Road Trips from Lakewood, CO
Lakewood's road trip options offer a solid mix for a weekend escape. You've got several destinations within a 2-hour drive, suitable for a day trip, some with parks and varied terrain. For longer hauls, there are options stretching up to 4.5 hours, primarily highway routes, that could work for an overnight or a very full day. Consider the drive profile – many are local, turn-heavy routes, while others are more straightforward highway stretches.
Total Routes
29
Shortest
0.2h
With Parks Nearby
14
Under 2 hours
18 total in this range
Aristocrat Ranchettes, CO
56m37.8 mi one way
This 37.8-mile trip to Aristocrat Ranchettes is a mixed drive, scoring an 8 out of 10. It's a shorter option, under an hour, and has parks nearby. It's a good choice if you want a relatively quick drive without a lot of turns.
Byers, CO
1h 1m51.7 mi one way
At 51.7 miles, this drive to Byers takes about an hour. It's characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive' with a score of 8. This route doesn't feature parks, making it a straightforward journey focused on the road itself.
Fort Morgan, CO
1h 36m86.8 mi one way
For a longer day trip, Fort Morgan is 86.8 miles away and takes about 1.6 hours. This is a highway-focused drive with a score of 7, and it passes by parks. It offers a more direct route compared to the turn-heavy local options.
Loveland, CO
1h 10m56.9 mi one way
This 56.9-mile drive to Loveland takes 1.2 hours and has a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile with a score of 7. It's a good option if you're looking for a drive with some winding roads and access to parks.
Denver, CO
14m7.5 mi one way
Full-day getaway
Cañon City, CO
2h 28m118.3 mi one way
Cañon City is 118.3 miles from Lakewood, a 2.5-hour trip with a high drive score of 8. This route is designated 'turn-heavy local drive' and offers access to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, making it a destination with a significant natural attraction.
Holyoke, CO
3h 26m178 mi one way
This 178-mile drive to Holyoke takes 3.4 hours and is a highway-focused route scoring an 8. It's a longer option that includes parks, suitable for a day when you want to cover more ground on primarily highway roads.
Burlington, CO
3h 4m173.6 mi one way
Burlington is 173.6 miles away, a 3.1-hour trip with a drive score of 8. This is a 'turn-heavy local drive' that also features high-altitude sections with notable climbs. It's a longer route that offers a more dynamic driving experience.
Edwards, CO
2h 6m106 mi one way
Edwards is 106 miles from Lakewood, a 2.1-hour drive. This route is highway-focused with a drive score of 7. It’s a good choice for a longer day trip where you prefer straightforward highway driving, though it doesn't pass by parks.
Weekend trip
7 total in this range
Las Animas, CO
4h 17m197.8 mi one way
Clifton, CO
4h 22m233.7 mi one way
Clifton is 233.7 miles away, a 4.4-hour highway-focused drive with a score of 8. This route provides access to Colorado National Monument, making it a substantial trip for those seeking a significant park experience.
Redlands, CO
4h 36m245.3 mi one way
At 245.3 miles and 4.6 hours, this is the longest drive and also a highway-focused route with a score of 8. Redlands offers access to Colorado National Monument, similar to Clifton, presenting a longer journey to a notable park.
Paonia, CO
4h 56m224.2 mi one way
Aspen, CO
4h154.7 mi one way
This 154.7-mile trip to Aspen takes 4 hours, making it the longest drive with a park option on this list. It's a highway-focused drive with a score of 8, ideal for a full-day excursion or a potential overnight.
Browse by Mood
Las Animas, CO
4h 17m197.8 mi one way
Cañon City, CO
2h 28m118.3 mi one way
Holyoke, CO
3h 26m178 mi one way
Burlington, CO
3h 4m173.6 mi one way
Aspen, CO
4h154.7 mi one way
Fort Morgan, CO
1h 36m86.8 mi one way
Denver, CO
14m7.5 mi one way
Centennial, CO
26m18.5 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers good driving conditions for most routes, especially the highway-focused ones. Local drives with potential climbs are best tackled when high-altitude sections are clear of snow.
Summer
Summer is ideal for all routes, particularly those leading to parks like Colorado National Monument or Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
Fall
Fall provides excellent visibility for highway drives and scenic views on the turn-heavy local routes. Mountain passes on some routes should be monitored for early snow.
Winter
Winter road conditions can vary significantly; highway routes are generally more reliable. Local drives, especially those with high-altitude sections, may present challenges.
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 Lakewood, CO city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.