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Trip from Dove Valley, CO to Fort Collins, CO

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

Drive Time

1h 37m

Distance

80.8 mi

130 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min
4 AM
1h 30m ★
6 AM
1h 37m
8 AM
1h 52m
10 AM
1h 42m
12 PM
1h 41m
3 PM
1h 43m
5 PM
1h 51m
8 PM
1h 33m

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 Dove Valley, CO, CO

Dove Valley, CO

Regan Dsouza

city and county seat of Larimer County, Colorado, United States

Fort Collins, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Planning a trip from Dove Valley, CO, to Fort Collins, CO? This 80.8-mile drive will take you about 1 hour and 37 minutes, making it a perfect single-day excursion. You'll primarily navigate the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, South Valley Highway, and North Valley Highway. With a modest fuel cost estimated at $12, this journey offers a straightforward way to travel between two points in the Mountain West region. The route is generally considered a local drive with a number of turns, so keep your directions handy. Given its relatively short length and duration, you won't need to worry about overnight stays.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

40.4 miles from Dove Valley, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 51m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 41.7 mi 41m
South Valley Highway 20.5 mi 26m
North Valley Highway 9.6 mi 11m
East Mulberry Street 4 mi 7m
East Arapahoe Road 1.9 mi 3m
Broncos Parkway 1 mi 1m
South Peoria Street 0.9 mi 1m
CO 88 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway — 41.7 mi, about 41m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Dove Valley, CO and Fort Collins, CO.

1

Start on South Potomac Street

44 ft · 6 sec · South Potomac Street
2

Turn left onto Broncos Parkway

1.0 mi · 1 min · Broncos Parkway
Use the left lane.
3

Continue on South Peoria Street

0.9 mi · 1 min · South Peoria Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
4

Turn left onto CO 88; CR 42

1.9 mi · 3 min · East Arapahoe Road
Use the left lane.
5

Take the ramp onto CO 88

0.4 mi · 58 sec · CO 88
Toward I 25 North: Denver Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Merge onto I 25; CO 88

21 mi · 26 min · South Valley Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 25

4.3 mi · 5 min · North Valley Highway
Use the slight right lane.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 25

5.3 mi · 5 min · North Valley Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Continue on I 25

42 mi · 41 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 269B Toward CO 14 West: Fort Collins
11

Merge onto CO 14

4.0 mi · 7 min · East Mulberry Street
Use the straight lane.
12

Continue on West Mulberry Street

0.3 mi · 45 sec · West Mulberry Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
13

Turn right onto South Meldrum Street

499 ft · 29 sec · South Meldrum Street
14

Turn left onto West Magnolia Street

476 ft · 18 sec · West Magnolia Street
15

Continue on South Sherwood Street

0.2 mi · 39 sec · South Sherwood Street
16

Arrive at destination

South Sherwood Street

Trip Plan

For this 1-hour and 37-minute drive, flexibility is your best friend. You can easily tackle this in a single day without needing to split it. Leaving mid-morning could help you avoid the busiest local traffic. Since there are no designated stops mentioned, plan to fuel up before you depart Dove Valley to cover the estimated $12 fuel cost. Keep an eye on your navigation, as the "turn-heavy local drive" profile indicates you'll be making several turns. The longest stretch on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway is over 41 miles, so be prepared for that segment before the local turns resume.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 40.4 miles from Dove Valley, CO, or about 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.7 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 18 miles or 25m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 40.4 miles or 51m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 19m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Dove Valley, CO so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Dove Valley, CO

This is one driving day of about 80.8 miles and 1h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Dove Valley, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 41.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Adams County, Colorado, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Commerce City, CO

40 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

Denver, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Frederick, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 40.4 miles from Dove Valley, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Denver, Colorado

Early in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $50 to $60 mile 17.3

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+13038930044

Visit website

Tikka & Grill, Nepali and Indian Food

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Denver, Colorado

1.7 mi

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $50 to $60 mile 17.3

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+13038930044

Visit website

Tikka & Grill, Nepali and Indian Food

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 11.5

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm

+17204767144

Visit website

Nola Voodoo Tavern

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately mile 17.3

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17203899544

Visit website

Old Town Hot Pot

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 5.8

Aurora, Colorado

Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm

+13036580870

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 80.8

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 80.8

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 80.8

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 80.8

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 80.8

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 80.8

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 80.8

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

EVmatch Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 80.8

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16508228157

Visit website

Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 17.3

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+18666369969

Visit website

Old Town Square

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 80.8

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+19704846500

Visit website

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 80.8

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19702216738

Visit website

Lee Martinez Community Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 80.8

Fort Collins, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+19702216660

Visit website

Larimer Square

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 17.3

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17208051973

Visit website

Big Blue Bear

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 17.3

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Skyline Beer Garden

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 17.3

Denver, Colorado

+13035346161

Visit website

Daniels & Fisher

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 17.3

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 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 29.1 — 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 | Broncos Parkway

Turn left onto Broncos Parkway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
3.8 mi into trip | ~6m in | CO 88

Take the ramp onto CO 88 toward I 25 North: Denver

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 25 North: Denver
5
4.2 mi into trip | ~7m in | I 25; CO 88 / South Valley Highway

Merge onto I 25; CO 88 / South Valley Highway

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
24.8 mi into trip | ~34m in | I 25 / North Valley Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 25 / North Valley Highway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.
6
29.1 mi into trip | ~39m in | I 25 / North Valley Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 25 / North Valley Highway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.17 one way

$24.35 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 28 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $12.89 $25.78
premium $4.39 $13.98 $27.96
diesel $5.61 $17.84 $35.68

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 28.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 24.2 0 $8.48 $3.88
Efficient EV 20.2 0 $7.07 $3.23
EV Truck/SUV 32.3 0 $11.31 $5.17

Gas CO2

28 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (68% 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 17, 2026

Origin

Dove Valley, CO

Afternoon in Dove Valley on Sunday

Local time

3:53 PM

MDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Collins, CO

Afternoon in Fort Collins on Sunday

Local time

3:53 PM

MDT

Current temp

42°F

Chance Snow Showers

NNW 17 mph 36% chance 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

19 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 37m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a "turn-heavy local drive" on this route. While you'll spend some time on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 41.7 miles, the overall profile suggests a more varied experience than a pure interstate journey. The highway share is moderate, meaning you'll encounter local roads and likely more frequent changes in speed and direction. This isn't a monotonous freeway crawl; rather, it's a drive where you'll be actively navigating and adjusting to different road conditions as you progress from Dove Valley to Fort Collins.

Only 2% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 41.7 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

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 early in the drive near Broncos Parkway.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 80.8 miles you will encounter 10 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: near the start (Broncos Parkway): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.8 miles (CO 88): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles (I 25; CO 88 / South Valley Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Fort Collins, CO

Full guide →

Fort Collins is a city of about 170,000 in north central region of the western U.S. state of Colorado. The seat of Larimer County, the city lies 59 miles (95 km) north of Denver on the Cache La Poudre River at the eastern edge of the Front Range foothills. Fort Collins is the home of Colorado State University and is a major research center.

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 1h 37m. Total distance: 80.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 41.7 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Fort Collins, CO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Broncos Parkway): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.8 miles (CO 88): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles (I 25; CO 88 / South Valley Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Fort Collins, CO before heading back.

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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