TA
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Arvada, CO to Bayfield, CO
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h 10m
Distance
315.1 mi
507 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$48
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 59m
★
6 AM
7h 10m
8 AM
7h 32m
10 AM
7h 18m
12 PM
7h 16m
3 PM
7h 19m
5 PM
7h 31m
8 PM
7h 4m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Arvada, CO
Wikimedia Commons
Bayfield, CO
Thirdman
Trip Overview
Arvada to Bayfield is 315.1 miles and takes about 7h 10m via US 285 and US 160, with a fuel budget near $49 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive takes you through the Mountain West region of Colorado, staying within the state for the entire trip. It's a fairly direct route, mostly on major highways, making it a straightforward option for a single day of driving. You'll want to be prepared for a solid block of time behind the wheel, but it's certainly manageable within daylight hours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
157.5 miles from Arvada, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 33m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 285 | 146 mi | 3h 21m |
| West U.S. Highway 160 | 57.8 mi | 1h 20m |
| US 50 | 40.4 mi | 51m |
| US 160 | 38 mi | 48m |
| West Highway 112 | 13.1 mi | 19m |
| I 70 | 6.7 mi | 7m |
| CO 470 | 5.1 mi | 5m |
| San Juan Street | 2.6 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
US 285
— 146 mi, about 3h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Arvada, CO and Bayfield, CO.
1
Start on this road
41 ft
·
5 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto Ammons Street
227 ft
·
9 sec
·
Ammons Street
3
Turn right onto Ralston Road
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Ralston Road
4
Continue on West 58th Avenue
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West 58th Avenue
5
Turn left onto Kipling Parkway
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Kipling Parkway
Use the left lane.
6
Continue on CO 391
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Kipling Street
Use the left lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
Toward I 70 West
8
Merge onto I 70
6.7 mi
·
7 min
·
I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
50 sec
Exit 260
Toward CO 470 East: Colorado Springs
Use the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto CO 470
5.1 mi
·
5 min
·
CO 470
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 5A
Toward US 285 South: Fairplay
Use the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto US 285
101 mi
·
2 hr 13 min
·
US 285
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
At end of road, turn left onto US 285
11 mi
·
17 min
·
US 285
14
Continue on US 285
10.0 mi
·
16 min
·
US 285
15
Turn left onto US 50; US 285
40 mi
·
51 min
·
US 50; US 285
Use the straight lane.
16
Turn slight left onto US 285
24 mi
·
34 min
·
US 285
Use the straight / left lanes.
17
Turn right onto CO 112
13 mi
·
19 min
·
West Highway 112
Use the right lane.
18
Turn right onto US 160
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Grand Avenue
19
Continue on US 160
58 mi
·
1 hr 20 min
·
West U.S. Highway 160
20
Continue on US 160
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
San Juan Street
21
Continue on US 160
11 mi
·
14 min
·
US 160
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 160
27 mi
·
34 min
·
US 160
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn left onto CR 501
513 ft
·
25 sec
·
CR 501
24
At end of road, turn right onto US 160 BUS
219 ft
·
9 sec
·
US 160 BUS
25
Turn left onto CR 521
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
South Buck Highway
26
Arrive at destination
CR 521
Trip Plan
Given the 7h 10m estimated drive time, leaving Arvada in the morning is your best bet to arrive in Bayfield with plenty of daylight. You have two suggested stops along the way, which are good opportunities to stretch your legs or grab a quick bite. The longest stretch without a significant town is 146 miles on US 285, so plan your fuel stops accordingly, keeping the $49 estimated fuel cost in mind. This route is designed for a single-day push, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider breaking it up.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 157.5 miles from Arvada, CO, or about 3h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 146 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 69 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 157.5 miles or 3h 33m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bayfield, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Arvada, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Arvada, CO
This is one driving day of about 315.1 miles and 7h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Arvada, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 285 for about 146 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
158 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 69 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 157.5 miles from Arvada, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 285 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 146 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
CDOT Rest Area: Shaw Creek
