Traveling from Broomfield to Delta covers 284.4 miles across the Colorado Mountain West, making for a substantial journey that takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. While it is possible to complete this drive in a single day, be prepared for a solid block of time behind the wheel. You should budget about $43 for fuel to cover the distance. Since the route is entirely contained within the state of Colorado, you will remain within the same regional climate, though elevation changes are significant. This trip works best as a straightforward, one-day transit, allowing you to reach your destination by evening without needing an overnight stop.
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
142.2 miles from Broomfield, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 43m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
232.9 mi
4h 18m
US 50
20.9 mi
26m
United States Highway 50
11.7 mi
14m
32 Road
5.4 mi
9m
Sheridan Boulevard
4.3 mi
7m
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
3.9 mi
4m
I 70 BUS
1.8 mi
3m
Heartland Expressway
1.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 232.9 mi, about 4h 18m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 18 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,726 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,309
Quietest
2 AM
~95 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
18.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Broomfield, CO and Delta, CO.
1
Start on this road
192 ft·16 sec·this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto West 3rd Avenue
273 ft·19 sec·West 3rd Avenue
3
Turn left onto Nickel Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·Nickel Street
4
Turn right onto US 287
140 ft·3 sec·US 287
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward CO 121 South
6
Turn straight onto CO 121
0.4 mi·1 min·CO 121
7
Turn left
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward US 36 East: DenverUse the left lane.
8
Merge onto US 36
1.2 mi·1 min·Denver–Boulder Turnpike
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
1.9 mi·2 min·Denver–Boulder Turnpike
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 36
0.8 mi·53 sec·Denver–Boulder Turnpike
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward CO 95 South: Sheridan BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
12
Turn right onto CO 95
4.3 mi·7 min·Sheridan Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I 76 West
14
Merge onto I 76
1.3 mi·1 min·Heartland Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 70
233 mi·4 hr 18 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit onto I 70 BUS
1.6 mi·2 min·I 70 BUS
Exit 37Toward I 70 Business, US 6, US 50: Clifton, Grand Junction, DeltaUse the left lane.
17
Continue on I 70 BUS; US 6
0.2 mi·31 sec·I 70 BUS; US 6
18
Turn left onto CO 141
5.4 mi·9 min·32 Road
Use the left lane.
19
At end of road, turn left onto US 50; CO 141
12 mi·14 min·United States Highway 50
Toward DeltaUse the left lane.
20
Continue on US 50
16 mi·18 min·US 50
21
Continue on US 50
4.9 mi·7 min·US 50
22
Turn left onto East 3rd Street
0.1 mi·19 sec·East 3rd Street
Use the left lane.
23
Turn right
283 ft·20 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To keep your 5-hour and 30-minute trip manageable, plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the long 232.9-mile interstate segment. Leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential traffic congestion along the busier portions of I-70. Since this is a highway-heavy route, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before hitting the road, as the $43 fuel estimate can fluctuate based on mountain driving conditions. Given the length of the drive, keep a flexible schedule for your one recommended stop to avoid fatigue. Check road conditions specifically for the transition points where you exit the interstate onto US-50, as these areas can experience different traffic flows than the main highway.
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 142.2 miles from Broomfield, CO, or about 2h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 232.9 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 63 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142.2 miles or 2h 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Delta, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Broomfield, 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 Broomfield, CO
This is one driving day of about 284.4 miles and 5h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Broomfield, 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 I 70 for about 232.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 251.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|West 3rd Avenue
At end of road, turn right onto West 3rd Avenue
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
6
0.3 mi into trip|~1m in
Keep slight left at fork toward CO 121 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward CO 121 South
7
1 mi into trip|~2m in
Turn left toward US 36 East: Denver
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward US 36 East: Denver
8
244.4 mi into trip|~4h 36m 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. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 37
Toward I 70 Business, US 6, US 50: Clifton, Gra...
7
251.6 mi into trip|~4h 49m in|US 50; CO 141 / United States Highway 50
At end of road, turn left onto US 50; CO 141 / United States Highway 50 toward Delta
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward Delta
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.37 one way
$86.73 round trip
$3.87/gal25.4 MPG avg100 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$46.10
$92.19
premium
$4.45
$49.86
$99.72
diesel
$4.80
$53.70
$107.40
Estimated Tolls: $0.27
Denver–Boulder Turnpike
(3.9 mi)$0.27
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.3
1
$29.86
$13.65
Efficient EV
71.1
0
$24.89
$11.38
EV Truck/SUV
113.8
1
$39.82
$18.20
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% 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.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Broomfield, CO
Late night
in Broomfield on Sunday
Local time
3:07 AM
MDT
Current temp
92°F
Sunny
E 9 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 4:39PM MDT until July 17 at 6:15PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 3:57PM MDT until July 17 at 7:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
Destination
Delta, CO
Late night
in Delta on Sunday
Local time
3:07 AM
MDT
Current temp
95°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 5 mph36% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 4:39PM MDT until July 17 at 6:15PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 3:57PM MDT until July 17 at 7:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
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
3 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
5h 30m 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...
14 mi from route
~34 min detour
$25
near mile 245.1
Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time. Come see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. Forces of nature and the G...
22 mi from route
~54 min detour
$30
near mile 284.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 96% of the journey spent on major routes like I-70 and US-50. You will spend the vast majority of your time on a long, 232.9-mile stretch along I-70, which serves as the primary artery for the first leg of your travel. Expect a fast-paced environment as you navigate these high-speed corridors before transitioning onto the secondary highways that lead you toward Delta. The driving experience is consistent and efficient, prioritizing speed and directness over technical, winding backroads. Overall, it is a high-utility drive designed to move you across the state with minimal deviation.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 232.9 mi on I 70.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and US 50. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West 3rd Avenue.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 284.4 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: near the start (West 3rd Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 1 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mountain driving with significant elevation changes
10,135 ft4,801 ft
Total Climb
5,044 ft
Total Descent
5,475 ft
Highest Point
10,135 ft
~60.9 mi in
Elevation Range
5,334 ft
Notable High Points
10,135 ft at ~60.9 miles+842 ft prominence
5,100 ft at ~264.1 miles+141 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Broomfield, CO to Delta, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Grand Junction along the way.
Broomfield is a combined city and county of about 77,000 in the Denver Metropolitan Area of the western U.S. state of Colorado. Broomfield lies 14 miles (23 km) northwest of Denver and 12 miles (19 km) southeast of Boulder. The only other combined city and county in Colorado is the City and County of Denver, the state capital.
Delta is a town in the Southwestern part of the Rocky Mountains state of Colorado. It is also in the West Elks American Viticultural Area (AVA), a part of Colorado's Wine Country and home to the highest wine vineyards in North America.
Delta is a hub for tourism and recreation, including camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and mountain bike riding. Delta is highly cognizant of preserving its history. The town has more than 20 beautiful murals depicting its fruit orchards and other past times. There are several buildings in town on the National Historic Register, including the Egyptian Theater, an "Egyptian Revival" art deco movie house from the 1920s.
In 2020, it was home to 9,000 people.
Top landmarks
•Egyptian Theatre — movie theater in Delta, Colorado, United States
•Delta County Bank Building — department store in Delta, Colorado
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 30m. Total distance: 284.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 30m 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 232.9 miles on I 70. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.27 in tolls one way, starting with Denver–Boulder Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 12 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 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 Delta, 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. There are 12 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West 3rd Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 1 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Colorado National Monument and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Delta, CO before the return drive.
