Grand Junction to Southglenn is 254.4 miles and takes about 4h 54m via I 70 BUS, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Colorado, moving from the Mountain West region to another part of the Mountain West. It's a straightforward drive that's almost entirely on highways, making it a practical choice for a quick transit between these two points. You'll find it's a common route for those needing to cover ground efficiently between western and eastern Colorado.
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
127.2 miles from Grand Junction, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70 BUS
228.8 mi
4h 19m
CO 470
15.9 mi
18m
CO 470 EXPR
4.2 mi
4m
South University Boulevard
1.8 mi
3m
Pitkin Avenue
1.3 mi
2m
East Easter Avenue
0.4 mi
1m
South Saint Paul Street
0.1 mi
<1m
South Knolls Way
0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 70 BUS
— 228.8 mi, about 4h 19m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,405 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,990
Quietest
2 AM
~79 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.8×
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 Grand Junction, CO and Southglenn, CO.
1
Start on I 70 BUS
1.3 mi·2 min·Pitkin Avenue
2
Continue on I 70 BUS
4.3 mi·7 min·I 70 BUS
3
Continue on I 70 BUS; US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·I 70 BUS; US 6
4
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70 BUS
224 mi·4 hr 11 min·I 70 BUS
Toward I 70 East: DenverUse the slight right lane.
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 260Toward CO 470 East: Colorado Springs, Golden, Boulder, 6th AvenueUse the slight right lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward CO 470 East: Colorado SpringsUse the straight / right lanes.
7
Merge onto CO 470
14 mi·15 min·CO 470
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto CO 470 EXPR
4.2 mi·4 min·CO 470 EXPR
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
9
Take the exit
128 ft·1 sec
Toward Broadway, University BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto CO 470
2.4 mi·2 min·CO 470
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 21Toward CO 177: University BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
460 ft·13 sec
Toward CO 177 North: University BoulevardUse the slight left lane.
13
Turn left onto CO 177
1.8 mi·3 min·South University Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
14
Turn right onto East Easter Place
290 ft·17 sec·East Easter Place
15
Turn left onto South Knolls Way
0.1 mi·31 sec·South Knolls Way
16
Turn right onto East Easter Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·East Easter Avenue
17
Turn right onto South Madison Court
156 ft·7 sec·South Madison Court
18
Turn right onto South Saint Paul Street
0.1 mi·35 sec·South Saint Paul Street
19
Turn right onto East Fremont Drive
0.1 mi·27 sec·East Fremont Drive
20
Turn right onto South Fillmore Circle
320 ft·16 sec·South Fillmore Circle
21
Continue on South Fillmore Circle
118 ft·5 sec·South Fillmore Circle
22
Arrive at destination
South Fillmore Circle
Trip Plan
For this 4h 54m drive, consider an early morning departure from Grand Junction to maximize daylight and avoid any potential afternoon traffic. With a total distance of 254.4 miles and a fuel cost estimated at $45, you'll likely only need to refuel once, if at all, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. The longest stretch without a major change in road type is 228.8 miles on I 70 BUS, so plan your breaks accordingly before or after this extended highway segment. Since it's a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to stop for a quick break or a meal as needed.
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 127.2 miles from Grand Junction, CO, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 228.8 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 56 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.2 miles or 2h 26m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Southglenn, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Grand Junction, 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 Grand Junction, CO
This is one driving day of about 254.4 miles and 4h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Grand Junction, 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 BUS for about 228.8 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 6.4 and 251.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
6.4 mi into trip|~10m in|I 70 BUS
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70 BUS toward I 70 East: Denver
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 70 East: Denver
8
230.1 mi into trip|~4h 21m in
Take the exit toward CO 470 East: Colorado Springs, Golden, Boulder, 6th Avenue
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 260
Toward CO 470 East: Colorado Springs, Golden, B...
7
230.4 mi into trip|~4h 22m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CO 470 East: Colorado Springs
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward CO 470 East: Colorado Springs
7
248.8 mi into trip|~4h 44m in
Take the exit toward Broadway, University 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.
Toward Broadway, University Boulevard
7
251.2 mi into trip|~4h 46m in
Take the exit toward CO 177: University Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 21
Toward CO 177: University Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.57 one way
$87.14 round trip
$4.35/gal25.4 MPG avg89 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.59
$45.97
$91.94
premium
$4.93
$49.39
$98.78
diesel
$5.35
$53.58
$107.17
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.3
0
$26.71
$12.21
Efficient EV
63.6
0
$22.26
$10.18
EV Truck/SUV
101.8
1
$35.62
$16.28
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Grand Junction, CO
Afternoon
in Grand Junction on Wednesday
Local time
1:06 PM
MDT
Current temp
52°F
Mostly Clear
ESE 5 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Southglenn, CO
Afternoon
in Southglenn on Wednesday
Local time
1:06 PM
MDT
Current temp
55°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
WSW 3 mph16% chanceLive forecast
39°F
Breckenridge, CO
127 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
3 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 54m 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.
Colorado National Monument
National Monument
Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panoram...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is almost entirely on paved roads, with 98% of the route being highway. You'll experience a substantial stretch of 228.8 miles on I 70 BUS, which means you'll be cruising at highway speeds for the majority of your time behind the wheel. The transition to surface roads will happen closer to your destination in Southglenn. Expect consistent driving conditions with minimal interruptions from city traffic until the final approach.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 228.8 mi on I 70 BUS.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 BUS and CO 470. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.4 miles in near I 70 BUS.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 254.4 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 6.4 miles (I 70 BUS): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 230.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 230.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mountain driving with significant elevation changes
10,265 ft4,589 ft
Total Climb
5,676 ft
Total Descent
4,682 ft
Highest Point
10,265 ft
~181.7 mi in
Elevation Range
5,676 ft
Notable High Points
10,265 ft at ~181.7 miles+138 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Grand Junction, CO and Southglenn, CO, road signs point toward Golden and Boulder.
Golden
230.1 mi in|~4h 21m
Boulder
230.1 mi in|~4h 21m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Graced by red rock mesas, Grand Junction is a vital part of Colorado's Wine Country. The city lies on the Colorado River at the foot of Grand Mesa, Mount Garfield, and Colorado National Monument. With a population of about 69,000, Grand Junction is the most populous city in the western half of the U.S. state of Colorado and the seat of Mesa County.
Top landmarks
•Cross Orchards Historic Site — place in Colorado listed on National Register of Historic Places
•Handy Chapel — chapel in Grand Junction, Colorado, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 54m. Total distance: 254.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 54m 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 228.8 miles on I 70 BUS. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 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 Southglenn, 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 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.4 miles (I 70 BUS): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 230.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 230.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Colorado National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Southglenn, CO, but most travelers stay overnight.
