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Trip from Greeley, CO to Castle Rock, CO

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 46m

Distance

93.5 mi

150 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min
4 AM
1h 39m ★
6 AM
1h 47m
8 AM
2h 3m
10 AM
1h 52m
12 PM
1h 51m
3 PM
1h 53m
5 PM
2h 2m
8 PM
1h 42m

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 Wetd County, Colorado, United States

Greeley, CO

Wikimedia Commons

county seat of Douglas County, Colorado, United States

Castle Rock, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 93.5-mile drive from Greeley, CO, to Castle Rock, CO, is estimated to take about 1 hour and 46 minutes. With a fuel cost around $14, it's a budget-friendly trip within the Mountain West region. The route primarily uses E-470 and I-76, with a notable 29% highway share. It's perfectly suited as a single-day excursion, allowing for a relaxed pace without the need for an overnight stay. The overall feel is that of a practical, local journey connecting two points in Colorado.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

46.8 miles from Greeley, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
E-470 35.1 mi 35m
County Road 49 21.9 mi 25m
I 76 15.8 mi 15m
I 25 11.7 mi 12m
18th Street 2.7 mi 4m
10th Street 1.1 mi 1m
East 18th Street 1 mi 1m
8th Avenue 0.9 mi 1m
Longest stretch: E-470 — 35.1 mi, about 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Greeley, CO and Castle Rock, CO.

1

Start on 19th Avenue

262 ft · 18 sec · 19th Avenue
2

Turn left onto US 34 Business

0.1 mi · 16 sec · 9th Street
3

Turn left onto 21st Avenue

495 ft · 29 sec · 21st Avenue
4

Turn left onto US 34 Business

1.1 mi · 1 min · 10th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
5

Turn right onto US 34 Business; US 85 Business

0.9 mi · 1 min · 8th Avenue
Use the right lane.
6

Turn left onto US 34 Business

2.7 mi · 4 min · 18th Street
Use the left lane.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto East 18th Street

0.2 mi · 12 sec · East 18th Street
8

Continue on East 18th Street

0.9 mi · 1 min · East 18th Street
9

Turn right onto CR 49

22 mi · 25 min · County Road 49
Use the straight / right lanes.
10

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward I 76 West
11

Merge onto I 76

16 mi · 15 min · I 76
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 2 min
Exit 18 Toward E470 Toll South: Limon Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Merge onto E470

35 mi · 35 min · E-470
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Exit 1A Toward I 25: Denver, Colorado Springs
15

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 1A Toward I 25 South: Colorado Springs Use the straight / slight left lanes.
16

Merge onto I 25

12 mi · 12 min · I 25
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 182 Toward Wilcox Street, Wolfensberger Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Turn left onto East Wolfensberger Road

432 ft · 20 sec · East Wolfensberger Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
19

Continue on North Wilcox Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · North Wilcox Street
20

Turn left onto 5th Street

0.2 mi · 37 sec · 5th Street
Use the left lane.
21

Turn right onto North Cantril Street

0.2 mi · 28 sec · North Cantril Street
22

Arrive at destination

North Cantril Street

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of under two hours, this drive from Greeley to Castle Rock offers great flexibility. You can depart at your convenience, perhaps in the mid-morning to avoid early rush hour or in the afternoon for a leisurely start. With a fuel cost of approximately $14, you won't need frequent stops for gas. The drive is straightforward, but pay attention to road signage as you transition between E-470, County Road 49, and I-76 to ensure you stay on the most efficient path.

