way
Fruita, CO
5h 6m265.8 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
Cortez, CO
9h392 mi one way
Durango, CO
8h 1m347.7 mi one way
Durango is your most extensive trip, requiring 8 hours and 347.7 miles. This route is highway-focused and is the only one that recommends an overnight stay, making it ideal for a dedicated weekend getaway.
Browse by Mood
Penrose, CO
2h 37m130.7 mi one way
Rocky Ford, CO
3h 56m191.9 mi one way
Delta, CO
5h 40m287.6 mi one way
Monte Vista, CO
5h 13m227.9 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers opportunities for drives to areas with parks like Florissant Fossil Beds, though conditions can vary.
Summer
Summer is ideal for longer drives to destinations with park access, such as Aspen or Delta.
Fall
Fall colors might enhance the highway drives, especially on routes like the one to Aspen.
Winter
Winter travel might be best suited for shorter, highway-focused drives like to Wheat Ridge or Dove Valley.
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 Boulder, CO city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.