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Trip from Black Forest, CO to Fort Collins, CO

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 28m

Distance

128.1 mi

206 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 18m ★
6 AM
2h 28m
8 AM
2h 48m
10 AM
2h 35m
12 PM
2h 33m
3 PM
2h 36m
5 PM
2h 47m
8 PM
2h 22m

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 Black Forest, CO, CO

Black Forest, CO

Justin Wolfert

city and county seat of Larimer County, Colorado, United States

Fort Collins, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 131.3-mile drive from Black Forest, CO to Fort Collins, CO takes approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes, making it a perfect day trip. You'll navigate using Shoup Road, I 25 North, and Ronald Reagan Highway, with no significant highway driving, indicated by a 0% highway share. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $20. Given its manageable length and the local feel of the drive, it’s best suited for a single day, allowing ample flexibility for stops. This route stays within the Mountain West region, offering a consistent regional experience.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

64.1 miles from Black Forest, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 15m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Ronald Reagan Highway 64.6 mi 1h 12m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 41.7 mi 41m
North Valley Highway 9.6 mi 11m
Shoup Road 4.2 mi 7m
East Mulberry Street 4 mi 7m
CO 83 2.8 mi 4m
West Mulberry Street 0.3 mi <1m
South Sherwood Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Ronald Reagan Highway — 64.6 mi, about 1h 12m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Black Forest, CO and Fort Collins, CO.

1

Start on CR 189

82 ft · 5 sec · Black Forest Road
2

Turn right onto Shoup Road

4.2 mi · 7 min · Shoup Road
3

At end of road, turn left onto CO 83

2.8 mi · 4 min · CO 83
4

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Toward I 25 North: Denver Use the slight right lane.
5

Merge onto I 25

65 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Ronald Reagan Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 25

4.3 mi · 5 min · North Valley Highway
Use the slight right lane.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 25

5.3 mi · 5 min · North Valley Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
8

Continue on I 25

42 mi · 41 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 269B Toward CO 14 West: Fort Collins
10

Merge onto CO 14

4.0 mi · 7 min · East Mulberry Street
Use the straight lane.
11

Continue on West Mulberry Street

0.3 mi · 45 sec · West Mulberry Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
12

Turn right onto South Meldrum Street

499 ft · 29 sec · South Meldrum Street
13

Turn left onto West Magnolia Street

476 ft · 18 sec · West Magnolia Street
14

Continue on South Sherwood Street

0.2 mi · 39 sec · South Sherwood Street
15

Arrive at destination

South Sherwood Street

Trip Plan

For this 131.3-mile trip, you can easily complete it in one day, giving you the flexibility to depart at your leisure. Given the turn-heavy nature of the drive, plan for your 2 hour and 16 minute estimated travel time to potentially be a bit longer, especially if you encounter unexpected delays on local roads. The $20 fuel cost is a good estimate, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. When heading north on I 25, be aware of potential traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 64.1 miles from Black Forest, CO, or about 1h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 64.6 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 28 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 64.1 miles or 1h 15m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 59m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Black Forest, 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 Black Forest, CO

This is one driving day of about 128.1 miles and 2h 28m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Black Forest, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Ronald Reagan Highway for about 64.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

consolidated city-county and capital of Colorado, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Denver, CO

64 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.

Popular next leg

Denver, CO to Fort Collins, CO

63.7 mi · 1h 17m

Pacing Suggestions

Castle Rock, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Denver, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 64.1 miles from Black Forest, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Ronald Reagan Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 64.6 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.

Best meal stop · around the midpoint

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Denver, Colorado

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset · 1h 16m in / 1h 12m to go 1 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $60

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+13038930044

Visit website

Old Town Hot Pot

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Aurora, Colorado

2.9 mi

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $60

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+13038930044

Visit website

Old Town Hot Pot

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30

Aurora, Colorado

Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm

+13036580870

Visit website

Nola Voodoo Tavern

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17203899544

Visit website

Tikka & Grill, Nepali and Indian Food

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour Moderately

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm

+17204767144

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

EVmatch Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16508228157

Visit website

Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.2 mi from route

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+18666369969

Visit website

Old Town Square

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+19704846500

Visit website

Rock Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Castle Rock, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+17207332260

Visit website

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19702216738

Visit website

Lee Martinez Community Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+19702216660

Visit website

Big Blue Bear

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Larimer Square

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17208051973

Visit website

Water World

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Federal Heights, Colorado

+13034277873

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 7.1 and 123.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
7.1 mi into trip | ~11m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 25 North: Denver

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 25 North: Denver
5
7.4 mi into trip | ~12m in | I 25 / Ronald Reagan Highway

Merge onto I 25 / Ronald Reagan Highway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6
72 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in | I 25 / North Valley Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 25 / North Valley Highway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.
6
76.3 mi into trip | ~1h 30m in | I 25 / North Valley Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 25 / North Valley Highway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
5
123.3 mi into trip | ~2h 17m in

Take the exit toward CO 14 West: Fort Collins

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 269B Toward CO 14 West: Fort Collins

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.30 one way

$38.60 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $20.44 $40.87
premium $4.39 $22.16 $44.32
diesel $5.61 $28.28 $56.57

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.4 0 $13.45 $6.15
Efficient EV 32 0 $11.21 $5.12
EV Truck/SUV 51.2 0 $17.93 $8.20

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 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 19, 2026

Origin

Black Forest, CO

Late night in Black Forest on Tuesday

Local time

2:08 AM

MDT

Current temp

31°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Collins, CO

Late night in Fort Collins on Tuesday

Local time

2:08 AM

MDT

Current temp

32°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

1 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

2h 28m 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?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. With a 0% highway share, you'll be on roads that require more frequent adjustments. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, but the 'turn-heavy' profile suggests a dynamic driving experience with many changes in direction. This type of journey often involves navigating through various local roads and potentially some town centers, so staying alert to speed limit changes and intersections is key.

Only 2% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 64.6 mi on Ronald Reagan 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 7.1 miles in.

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 10 significant decision points across 128.1 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 7.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.4 miles (I 25 / Ronald Reagan Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 72 miles (I 25 / North Valley Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Fort Collins, CO

Full guide →

Fort Collins is a city of about 170,000 in north central region of the western U.S. state of Colorado. The seat of Larimer County, the city lies 59 miles (95 km) north of Denver on the Cache La Poudre River at the eastern edge of the Front Range foothills. Fort Collins is the home of Colorado State University and is a major research center.

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 2h 28m. Total distance: 128.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 64.6 miles on Ronald Reagan Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Fort Collins, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 7.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.4 miles (I 25 / Ronald Reagan Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 72 miles (I 25 / North Valley Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Fort Collins, CO before heading back.

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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