This 222.7-mile drive from Glenwood Springs, CO to Colorado Springs, CO will take you about 4 hours and 17 minutes. It's a straightforward trip, primarily on I 70 and other major roadways, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day adventure. With an estimated fuel cost of around $34, this route offers an economical way to travel between these two Mountain West destinations. You'll spend about 72% of your time on highways, so expect a fairly direct journey. This drive is well-suited for those looking for efficiency and a clear path to their destination.
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
111.4 miles from Glenwood Springs, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
145.3 mi
2h 48m
North Valley Highway
60.6 mi
1h 5m
West 6th Avenue Freeway
7.9 mi
9m
Monument Valley Freeway
5.9 mi
6m
US 6
0.6 mi
<1m
East Kiowa Street
0.3 mi
1m
West Kiowa Street
0.2 mi
<1m
West Bijou Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 145.3 mi, about 2h 48m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 14 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,468 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,128
Quietest
2 AM
~81 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
18.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Glenwood Springs, CO and Colorado Springs, CO.
1
Start on Pine Street
123 ft·8 sec·Pine Street
2
Turn right onto West 6th Street
0.1 mi·21 sec·West 6th Street
3
Enter roundabout onto Laurel Street
144 ft·2 sec·Laurel Street
4
Continue on Laurel Street
448 ft·23 sec·Laurel Street
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
6
Merge onto I 70
145 mi·2 hr 48 min·I 70
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 261Toward US 6 East: 6th Avenue, LakewoodUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto US 6
7.9 mi·9 min·West 6th Avenue Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit onto US 6
0.6 mi·59 sec·US 6
Toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado SpringsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 25 South: Colorado Springs
11
Merge onto I 25
61 mi·1 hr 5 min·North Valley Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 25
5.9 mi·6 min·Monument Valley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 142Toward Bijou StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
495 ft·14 sec
Toward I 25: DowntownUse the straight / left lanes.
15
Turn left onto West Bijou Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·West Bijou Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
16
Continue on West Kiowa Street
0.2 mi·35 sec·West Kiowa Street
17
Continue on East Kiowa Street
0.3 mi·1 min·East Kiowa Street
18
Turn right onto North Weber Street
490 ft·17 sec·North Weber Street
19
Turn right onto East Pikes Peak Avenue
422 ft·14 sec·East Pikes Peak Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
East Pikes Peak Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour, 17-minute duration, this route is comfortably manageable as a single-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave Glenwood Springs early to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically along the 145.3-mile stretch on I 70 to refuel and stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer highway segments, to ensure you have ample gas before reaching Colorado Springs, where prices might differ.
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 111.4 miles from Glenwood Springs, CO, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 145.3 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 49 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.4 miles or 2h 9m 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 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Colorado Springs, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Glenwood 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 Glenwood Springs, CO
This is one driving day of about 222.7 miles and 4h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Glenwood 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 I 70 for about 145.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 221.8 — 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
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
8
145.7 mi into trip|~2h 49m in
Take the exit toward US 6 East: 6th Avenue, Lakewood
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 261
Toward US 6 East: 6th Avenue, Lakewood
7
153.9 mi into trip|~2h 59m in|US 6
Take the exit onto US 6 toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs
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.
Toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs
7
221.6 mi into trip|~4h 13m in
Take the exit toward Bijou Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 142
Toward Bijou Street
8
221.8 mi into trip|~4h 14m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 25: Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Toward I 25: Downtown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.96 one way
$67.91 round trip
$3.87/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$36.10
$72.19
premium
$4.45
$39.04
$78.09
diesel
$4.80
$42.05
$84.10
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.8
0
$23.38
$10.69
Efficient EV
55.7
0
$19.49
$8.91
EV Truck/SUV
89.1
1
$31.18
$14.25
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Glenwood Springs, CO
Late night
in Glenwood Springs on Sunday
Local time
1:07 AM
MDT
Current temp
96°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 5 mph32% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 4:46AM MDT until July 20 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
Destination
Colorado Springs, CO
Late night
in Colorado Springs on Sunday
Local time
1:07 AM
MDT
Current temp
90°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 5 mph25% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 4:46AM MDT until July 20 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
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
6 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
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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
National Monument
Beneath a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado lies one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world. Petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossil...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
$10
near mile 207.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
The majority of this 4-hour, 17-minute drive is focused on highway travel, accounting for 72% of the total mileage. You'll experience long stretches of efficient driving, including a significant 145.3-mile segment on I 70. This means you'll have ample opportunity to maintain speed and cover ground quickly. While the profile is highway-focused, the inclusion of North Valley Highway and West 6th Avenue Freeway suggests you'll transition to major arterial roads as you approach your destination, offering a blend of high-speed travel and more populated thoroughfares.
72% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 145.3 mi on I 70.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and North Valley Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 222.7 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 0.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 145.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 153.9 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mountain driving with significant elevation changes
10,234 ft5,352 ft
Total Climb
5,863 ft
Total Descent
5,613 ft
Highest Point
10,234 ft
~95.5 mi in
Elevation Range
4,882 ft
Notable High Points
10,234 ft at ~95.5 miles+497 ft prominence
6,740 ft at ~206.8 miles+154 ft prominence
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 Glenwood Springs, CO to Colorado Springs, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Lakewood along the way.
Glenwood Springs is located in the western half of Colorado, United States of America, right where the south central, Front Range, and northwestern regions meet. It is in Garfield County roughly halfway between Vail and Aspen. Resting at about the same elevation as Denver, Glenwood Springs is famous for its hot springs pool.
Colorado Springs is a city of about 490,000 in the western U.S. state of Colorado. The seat of El Paso County, the city lies 63 miles (101 km) south of Denver at the foot of Pikes Peak in South Central Colorado.
Top landmarks
•United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel — chapel in Colorado, USA
•Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun — commemorative tower and chapel in Colorado Springs, Colorado
•St. Mary's Cathedral — cathedral in Colorado Springs, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 17m. Total distance: 222.7 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 (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 145.3 miles on I 70. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 7 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Colorado Springs, 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. There are 7 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 145.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 153.9 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
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 Colorado Springs, CO, but most travelers stay overnight.
