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Trip from Colorado Springs, CO to Del Norte, CO

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 56m

Distance

194.6 mi

313 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 44m ★
6 AM
3h 56m
8 AM
4h 22m
10 AM
4h 5m
12 PM
4h 3m
3 PM
4h 7m
5 PM
4h 21m
8 PM
3h 49m

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 Del Norte, CO, CO

Del Norte, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embarking on the 194.6-mile journey from Colorado Springs to Del Norte is a manageable excursion that typically takes about 3 hours and 56 minutes. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive, it functions perfectly as a one-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $29 on fuel for the trek, making it a budget-friendly way to navigate the Mountain West. By utilizing South Nevada Avenue, the Ronald Reagan Highway, and John F, you will traverse the heart of the region's local corridors. Whether you are traveling for business or a change of scenery, this route offers a straightforward path between these two Colorado points.

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

97.3 miles from Colorado Springs, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
West 7th Street 71.4 mi 1h 27m
John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway 53.4 mi 53m
Ronald Reagan Highway 22.9 mi 23m
Main Street 16.6 mi 27m
West U.S. Highway 160 12.6 mi 14m
North Freeway 9.7 mi 11m
I 25 Business 2.8 mi 4m
South Nevada Avenue 1.3 mi 3m
Longest stretch: West 7th Street — 71.4 mi, about 1h 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Colorado Springs, CO and Del Norte, CO.

1

Start on East Pikes Peak Avenue

66 ft · 4 sec · East Pikes Peak Avenue
2

Turn left onto South Nevada Avenue

1.3 mi · 3 min · South Nevada Avenue
3

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
4

Continue on I 25; US 24

0.2 mi · 12 sec · Ronald Reagan Highway
5

Keep slight left at fork onto I 25

23 mi · 23 min · Ronald Reagan Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Continue on I 25

13 mi · 12 min · John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Continue on I 25

2.6 mi · 2 min · North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 32 sec
Exit 100B Toward 29th Street
9

Merge onto I 25; US 50

1.0 mi · 1 min · North Freeway
10

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 12 sec
Exit 99B Toward 13th Street Use the slight right lane.
11

Continue on this road

0.2 mi · 18 sec · this road
12

Merge onto I 25; US 50 Bus

6.1 mi · 7 min · North Freeway
Use the straight lane.
13

Continue on I 25

41 mi · 40 min · John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
14

Take the exit onto I 25 Business

2.8 mi · 4 min · I 25 Business
Exit 52 Toward South I 25 Business, US 160 West: Walsenburg, Alamosa
15

Turn right onto US 160

71 mi · 1 hr 27 min · West 7th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Continue on US 160; CO 17

0.3 mi · 39 sec · Broadway Avenue
17

Continue on US 160; CO 17

521 ft · 18 sec · Denver Avenue
18

Turn right onto Fourth Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · Fourth Street
19

Turn left onto West Avenue

403 ft · 15 sec · West Avenue
20

Turn right onto US 160; US 285

17 mi · 27 min · Main Street
Use the straight lane.
21

Continue on US 160; US 285

0.3 mi · 45 sec · Park Avenue
Use the straight lane.
22

Continue on US 160; US 285

0.8 mi · 2 min · 1st Avenue
23

Continue on US 160

13 mi · 14 min · West U.S. Highway 160
24

Continue on US 160

0.5 mi · 1 min · Grand Avenue
25

Arrive at destination

US 160

Trip Plan

Planning your departure is straightforward given the nearly four-hour duration, but leaving early in the day is best to maximize your time in Del Norte. Since you only have one planned stop along the way, ensure you have your fuel and supplies ready before you exit the Colorado Springs metro area to avoid unnecessary delays. Because this route relies entirely on local roads rather than high-speed highways, factor in extra time for traffic or slower sections where local speed limits apply. Keep in mind that the turn-heavy nature of the route can be tiring, so use your single stop to stretch and reset. Staying alert is key, as the lack of highway driving means you will be interacting with local intersections and road transitions more frequently than on a standard interstate route.

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 97.3 miles from Colorado Springs, CO, or about 1h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.4 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 43 miles or 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 97.3 miles or 1h 46m 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 2m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Colorado Springs, 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 Colorado Springs, CO

This is one driving day of about 194.6 miles and 3h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Colorado Springs, 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 West 7th Street for about 71.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Walsenburg, CO

97 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

Pueblo, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Walsenburg, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 97.3 miles from Colorado Springs, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before West 7th Street if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.4 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.

Mineral Palace Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 41.7

Pueblo, Colorado

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+17195532790

Visit website

Lathrop State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 97.3

Walsenburg, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–10 pm

+17197382376

Visit website

City Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 41.7

Pueblo, Colorado

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+17195532790

Visit website

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17196339925

Visit website

Panorama Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Colorado Springs, Colorado

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 1.9 and 163.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
1.9 mi into trip | ~4m in | I 25 / Ronald Reagan Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 25 / Ronald Reagan Highway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
40.1 mi into trip | ~43m in

Take the exit toward 29th Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 100B Toward 29th Street
7
41.6 mi into trip | ~45m in

Take the exit toward 13th Street

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 99B Toward 13th Street
6
88.5 mi into trip | ~1h 34m in | I 25 Business

Take the exit onto I 25 Business toward South I 25 Business, US 160 West: Walsenburg, Alamosa

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

Exit 52 Toward South I 25 Business, US 160 West: Walsen...
6
163.9 mi into trip | ~3h 9m in | US 160; US 285 / Main Street

Turn right onto US 160; US 285 / Main Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.43 one way

$52.86 round trip

$3.45/gal 25.4 MPG avg 68 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $3.85 $29.50 $58.99
premium $4.15 $31.79 $63.59
diesel $3.75 $28.73 $57.46

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: 68.1 kg one way.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 58.4 0 $20.43 $9.34
Efficient EV 48.7 0 $17.03 $7.78
EV Truck/SUV 77.8 0 $27.24 $12.45

Gas CO2

68 kg

EV CO2

23 kg (66% 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

Colorado Springs, CO

Night in Colorado Springs on Saturday

Local time

10:48 PM

MDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Del Norte, CO

Night in Del Norte on Saturday

Local time

10:48 PM

MDT

Current temp

62°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

18 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 56m 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 departure from the typical interstate grind, as this route is defined by its turn-heavy, local road personality. With a highway share of 0%, you will stay off major high-speed freeways, requiring more active attention behind the wheel as you navigate local thoroughfares. The path demands a steady pace, as it favors winding local connections over long, uninterrupted highway stretches. You should prepare for a driving experience that feels more grounded and technical than a standard cross-country haul. It is a drive that rewards those who prefer back-road navigation over the monotony of high-speed transit.

Only 13% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 71.4 mi on West 7th Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

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 1.9 miles in near I 25 / Ronald Reagan Highway.

Driving Effort 7/10

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 194.6 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 1.9 miles (I 25 / Ronald Reagan Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 40.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 41.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

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 Colorado Springs, CO to Del Norte, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Alamosa along the way.

Alamosa

88.5 mi in | ~1h 34m | via I 25 Business

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 56m. Total distance: 194.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 71.4 miles on West 7th Street. 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 Del Norte, 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 1.9 miles (I 25 / Ronald Reagan Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 40.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 41.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Del Norte, 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. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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