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Trip from Denver, CO to Craig, 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 17m

Distance

198 mi

319 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 4m ★
6 AM
4h 17m
8 AM
4h 44m
10 AM
4h 27m
12 PM
4h 24m
3 PM
4h 28m
5 PM
4h 43m
8 PM
4h 9m

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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consolidated city-county and capital of Colorado, United States

Denver, CO

Wikimedia Commons

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

Craig, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 198-mile drive from Denver to Craig, Colorado, is estimated to take about 4 hours and 17 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll navigate primarily through local streets, with no highway driving, suggesting a more intimate journey through the landscape. The estimated fuel cost is around $30, which is quite reasonable for a day's excursion. This route is characterized by frequent turns, so be prepared for a more engaged driving experience. It's a solid option for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay, and it keeps you within the familiar Mountain West region.

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

99 miles from Denver, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 70 54.7 mi 1h 6m
Park Avenue 47.4 mi 1h 1m
US 40 46.1 mi 57m
CO 9 31.9 mi 43m
West 6th Avenue Freeway 9.5 mi 11m
Blue River Parkway 5.3 mi 9m
East 8th Avenue 0.9 mi 2m
Grant Street 0.8 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 70 — 54.7 mi, about 1h 6m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Denver, CO and Craig, CO.

1

Start on this road

379 ft · 29 sec · this road
2

Turn right

62 ft · 8 sec
3

Turn right onto I 70 Business; US 40; US 287

358 ft · 14 sec · East Colfax Avenue
4

Turn right onto Grant Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · Grant Street
Use the right lane.
5

Turn right onto East 8th Avenue

0.9 mi · 2 min · East 8th Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Continue on North Kalamath Street

0.1 mi · 22 sec · North Kalamath Street
7

Continue on 6

9.5 mi · 11 min · West 6th Avenue Freeway
Toward West 6th Avenue Freeway Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 55 sec
Toward I 70 West: Grand Junction Use the slight right lane.
9

Merge onto I 70

55 mi · 1 hr 6 min · I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward US 6 East, CO 9 North: Silverthorne, Dillon
11

Keep slight right at fork

296 ft · 7 sec
Toward CO 9 North: Silverthorne
12

Merge onto CO 9

5.3 mi · 9 min · Blue River Parkway
Use the straight lane.
13

Continue on CO 9

32 mi · 43 min · CO 9
Use the straight lane.
14

Turn left onto US 40

47 mi · 1 hr 1 min · Park Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
15

Continue on US 40

46 mi · 57 min · US 40
16

Turn right

369 ft · 26 sec
17

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 17-minute duration and the turn-heavy nature of this 198-mile route, starting your journey earlier in the day is advisable to avoid potential traffic congestion, especially when leaving Denver. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility to decide when and where to break. Keep your fuel tank topped up, as the $30 estimated cost suggests a moderate fuel consumption, and local roads can sometimes lead to less frequent services than major highways. Pay close attention to your navigation, as the numerous turns are a defining characteristic of this drive.

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 99 miles from Denver, CO, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.7 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 44 miles or 56m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 99 miles or 2h 10m 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 32m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Denver, 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 Denver, CO

This is one driving day of about 198 miles and 4h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Denver, 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 54.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Vail, CO, CO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Vail, CO

99 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

Boulder, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kremmling, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 99 miles from Denver, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Denver, Colorado

Near the start, short detour

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

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+13038930044

Visit website

Nola Voodoo Tavern

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Denver, Colorado

2.2 mi

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

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

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+13038930044

Visit website

Nola Voodoo Tavern

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17203899544

Visit website

Tikka & Grill, Nepali and Indian Food

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm

+17204767144

Visit website

Phở Hậu Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Lakewood, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13039880755

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Civic Center Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+17209131311

Visit website

Big Blue Bear

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Epic Escape Game

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Denver, Colorado

+13033776060

Visit website

House Of Immersions

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 2–9:30 pm

+13037441008

Visit website

United States Mint Tour Entrance and Gift Shop

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+13035729500

Larimer Square

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17208051973

Visit website

Skyline Beer Garden

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

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

Denver, Colorado

+13035346161

Visit website

Daniels & Fisher

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13038770742

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 66.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | Grant Street

Turn right onto Grant Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
0.9 mi into trip | ~2m in | East 8th Avenue

Turn right onto East 8th Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
6
11.4 mi into trip | ~17m 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
5
12.1 mi into trip | ~18m in | I 70

Merge onto I 70

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
66.9 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in

Take the exit toward US 6 East, CO 9 North: Silverthorne, Dillon

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

Toward US 6 East, CO 9 North: Silverthorne, Dil...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.83 one way

$59.67 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 69 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $31.59 $63.17
premium $4.39 $34.25 $68.50
diesel $5.61 $43.72 $87.43

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 69.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 59.4 0 $20.79 $9.50
Efficient EV 49.5 0 $17.33 $7.92
EV Truck/SUV 79.2 0 $27.72 $12.67

Gas CO2

69 kg

EV CO2

23 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

Denver, CO

Late night in Denver on Tuesday

Local time

2:46 AM

MDT

Current temp

35°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Craig, CO

Late night in Craig on Tuesday

Local time

2:46 AM

MDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

40°F

Vail, CO

99 mi in

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

21 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 17m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highly turn-heavy local drive for the entirety of this 198-mile journey, as indicated by the 0% highway share. This means you won't encounter long, uninterrupted stretches of open road; instead, your progress will be marked by frequent adjustments. The longest continuous segment without a turn is not specified, so anticipate a dynamic driving experience that requires constant attention to navigation. This type of profile suggests a drive that winds through communities and varied terrain rather than a straightforward, high-speed transit.

74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 54.7 mi on I 70.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and Park Avenue. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near Grant Street.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 198 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (Grant Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.9 miles (East 8th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.4 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 Denver, CO to Craig, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Dillon along the way.

Dillon

66.9 mi in | ~1h 24m

About the Cities

Starting in Denver, CO

Full guide →

“Mile High City” · Founded 1858

Denver is the capital of the western U.S. state of Colorado and the dominant city of the Rocky Mountain Region. Founded in 1858 as the placer gold mining camp known as the Cherry Creek Diggings, the "Mile-High City" is today the most populous city within a 560-mile (900 km) radius and the center of the Front Range Urban Corridor of more than five million residents. Denver embraces its cowboy and mining past but also looks toward the future with a vibrant arts and performing arts scene, dozens of great outdoor festivals, and distinct neighborhoods each offering a unique experience. You'll find everything a cosmopolitan city has to offer including a spectacular view of and easy access to the beautiful Rocky Mountains, which arise only 12 miles (19 km) west of the Colorado State Capitol.

Top landmarks

  • • Denver Art Museum — museum in Denver, Colorado, United States
  • • Denver Mint — United States Mint branch in Denver, Colorado
  • • Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception — church in Colorado, United States

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 17m. Total distance: 198 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (74%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 54.7 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 Craig, 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 0.2 miles (Grant Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.9 miles (East 8th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Craig, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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