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 46.8 miles from Greeley, CO, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 35.1 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 21 miles or 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 46.8 miles or 56m 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 26m

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

Before You Leave

+

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

Day 1

Settle into the route from Greeley, CO

This is one driving day of about 93.5 miles and 1h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Greeley, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on E-470 for about 35.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Aurora, CO, CO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Aurora, CO

47 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

La Salle, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brighton, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 46.8 miles from Greeley, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Circle K Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Commerce City, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

7Charge Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18447112474

Visit website

7Charge Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Commerce City, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Rock Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Castle Rock, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+17207332260

Visit website

Island Grove Regional Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Greeley, Colorado

Hours: 7 am–3:30 pm

+19703509392

Visit website

Castle Rock Adventure Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Castle Rock, CO

+17207339477

Visit website

Green Valley Ranch East Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+17209131311

Visit website

Railbender Skate & Tennis Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Parker, Colorado

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13038414500

Visit website

Museum of Outdoor Arts

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour

Greenwood Village, Colorado

+13038060444

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 92.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.3 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 34 Business / 10th Street

Turn left onto US 34 Business / 10th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes.
6
1.3 mi into trip | ~3m in | US 34 Business; US 85 Business / 8th Avenue

Turn right onto US 34 Business; US 85 Business / 8th Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
7
43.7 mi into trip | ~52m in

Take the exit toward E470 Toll South: Limon

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 18 Toward E470 Toll South: Limon
8
80 mi into trip | ~1h 29m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 25 South: Colorado Springs

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Exit 1A Toward I 25 South: Colorado Springs
8
92.5 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in

Take the exit toward Wilcox Street, Wolfensberger Road

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 182 Toward Wilcox Street, Wolfensberger Road

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.09 one way

$28.18 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 33 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $14.92 $29.83
premium $4.39 $16.17 $32.35
diesel $5.61 $20.64 $41.29

Estimated Tolls: $4.22

E-470 (35.1 mi) $4.22

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$14

Tolls

$4

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 32.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 28.1 0 $9.82 $4.49
Efficient EV 23.4 0 $8.18 $3.74
EV Truck/SUV 37.4 0 $13.09 $5.98

Gas CO2

33 kg

EV CO2

11 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 20, 2026

Origin

Greeley, CO

Late night in Greeley on Tuesday

Local time

4:55 AM

MDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Castle Rock, CO

Late night in Castle Rock on Tuesday

Local time

4:55 AM

MDT

Current temp

55°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

3 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 46m 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 turn-heavy local drive for this 93.5-mile trip. While 29% of the route is on highways like I-76, much of the journey involves navigating local roads, including County Road 49. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 35.1 miles on E-470, offering a brief period of consistent speed before transitioning back to more varied road conditions. This profile suggests a drive that requires your attention as you switch between different types of roadways.

Only 29% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 35.1 mi on E-470.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

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 around 0.3 miles in near US 34 Business / 10th Street.

Driving Effort 9/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 93.5 miles you will encounter 18 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 0.3 miles (US 34 Business / 10th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.3 miles (US 34 Business; US 85 Business / 8th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 43.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Greeley, CO and Castle Rock, CO, road signs point toward E470 Toll South: Limon and Colorado Springs.

E470 Toll South: Limon

43.7 mi in | ~52m

Colorado Springs

79.8 mi in | ~1h 29m

About the Cities

Starting in Greeley, CO

Full guide →

Greeley is a city of about 110,000 in the north central region of the western U.S. state of Colorado. The seat of Weld County, the city lies 49 miles (79 km) north-northeast of Denver on the South Platte River, the historic route of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1858-1861. The city was founded in 1870 by Nathan Meeker, who named it for Horace Greeley, editor of the New York Tribune and promoter of the Union Colony of Colorado. Greeley is the home of the University of Northern Colorado. The most well-known event in the town is the annual Greeley Independence Stampede, which attracts an estimated 400,000 attendees every summer.

Arriving in Castle Rock, CO

Full guide →

Castle Rock is a town of about 81,000 in the Denver Metropolitan Area of the western U.S. state of Colorado. The seat of Douglas County, the town lies 26 miles (42 km) south-southeast of Denver.

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 46m. Total distance: 93.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 35.1 miles on E-470. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $4.22 in tolls one way, starting with E-470. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

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 Castle Rock, 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: at 0.3 miles (US 34 Business / 10th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.3 miles (US 34 Business; US 85 Business / 8th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 43.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Castle Rock, 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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