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Trip from Centennial, CO to Clifton, 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

4h 43m

Distance

249.6 mi

402 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 30m ★
6 AM
4h 43m
8 AM
5h 10m
10 AM
4h 53m
12 PM
4h 50m
3 PM
4h 54m
5 PM
5h 9m
8 PM
4h 35m

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 Centennial, CO, CO

Centennial, CO

Wikimedia Commons

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

Clifton, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 249.6-mile drive from Centennial, Colorado, to Clifton, Colorado, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 43 minutes. With 94% of the route on highways, you'll spend most of your time on I-70, South Valley Highway, and West 6th Avenue Freeway. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $38, making it an economical option. This route is entirely within the Mountain West region, offering a consistent experience as you travel across Colorado. It's a practical choice if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without significant detours.

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

124.8 miles from Centennial, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 23m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 70 224.5 mi 4h 8m
South Valley Highway 12.5 mi 15m
West 6th Avenue Freeway 7.6 mi 9m
I 70 BUS 1.4 mi 2m
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway 0.9 mi 1m
East Dry Creek Road 0.3 mi <1m
F Road 0.3 mi <1m
US 6 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 70 — 224.5 mi, about 4h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

495 ft · 41 sec · this road
2

Turn left

118 ft · 10 sec
3

Turn right onto East Panorama Circle

0.1 mi · 23 sec · East Panorama Circle
4

Turn right onto South Chester Street

384 ft · 14 sec · South Chester Street
5

Turn right onto CR 46

0.3 mi · 46 sec · East Dry Creek Road
6

Turn left

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward I 25 North Use the left lane.
7

Merge onto I 25

13 mi · 15 min · South Valley Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 209A-B Toward US 6 West: 6th Avenue Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 53 sec
Exit 209B Toward US 6 West: 6th Avenue, Lakewood Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on US 6

0.9 mi · 1 min · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
11

Keep slight left at fork onto US 6

0.1 mi · 10 sec · US 6
Toward US 6
12

Merge onto US 6

7.6 mi · 9 min · West 6th Avenue Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 55 sec
Toward I 70 West: Grand Junction Use the slight right lane.
14

Merge onto I 70

225 mi · 4 hr 8 min · I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

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
16

Turn sharp left onto US 6

0.2 mi · 33 sec · F Road
Use the left lane.
17

Enter roundabout onto US 6

76 ft · 1 sec · F Road
18

Continue on US 6

361 ft · 10 sec · F Road
19

Arrive at destination

US 6

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour 43-minute duration, this drive is best suited for a single-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave Centennial in the morning to maximize daylight and potential rest stops. With only one recommended stop, you can decide if you need to break up the 224.5-mile stretch on I-70 or push through. Be mindful of the fuel cost, estimated at $38, and plan your refueling accordingly, especially as you approach Clifton. A practical tip is to check traffic conditions for Denver's I-70 corridor before you depart, as this can significantly impact your travel time.

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 124.8 miles from Centennial, CO, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 224.5 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 55 miles or 1h 6m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 124.8 miles or 2h 23m 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 51m

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 Centennial, 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 Centennial, CO

This is one driving day of about 249.6 miles and 4h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Centennial, 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 224.5 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

125 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.

Aspen, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 124.8 miles from Centennial, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 70 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 224.5 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 · first break window

Phở Hậu Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lakewood, Colorado

Near the start, short detour

First break · 20min in 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13039880755

Phở Hậu Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Lakewood, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13039880755

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

First break 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $50 to $60

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+13038930044

Visit website

Woodward Copper Barn

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch 0.1 mi from route

Frisco, Colorado

Hours: 12–8 pm

+18883501544

Visit website

Belmar Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Lakewood, Colorado

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13039877800

Visit website

Museum of Outdoor Arts

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Greenwood Village, Colorado

+13038060444

Visit website

Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+18666369969

Visit website

Kids Wonder

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour

Centennial, Colorado

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13038350709

Visit website

Larimer Square

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

First break 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17208051973

Visit website

Sister City Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

First break 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Lakewood, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–10 pm

+13039877800

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.6 and 247.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
0.6 mi into trip | ~2m in

Turn left toward I 25 North

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 25 North
7
13.4 mi into trip | ~18m in

Take the exit toward US 6 West: 6th Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 209A-B Toward US 6 West: 6th Avenue
9
13.6 mi into trip | ~18m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 6 West: 6th Avenue, Lakewood

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 209B Toward US 6 West: 6th Avenue, Lakewood
6
22.6 mi into trip | ~30m in

Take the exit toward I 70 West: Grand Junction

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 70 West: Grand Junction
6
247.9 mi into trip | ~4h 39m 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

$37.61 one way

$75.21 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 87 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $39.82 $79.64
premium $4.39 $43.18 $86.36
diesel $5.61 $55.11 $110.22

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: 87.3 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 74.9 0 $26.21 $11.98
Efficient EV 62.4 0 $21.84 $9.98
EV Truck/SUV 99.8 1 $34.94 $15.97

Gas CO2

87 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 20, 2026

Origin

Centennial, CO

Morning in Centennial on Tuesday

Local time

6:20 AM

MDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Clifton, CO

Morning in Clifton on Tuesday

Local time

6:20 AM

MDT

Current temp

66°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

8 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 43m 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

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 249.6
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 predominantly highway-focused experience on this trip, with 94% of the drive utilizing major roadways. You'll encounter stretches of fast-paced travel, including a significant 224.5-mile segment on I-70, which forms the backbone of this journey. While the majority of the route is on high-speed freeways, keep an eye out for transitions as you navigate through urban areas and onto the interstate. The character of the drive remains largely consistent due to the extensive highway share, minimizing complex road changes and focusing on efficient transit.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 224.5 mi on I 70.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and South Valley Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 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 16 significant decision points across 249.6 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 0.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 13.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Centennial, CO to Clifton, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Lakewood along the way.

Lakewood

13.6 mi in | ~18m

About the Cities

Starting in Centennial, CO

Full guide →

Founded 2001

Centennial is a suburban city of about 106,000 in the Denver Metropolitan Area of the western U.S. state of Colorado. The city lies in Arapahoe County southeast of Denver.

Top landmarks

  • • Seventeen Mile House — historic site in Centennial, Colorado

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 43m. Total distance: 249.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 224.5 miles on I 70. 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.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 13.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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

Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 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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