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Trip from Glenwood Springs, CO to Commerce City, 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 12m

Distance

163.7 mi

263 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 1m ★
6 AM
3h 13m
8 AM
3h 37m
10 AM
3h 21m
12 PM
3h 19m
3 PM
3h 22m
5 PM
3h 35m
8 PM
3h 6m

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

Glenwood Springs, CO

Wikimedia Commons

city in Adams County, Colorado, United States

Commerce City, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 164.5-mile journey from Glenwood Springs, CO, to Commerce City, CO, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes. You'll navigate primarily local roads and expressways, with no interstate highway driving. The estimated fuel cost is around $25, and you can expect about one stop along the way. This route offers a straightforward drive within the Mountain West region, suitable for those looking for a direct trip without extensive highway time. It's a practical choice if you're aiming for a relatively quick transit between these two Colorado locations.

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

81.9 miles from Glenwood Springs, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 70 153.2 mi 2h 57m
Heartland Expressway 6.5 mi 7m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 2.1 mi 2m
North Vasquez Boulevard 0.4 mi <1m
Dexter Street 0.2 mi <1m
Laurel Street 0.1 mi <1m
West 6th Street 0.1 mi <1m
Pine Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 70 — 153.2 mi, about 2h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Glenwood Springs, CO and Commerce City, 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

153 mi · 2 hr 57 min · I 70
Use the straight lane.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 76

6.5 mi · 7 min · Heartland Expressway
Exit 269B Toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan Use the left lane.
8

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 6 Toward I 270 East: Limon Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 270

2.1 mi · 2 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Exit 2B Toward US 85, CO 2 North: Vasquez Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Merge onto US 6; US 85; CO 2

0.4 mi · 36 sec · North Vasquez Boulevard
12

Turn left onto Dexter Street

0.2 mi · 52 sec · Dexter Street
Use the left lane.
13

Turn left

0.1 mi · 53 sec
14

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour and 46-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable in one day. Consider leaving in the morning to avoid potential afternoon traffic, especially as you approach Commerce City. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel, budgeting around $25 for the 164.5 miles, and fill up before you leave Glenwood Springs to ensure a smooth journey. The 'turn-heavy' nature of this drive means staying alert and following your GPS closely will be key to a successful trip.

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 81.9 miles from Glenwood Springs, CO, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 153.2 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 36 miles or 42m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 81.9 miles or 1h 35m 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 36m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Commerce City, 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 163.7 miles and 3h 12m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 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 153.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Silverthorne, CO, CO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Silverthorne, CO

82 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

Eagle, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Silverthorne, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81.9 miles from Glenwood Springs, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 70 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 153.2 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

Doc Holliday's Saloon and Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+19709452388

Visit website

Doc Holliday's Saloon and Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+19709452388

Visit website

Nola Voodoo Tavern

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately mile 163.7

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17203899544

Visit website

Hygge Life Shop & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 58.5

Avon, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19703315745

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 163.7

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 163.7

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 163.7

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

7Charge Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 163.7

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18447112474

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 163.7

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 163.7

Henderson, Colorado

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18889982546

Visit website

Doc Holliday's Grave Trailhead

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Glenwood Springs, CO

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+19703846400

Visit website

Woodward Copper Barn

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 81.9

Frisco, Colorado

Hours: 12–8 pm

+18883501544

Visit website

Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 128.6

Idaho Springs, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13035672421

Visit website

Frisco Historic Park and Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 81.9

Frisco, Colorado

Hours: Closed

+19706683428

Visit website

Clear Creek White Water Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 140.3

Golden, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13033848000

Visit website

Colorado Adventure Center - Zipline & Ropes Course

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 116.9

Idaho Springs, Colorado

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17207071885

Visit website

Central Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 163.7

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+17209131311

Visit website

St Mary's Glacier Trailhead

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 116.9

Idaho Springs, Colorado

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 163.4 — 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
153.6 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in | I 76 / Heartland Expressway

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

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Exit 269B Toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan
7
160.1 mi into trip | ~3h 6m in

Take the exit toward I 270 East: Limon

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 6 Toward I 270 East: Limon
8
162.8 mi into trip | ~3h 10m in

Take the exit toward US 85, CO 2 North: Vasquez Boulevard

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 2B Toward US 85, CO 2 North: Vasquez Boulevard
6
163.4 mi into trip | ~3h 11m in | Dexter Street

Turn left onto Dexter Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.66 one way

$49.33 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $26.11 $52.23
premium $4.39 $28.32 $56.64
diesel $5.61 $36.14 $72.29

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 57.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 49.1 0 $17.19 $7.86
Efficient EV 40.9 0 $14.32 $6.55
EV Truck/SUV 65.5 0 $22.92 $10.48

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 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 16, 2026

Origin

Glenwood Springs, CO

Late night in Glenwood Springs on Sunday

Local time

5:58 AM

MDT

Current temp

71°F

Partly Sunny

SW 20 mph 6% chance Live forecast

Destination

Commerce City, CO

Late night in Commerce City on Sunday

Local time

5:58 AM

MDT

Current temp

46°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

25 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

3h 12m 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 for this 164.5-mile trip. With a 0% highway share, you'll be on streets like West 6th Street and Laurel Street, transitioning to the Heartland Expressway. The absence of long highway stretches means you'll be adjusting your speed and direction frequently. While there isn't a defined longest uninterrupted stretch, be prepared for a driving experience that requires consistent attention to navigation and local traffic patterns rather than cruising at high speeds.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 153.2 mi on I 70.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and Heartland Expressway. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in.

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 163.7 miles you will encounter 11 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: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 153.6 miles (I 76 / Heartland Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 160.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Glenwood Springs, CO

Full guide →

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.

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 12m. Total distance: 163.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 153.2 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 Commerce City, 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: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 153.6 miles (I 76 / Heartland Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 160.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Commerce City, 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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