Trip from Aurora, CO to Clifton, CO

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

Drive Time

4h 46m

Distance

251.5 mi

405 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 33m ★

6 AM

4h 47m

8 AM

5h 14m

10 AM

4h 56m

12 PM

4h 54m

3 PM

4h 58m

5 PM

5h 12m

8 PM

4h 39m

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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Aurora, CO

Wikimedia Commons

census-designated place in Mesa County, Colorado, United States

Clifton, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 251.5-mile drive from Aurora, Colorado, to Clifton, Colorado, will take you approximately 4 hours and 46 minutes. It's a manageable one-day trip, with a fuel cost estimated at $38. The route primarily utilizes the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway, Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway, and Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, with a high percentage of highway driving. You'll experience a turn-heavy local drive for a significant portion, so be prepared for more frequent adjustments. This journey stays within the Mountain West region, offering a consistent geographic backdrop.

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

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

125.7 miles from Aurora, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 28m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway	151.8 mi	2h 55m
Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway	80.8 mi	1h 25m
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway	13.2 mi	14m
I 70 BUS	1.4 mi	2m
I 225	1.1 mi	1m
North Potomac Street	0.6 mi	1m
North Fitzsimons Parkway	0.3 mi	<1m
F Road	0.3 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway — 151.8 mi, about 2h 55m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Aurora, CO and Clifton, CO.

Start on North Vaughn Street

80 ft · 5 sec · North Vaughn Street

Turn right onto Toledo Street

0.2 mi · 49 sec · Toledo Street

Turn slight right onto East 10th Avenue

257 ft · 16 sec · East 10th Avenue

Turn left onto North Potomac Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Potomac Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on North Fitzsimons Parkway

0.3 mi · 40 sec · North Fitzsimons Parkway

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto East 17th Place

0.2 mi · 29 sec · East 17th Place

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 51 sec

Toward I 225 North Use the left lane.

Merge onto I 225

1.1 mi · 1 min · I 225

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min

Exit 12A Toward I 70 West: Denver Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 46 sec

Toward I 70 West: Denver

Merge onto I 70

2.1 mi · 2 min · Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 70

150 mi · 2 hr 52 min · Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 70

81 mi · 1 hr 25 min · Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway

Use the straight lane.

Continue on I 70

13 mi · 14 min · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway

Take the exit onto I 70 BUS

1.4 mi · 2 min · I 70 BUS

Exit 37 Toward I 70 Business, US 6, US 50: Clifton, Grand Junction, Delta

Turn sharp left onto US 6

0.2 mi · 33 sec · F Road

Use the left lane.

Enter roundabout onto US 6

76 ft · 1 sec · F Road

Continue on US 6

361 ft · 10 sec · F Road

Arrive at destination

US 6

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour 46-minute duration, this trip is best tackled in a single day. Aim to depart Aurora early to maximize daylight and allow ample time for the numerous turns indicated in the route profile. With only one recommended stop, plan to fuel up before you leave or be mindful of the $38 fuel cost and available stations. The longest stretch is over 150 miles, so ensure you have enough gas before embarking on that segment. Being flexible with your timing will be key due to the 'turn-heavy local drive' aspect.

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 125.7 miles from Aurora, CO, or about 2h 28m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 151.8 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 55 miles or 1h 7m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 125.7 miles or 2h 28m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 56m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clifton, CO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Aurora, 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 Aurora, CO

This is one driving day of about 251.5 miles and 4h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Aurora, 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 Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway for about 151.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Aspen, CO

126 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

Applewood, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Avon, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 125.7 miles from Aurora, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 151.8 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

La Familia restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Aurora, Colorado

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17205243411

Los Toritos Mexican Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Aurora, Colorado

2.6 mi

La Familia restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Aurora, Colorado

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17205243411

Los Toritos Mexican Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Aurora, Colorado

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+13033666381

Old Town Hot Pot

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30

Aurora, Colorado

Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm

+13036580870

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Woodward Copper Barn

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 89.8

Frisco, Colorado

Hours: 12–8 pm

+18883501544

Visit website

Central Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+17209131311

Visit website

Colorado Adventure Center - Zipline & Ropes Course

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 53.9

Idaho Springs, Colorado

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17207071885

Visit website

Frisco Historic Park and Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 89.8

Frisco, Colorado

Hours: Closed

+19706683428

Visit website

St Mary's Glacier Trailhead

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 53.9

Idaho Springs, Colorado

Super Smash Rooms

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 18

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 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.2 and 249.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

1.2 mi into trip | ~3m in | East 17th Place

Turn right onto East 17th Place

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

1.3 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the ramp toward I 225 North

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 225 North

2.8 mi into trip | ~5m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 70 West: Denver

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 12A Toward I 70 West: Denver

6 mi into trip | ~10m in | I 70 / Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 70 / Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

249.8 mi into trip | ~4h 43m in | I 70 BUS

Take the exit onto I 70 BUS toward I 70 Business, US 6, US 50: Clifton, Grand Junction, Delta

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 37 Toward I 70 Business, US 6, US 50: Clifton, Gra...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$37.89 one way

$75.79 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 88 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.05	$40.12	$80.24
premium	$4.39	$43.51	$87.02
diesel	$5.61	$55.53	$111.06

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$38

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 88 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	75.5	0	$26.41	$12.07
Efficient EV	62.9	0	$22.01	$10.06
EV Truck/SUV	100.6	1	$35.21	$16.10

Gas CO2

88 kg

EV CO2

29 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

Aurora, CO

Night in Aurora on Saturday

Local time

10:35 PM

MDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Clifton, CO

Night in Clifton on Saturday

Local time

10:35 PM

MDT

Current temp

71°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

24 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

4h 46m on the road

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

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

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Colorado National Monument

National Monument

Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panoram...

13 mi from route ~33 min detour $25 near mile 251.5

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a drive that's more than just highway miles; the profile indicates a 'turn-heavy local drive,' suggesting you'll encounter numerous turns and potentially varying road conditions. While 100% of the route is on highways, the longest uninterrupted stretch is 151.8 miles on the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway. This means after that significant segment, you can anticipate more frequent navigation changes. The road's personality shifts from potentially faster highway travel to more intricate local road navigation as you progress toward Clifton.

Only 1% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.

19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 151.8 mi on Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in near East 17th Place.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 251.5 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1.2 miles (East 17th Place): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Aurora, CO

Full guide →

Aurora is a city of about 400,000 of the Denver Metropolitan Area in the western U.S. state of Colorado. The city lies immediately east of Denver in Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties. In 2008 it was named the "All American City."

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 4h 46m. Total distance: 251.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 151.8 miles on Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway. 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.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Clifton, 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 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Yes — Colorado National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Clifton, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Trip from Aurora, CO to Clifton, CO

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

La Familia restaurant

La Familia restaurant

Los Toritos Mexican Restaurant

Old Town Hot Pot

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Loop Charging Station

EVgo Charging Station

Costco Wholesale Corporation Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

EVgo Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Woodward Copper Barn

Central Park

Colorado Adventure Center - Zipline & Ropes Course

Frisco Historic Park and Museum

St Mary's Glacier Trailhead

Super Smash Rooms

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Aurora, CO

Clifton, CO

Same local time

24 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 46m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Colorado National Monument

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Starting in Aurora, CO

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

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