Road Trips from Cañon City, CO
Cañon City is your launchpad for drives that mix high-country scenery with straightforward highway cruising. You've got options ranging from quick, under-two-hour trips to nearby cities like Colorado Springs, to longer, more ambitious journeys. Several routes offer access to national parks, making it easy to combine driving with outdoor exploration. Whether you're after a day trip or a longer haul, Cañon City puts you in a good spot to explore Colorado's diverse landscapes.
Total Routes
9
Shortest
1.1h
With Parks Nearby
8
Under 2 hours
Castle Rock, CO
1h 51m85.9 mi one way
At 85.9 miles and 1.9 hours, this drive offers a high drive score of 9. It's a mixed drive that gets you to Castle Rock efficiently. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a park option accessible from this route.
Colorado Springs, CO
1h 9m45.4 mi one way
This is the shortest option at 45.4 miles and 1.2 hours, with a drive score of 6. It's a highway-focused drive directly to Colorado Springs. You'll have access to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument nearby, making it a good choice for a quick trip with park potential.
Pueblo, CO
1h 6m40.2 mi one way
Full-day getaway
Westminster, CO
2h 38m124.9 mi one way
At 124.9 miles and 2.6 hours, this drive offers a high drive score of 9. It's a mixed highway and surface drive that puts you in the heart of the northern Denver suburbs. You'll pass near Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, offering a potential stop on your way.
Centennial, CO
2h 7m100.8 mi one way
This 100.8-mile route to Centennial takes 2.1 hours and features a high drive score of 9. It's a mixed highway and surface drive, offering a good balance of cruising and local roads. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is accessible nearby.
Commerce City, CO
2h 34m117 mi one way
This 117-mile trip to Commerce City takes around 2.6 hours and boasts a strong drive score of 9. It’s characterized as a mixed highway and surface drive, and like several other routes from Cañon City, it passes by Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
Broomfield, CO
2h 44m131 mi one way
This 131-mile drive to Broomfield takes about 2.7 hours and scores a high 9 for its drive profile. While this route doesn't directly pass parks, it offers a solid mixed highway and surface road experience, making it a practical option for reaching the northern Denver metro area.
Denver, CO
2h 25m113.8 mi one way
Covering 113.8 miles and taking 2.4 hours, this is a high-scoring drive (9) with a mixed profile. It’s a direct route to the state capital, and you'll be driving near Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument on your way.
Weekend trip
Browse by Mood
Castle Rock, CO
1h 51m85.9 mi one way
Westminster, CO
2h 38m124.9 mi one way
Centennial, CO
2h 7m100.8 mi one way
Commerce City, CO
2h 34m117 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers access to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument on many routes, with routes like the one to Colorado Springs being shorter day trips.
Summer
Summer is ideal for exploring the parks near the longer drive to Grand Junction, including Black Canyon Of The Gunnison.
Fall
Fall drives can showcase changing foliage on routes with mixed terrain, and parks like Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument remain accessible.
Winter
Winter travel may be best suited for the shorter, highway-focused drive to Colorado Springs, keeping park access in mind.
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 Cañon City, CO city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.