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Tiny Town & Railroad
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.4 mi from route
~3 min detour
Morrison, Colorado
+13036976829
Visit websiteSuper Smash Rooms
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~9 min detour
3.7 mi from route
~9 min detour
Westminster, Colorado
Hours: 1–7 pm
+13035580726
Visit websiteMorrison Natural History Museum
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~12 min detour
First break
4.9 mi from route
~12 min detour
Morrison, Colorado
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+13036971873
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 314.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Ammons Street
Turn right onto Ammons Street
Navigation decision point
7
9.6 mi into trip
|
~13m in
Take the exit toward CO 470 East: Colorado Springs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 260
Toward CO 470 East: Colorado Springs
7
15.3 mi into trip
|
~20m in
Take the exit toward US 285 South: Fairplay
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 5A
Toward US 285 South: Fairplay
6
202.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 34m in
|
CO 112 / West Highway 112
Turn right onto CO 112 / West Highway 112
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
314.7 mi into trip
|
~7h 9m in
|
US 160 BUS
At end of road, turn right onto US 160 BUS
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$48.05 one way
$96.09 round trip
$3.87/gal
25.4 MPG avg
110 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.12 | $51.07 | $102.15 |
| premium | $4.45 | $55.24 | $110.48 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $59.50 | $118.99 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$48
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 110.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 94.5 | 1 | $33.09 | $15.12 |
| Efficient EV | 78.8 | 0 | $27.57 | $12.60 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 126 | 1 | $44.11 | $20.17 |
Gas CO2
110 kg
EV CO2
37 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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.
Origin
Arvada, CO
Afternoon in Arvada on Saturday
Local time
1:55 PM
MDT
Current temp
93°F
Sunny
ENE 5 to 8 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Bayfield, CO
Afternoon in Bayfield on Saturday
Local time
1:55 PM
MDT
Current temp
80°F
Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
SW 5 mph
73% chance
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
13 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
7h 10m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 98% of it on major roads. You'll experience a long stretch of 146 miles on US 285 before transitioning. The bulk of your time will be spent cruising on highways like US 285, US 50, and West U.S. Highway 160. Expect minimal time on surface streets as you navigate between these primary routes.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 146 mi on US 285.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 285 and West U.S. Highway 160. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Ammons Street.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 315.1 miles you will encounter 16 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Ammons Street): Navigation decision point; at 9.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mountain driving with significant elevation changes
9,834 ft
5,347 ft
Total Climb
7,447 ft
Total Descent
5,900 ft
Highest Point
9,834 ft
~247.6 mi in
Elevation Range
4,486 ft
Notable High Points
9,479 ft at ~67.5 miles
+105 ft prominence
8,154 ft at ~157.5 miles
+443 ft prominence
9,834 ft at ~247.6 miles
+1,716 ft prominence
About the Cities
Starting in Arvada, CO
Full guide →Founded 1859
Arvada is a city of about 125,000 in the Denver Metropolitan Area of the U.S. state of Colorado. A former farming community in Jefferson and Adams counties, the city is now a residential suburb of Denver. Olde Town Arvada lies 7 miles (11 km) northwest of the Colorado State Capitol and 9 miles (14 km) east of the Front Range foothills.
Top landmarks
- • Arvada Flour Mill — historic mill in Arvada, Colorado, USA
- • Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities — art center in Arvada, Colorado
Arriving in Bayfield, CO
Full guide →City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 10m. Total distance: 315.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 10m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 146 miles on US 285. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 3 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Bayfield, CO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 2 meaningful breaks. There are 3 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Ammons Street): Navigation decision point; at 9.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.2 hours each way, a round trip means 14.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Bayfield, CO before the return drive.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Bayfield, CO
More trips to Bayfield, CO
Explore more options from Arvada, CO or browse trips ending in Bayfield, CO.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse CO road trips.