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Trip from Arvada, CO to Holyoke, CO

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 18m

Distance

172.9 mi

278 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 7m ★
6 AM
3h 19m
8 AM
3h 43m
10 AM
3h 27m
12 PM
3h 25m
3 PM
3h 28m
5 PM
3h 42m
8 PM
3h 12m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Arvada, CO, CO

Arvada, CO

Wikimedia Commons

city in and county seat of Phillips County, Colorado, United States

Holyoke, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Arvada to Holyoke, expect a straightforward journey spanning 172.9 miles across Colorado’s Mountain West. With a drive time of approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can anticipate a fuel budget of about $26, making this an economical choice for a quick getaway. By utilizing a combination of Ralston Road, US Highway 6, and the Heartland Expressway, you will transition from the suburban edge of the Denver metro area into the quiet plains of the state’s northeast corner. It is a practical, efficient path for travelers looking to move between these regions without unnecessary detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

86.5 miles from Arvada, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 31m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Heartland Expressway 122.5 mi 2h 4m
US Highway 6 44.3 mi 1h 2m
Ralston Road 1.8 mi 3m
Denver Street 1 mi 1m
1st Street 0.8 mi 1m
West Weston Street 0.6 mi <1m
Dee Street 0.4 mi <1m
Sheridan Boulevard 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Heartland Expressway — 122.5 mi, about 2h 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Arvada, CO and Holyoke, CO.

1

Start on this road

41 ft · 5 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto Ammons Street

58 ft · 7 sec · Ammons Street
3

Turn left

313 ft · 25 sec
4

At end of road, turn right onto Allison Street

172 ft · 13 sec · Allison Street
5

Turn left onto Ralston Road

1.8 mi · 3 min · Ralston Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
6

Turn right onto CO 95

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Sheridan Boulevard
Use the right lane.
7

Turn left

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Toward I 76 East Use the left lane.
8

Merge onto I 76

11 mi · 12 min · Heartland Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 76

112 mi · 1 hr 52 min · Heartland Expressway
Toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 48 sec
Exit 125 Toward US 6: Sterling, Holyoke
11

Keep slight right at fork

281 ft · 7 sec
Exit 125 Toward US 6 East: Holyoke
12

Turn straight onto US 6

18 mi · 26 min · US Highway 6
13

Continue on US 6

0.6 mi · 51 sec · West Weston Street
14

Continue on US 6

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Railway Street
15

Continue on US 6

11 mi · 13 min · US Highway 6
16

Continue on US 6

0.8 mi · 1 min · 1st Street
17

Continue on US 6

8.0 mi · 11 min · US Highway 6
18

Continue on US 6

0.4 mi · 39 sec · Dee Street
19

Continue on US 6

7.8 mi · 11 min · US Highway 6
20

Continue on US 6

1.0 mi · 1 min · Denver Street
21

Turn right onto US 385

379 ft · 8 sec · South Interocean Avenue
22

Turn right onto West Emerson Street

42 ft · 1 sec · West Emerson Street
23

Arrive at destination

West Emerson Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 3-hour and 18-minute drive, aim to head out during off-peak hours to avoid potential congestion while navigating away from Arvada. Although the total duration is relatively short, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs, especially since you will be spending nearly the entire time on highways. Since your longest uninterrupted stretch hits 122.5 miles on the Heartland Expressway, ensure your gas tank is topped off before merging onto that section to avoid any mid-stretch anxiety. The flexibility of a one-day trip allows you to leave at your own pace, but keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the final leg toward Holyoke to ensure you reach your destination comfortably.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 86.5 miles from Arvada, CO, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 122.5 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 38 miles or 43m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 86.5 miles or 1h 31m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 35m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Holyoke, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Arvada, CO

This is one driving day of about 172.9 miles and 3h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Arvada, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Heartland Expressway for about 122.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in Weld County, Colorado, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lochbuie, CO

86 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

Brighton, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fort Morgan, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 86.5 miles from Arvada, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Heartland Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 122.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

First Dragon Chinese Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Holyoke, Colorado

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 172.9

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19708544772

Visit website

J & L Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sterling, Colorado

2.4 mi

Sam & Louie's Italian Restaurant & New York Pizzeria

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Sterling, Colorado

2.2 mi

First Dragon Chinese Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 172.9

Holyoke, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19708544772

Visit website

J & L Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.5

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 5:15 am–8 pm

+19705223625

Visit website

Sam & Louie's Italian Restaurant & New York Pizzeria

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.5

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19705262550

Visit website

Santiago's Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.5

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+19705210179

Visit website

Fiesta Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.5

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19705260401

Wonderful House Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.5

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19705220101

Visit website

Domino's Pizza

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Inexpensiv mile 123.5

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+19705223030

Visit website

Mi Ranchito Mexican Restaurant

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 123.5

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19705266173

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 12.4

Henderson, Colorado

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18889982546

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 12.4

Commerce City, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Super 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 website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 13.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Allison Street

At end of road, turn right onto Allison Street

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

6
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Ralston Road

Turn left onto Ralston Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.
6
1.9 mi into trip | ~4m in | CO 95 / Sheridan Boulevard

Turn right onto CO 95 / Sheridan Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
7
2.2 mi into trip | ~5m in

Turn left toward I 76 East

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 76 East
7
13.1 mi into trip | ~18m in | I 76 / Heartland Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 76 / Heartland Expressway toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.05 one way

$52.10 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $27.58 $55.16
premium $4.39 $29.91 $59.82
diesel $5.61 $38.17 $76.35

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 60.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 51.9 0 $18.15 $8.30
Efficient EV 43.2 0 $15.13 $6.92
EV Truck/SUV 69.2 0 $24.21 $11.07

Gas CO2

60 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Arvada, CO

Night in Arvada on Saturday

Local time

10:34 PM

MDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Holyoke, CO

Night in Holyoke on Saturday

Local time

10:34 PM

MDT

Current temp

83°F

Unavailable

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

37 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 18m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 96% of your journey spent on high-speed roads. You will settle into a consistent rhythm quickly, as the route features a dominant 122.5-mile stretch on the Heartland Expressway. Because the vast majority of your time is spent on major thoroughfares, the drive feels efficient and predictable rather than winding or technical. Expect a steady, high-speed experience that allows you to cover significant ground with ease. While the initial departure via Ralston Road offers a local feel, the character of the drive shifts rapidly into a focused, long-distance highway cruise that defines the bulk of your time behind the wheel.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 122.5 mi on Heartland Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Heartland Expressway and US Highway 6. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Allison 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 172.9 miles you will encounter 12 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: at 0.1 miles (Allison Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.1 miles (Ralston Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.9 miles (CO 95 / Sheridan Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Arvada, CO

Full guide →

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.

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 3h 18m. Total distance: 172.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 122.5 miles on Heartland Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Allison Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.1 miles (Ralston Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.9 miles (CO 95 / Sheridan Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Holyoke, CO, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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