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Trip from Denver, CO to Holyoke, CO

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 20m

Distance

172.4 mi

278 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 9m ★
6 AM
3h 21m
8 AM
3h 45m
10 AM
3h 29m
12 PM
3h 27m
3 PM
3h 30m
5 PM
3h 43m
8 PM
3h 13m

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 Phillips County, Colorado, United States

Holyoke, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are looking to travel from Denver to Holyoke, plan for a straightforward 172.4-mile trek that typically takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. This trip is ideally suited for a single-day journey, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. Expect to budget roughly $26 for fuel, making it a very economical trip within the Mountain West region. You will spend the vast majority of your time on major corridors like the Heartland Expressway, US Highway 6, and the North Valley Highway. Since this is a highway-focused drive, it offers a reliable, no-nonsense path across Colorado rather than a winding scenic detour. Whether you are heading out for business or a visit, this route provides a consistent experience from start to finish.

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

86.2 miles from Denver, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Heartland Expressway 118.4 mi 1h 59m
US Highway 6 44.3 mi 1h 2m
North Valley Highway 3 mi 4m
Denver Street 1 mi 1m
Park Avenue West 1 mi 2m
1st Street 0.8 mi 1m
West Weston Street 0.6 mi <1m
North Lincoln Street 0.5 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Heartland Expressway — 118.4 mi, about 1h 59m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

379 ft · 29 sec · this road
2

Turn right

62 ft · 11 sec
3

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

362 ft · 14 sec · East Colfax Avenue
4

Turn right onto North Lincoln Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Lincoln Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
5

Continue on 20th Street

500 ft · 18 sec · 20th Street
6

Turn right onto North Broadway

0.4 mi · 1 min · North Broadway
7

Turn left onto Park Avenue West

1.0 mi · 2 min · Park Avenue West
Toward I 25 Use the left lane.
8

Take the ramp

458 ft · 11 sec
Toward I 25 North, I 70: Fort Collins, Limon, Grand Junction Use the right lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 22 sec
Toward I 25 North: Fort Collins
10

Merge onto I 25

3.0 mi · 4 min · North Valley Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 8 sec
Exit 216A-B Toward I 76: Grand Junction, Fort Morgan, 70th Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 216A Toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan
13

Merge onto I 76

6.5 mi · 7 min · Heartland Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight right at fork onto I 76

112 mi · 1 hr 52 min · Heartland Expressway
Toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 48 sec
Exit 125 Toward US 6: Sterling, Holyoke
16

Keep slight right at fork

281 ft · 7 sec
Exit 125 Toward US 6 East: Holyoke
17

Turn straight onto US 6

18 mi · 26 min · US Highway 6
18

Continue on US 6

0.6 mi · 51 sec · West Weston Street
19

Continue on US 6

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Railway Street
20

Continue on US 6

11 mi · 13 min · US Highway 6
21

Continue on US 6

0.8 mi · 1 min · 1st Street
22

Continue on US 6

8.0 mi · 11 min · US Highway 6
23

Continue on US 6

0.4 mi · 39 sec · Dee Street
24

Continue on US 6

7.8 mi · 11 min · US Highway 6
25

Continue on US 6

1.0 mi · 1 min · Denver Street
26

Turn right onto US 385

379 ft · 8 sec · South Interocean Avenue
27

Turn right onto West Emerson Street

42 ft · 1 sec · West Emerson Street
28

Arrive at destination

West Emerson Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 3 hour and 20 minute drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid any potential congestion when exiting the Denver area. Since the route includes only one necessary stop, plan your break strategically to coincide with refueling, keeping in mind that your total fuel cost for the trip is estimated at $26. Because the drive is relatively short, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal preference rather than strict scheduling needs. Always keep an eye on your fuel gauge during that long 118.4-mile stretch on the Heartland Expressway, as service intervals can be spaced further apart. Staying mindful of these practical details will ensure a smooth, stress-free arrival in Holyoke.

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 86.2 miles from Denver, CO, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.4 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 38 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 86.2 miles or 1h 33m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 37m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Holyoke, 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 172.4 miles and 3h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 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 Heartland Expressway for about 118.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Weld County, Colorado, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lochbuie, CO

86 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

Lochbuie, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fort Morgan, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 86.2 miles from Denver, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Heartland Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 118.4 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.

Top Restaurant

First Dragon Chinese Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Holyoke, Colorado

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 172.4

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19708544772

Visit website

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Denver, Colorado

1 mi

Nola Voodoo Tavern

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Denver, Colorado

2.2 mi

First Dragon Chinese Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 172.4

Holyoke, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19708544772

Visit website

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

J & L Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.2

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 5:15 am–8 pm

+19705223625

Visit website

Sam & Louie's Italian Restaurant & New York Pizzeria

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.2

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19705262550

Visit website

Santiago's Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.2

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+19705210179

Visit website

Fiesta Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.2

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19705260401

Wonderful House Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.2

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19705220101

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 12.3

Henderson, Colorado

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18889982546

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 12.3

Commerce City, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

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 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.2 and 12.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
1.2 mi into trip | ~4m in | Park Avenue West

Turn left onto Park Avenue West toward I 25

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 25
6
2.2 mi into trip | ~6m in

Take the ramp toward I 25 North, I 70: Fort Collins, Limon, Grand Junction

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward I 25 North, I 70: Fort Collins, Limon, G...
8
5.5 mi into trip | ~11m in

Take the exit toward I 76: Grand Junction, Fort Morgan, 70th Avenue

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 216A-B Toward I 76: Grand Junction, Fort Morgan, 70th...
6
5.6 mi into trip | ~11m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 216A Toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan
7
12.6 mi into trip | ~19m in | I 76 / Heartland Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 76 / Heartland Expressway toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.98 one way

$51.95 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 60 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $27.50 $55.01
premium $4.39 $29.82 $59.65
diesel $5.61 $38.06 $76.13

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: 60.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 51.7 0 $18.10 $8.28
Efficient EV 43.1 0 $15.08 $6.90
EV Truck/SUV 69 0 $24.14 $11.03

Gas CO2

60 kg

EV CO2

20 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 15, 2026

Origin

Denver, CO

Night in Denver on Saturday

Local time

10:33 PM

MDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Holyoke, CO

Night in Holyoke on Saturday

Local time

10:33 PM

MDT

Current temp

83°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

37 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 20m 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 highly efficient drive where 94% of your time is spent on highways. The journey is defined by significant stretches of open road, highlighted by a 118.4-mile segment along the Heartland Expressway that serves as the backbone of your trip. Because this is a highway-focused route, you will experience a steady, consistent pace rather than technical turns or stop-and-go city traffic. The landscape remains focused on the road ahead, providing a predictable environment that allows you to maintain momentum. You should prepare for a drive that prioritizes speed and directness as you transition from the urban environment of Denver into the flatter, expansive reaches of Colorado.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.4 mi on Heartland Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Heartland Expressway and US Highway 6. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in near Park Avenue West.

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 172.4 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: at 1.2 miles (Park Avenue West): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Starting in Denver, CO

Full guide →

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.

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 3h 20m. Total distance: 172.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 20m 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 118.4 miles on Heartland Expressway. 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 Holyoke, 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 1.2 miles (Park Avenue West): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Holyoke, 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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