Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Trip from Greeley, CO to Manitou Springs, CO
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 34m
Distance
135.9 mi
219 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 25m
★
6 AM
2h 35m
8 AM
2h 56m
10 AM
2h 42m
12 PM
2h 40m
3 PM
2h 43m
5 PM
2h 55m
8 PM
2h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Greeley, CO
Wikimedia Commons
Manitou Springs, CO
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Greeley to Manitou Springs is 135.9 miles and takes about 2h 34m via I 25, with a fuel budget near $21 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. You'll experience a mix of highway driving and surface roads. Given the relatively short distance and duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion, allowing ample time for exploration upon arrival.
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
68 miles from Greeley, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 17m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 25 | 45.7 mi | 47m |
| E-470 | 35.1 mi | 35m |
| County Road 49 | 21.9 mi | 25m |
| I 76 | 15.8 mi | 15m |
| Monument Valley Freeway | 3.3 mi | 3m |
| 18th Street | 2.7 mi | 4m |
| Midland Expressway | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| West Fillmore Street | 1.4 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 25
— 45.7 mi, about 47m
Traffic on I-25
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 6 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,444 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~212 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
21×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Greeley, CO and Manitou Springs, 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
46 mi
·
47 min
·
I 25
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 25
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Monument Valley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 145
Toward Fillmore Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
232 ft
·
7 sec
Toward Fillmore Street West
Use the slight right lane.
20
Continue on West Fillmore Street
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
West Fillmore Street
21
Continue on Fontmore Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Fontmore Road
22
Continue on West Fontanero Street
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
West Fontanero Street
23
Turn left onto North 31st Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North 31st Street
24
Turn sharp right onto US 24
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
West Cimarron Street
25
Continue on US 24
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Midland Expressway
26
Turn left onto Sunshine Trail
0.2 mi
·
43 sec
·
Sunshine Trail
27
Turn right onto Washington Avenue
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Washington Avenue
28
Turn right onto Cañon Avenue
146 ft
·
7 sec
·
Cañon Avenue
29
Turn right
88 ft
·
6 sec
30
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 2-and-a-half-hour drive, leaving Greeley in the morning will give you plenty of time to reach Manitou Springs and enjoy your destination. With only one recommended stop, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. The fuel cost is estimated at $21, so plan accordingly. Pay attention as you transition off I 25 onto county roads, as the driving environment will change noticeably, requiring adjustments to your speed and awareness of local traffic patterns.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 68 miles from Greeley, CO, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 45.7 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 30 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 68 miles or 1h 17m 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Manitou Springs, 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.
+
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 Greeley, CO
This is one driving day of about 135.9 miles and 2h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Greeley, 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 25 for about 45.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
68 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 68 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.
QuikTrip
1.6 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 215 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 129.9 — 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.
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
7
129.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 22m in
Take the exit toward Fillmore Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 145
Toward Fillmore Street
8
129.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 22m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Fillmore Street West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Fillmore Street West
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.27 one way
$46.55 round trip
$4.35/gal
25.4 MPG avg
48 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.59 | $24.56 | $49.12 |
| premium | $4.93 | $26.38 | $52.77 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $28.62 | $57.25 |
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
$23
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.8 | 0 | $14.27 | $6.52 |
| Efficient EV | 34 | 0 | $11.89 | $5.44 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 54.4 | 0 | $19.03 | $8.70 |
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 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.
Origin
Greeley, CO
Afternoon in Greeley on Wednesday
Local time
1:58 PM
MDT
Current temp
41°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
N 13 mph
22% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 21 at 10:54PM MDT until May 22 at 5:00AM MDT by NWS Goodland KS
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued May 21 at 9:56PM MDT until May 22 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
Destination
Manitou Springs, CO
Afternoon in Manitou Springs on Wednesday
Local time
1:58 PM
MDT
Current temp
42°F
Mostly Clear
NNW 5 to 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 21 at 10:54PM MDT until May 22 at 5:00AM MDT by NWS Goodland KS
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued May 21 at 9:56PM MDT until May 22 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction 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
1 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
2h 34m 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.
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...
20 mi from route
~50 min detour
$10
near mile 135.9
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This 135.9-mile drive is a mixed bag, with 49% on highways and the rest on surface roads. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 45.7 miles on I 25, which means a significant portion of your travel will be on this major interstate. Expect the interstate portion to feel more like continuous cruising, with exits spaced further apart, before transitioning to county roads which will likely have more frequent intersections and potentially lower speed limits.
49% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 45.7 mi on I 25.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. 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
10/10
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 21 significant decision points across 135.9 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 0.3 miles (US 34 Business / 10th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 43.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 80 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
High-altitude sections with notable climbs
6,887 ft
4,674 ft
Total Climb
2,365 ft
Total Descent
688 ft
Highest Point
6,887 ft
~106.8 mi in
Elevation Range
2,213 ft
Notable High Points
5,897 ft at ~68 miles
+80 ft prominence
6,887 ft at ~106.8 miles
+80 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Manitou Springs, 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 →Founded 1869
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.
Top landmarks
- • Greeley Union Pacific Railroad Depot — railway station in Greeley, the United States of America
- • Greeley Tribune Building — building in Greeley, United States of America
- • Meeker Memorial Museum — building in Greeley, United States of America
Arriving in Manitou Springs, CO
Full guide →Founded 1888
Manitou Springs is a small resort town just west of Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was founded as a tourist destination and also became known for its mineral springs. But its greatest claim to fame is being the gateway to Pikes Peak. Since the 1970s Manitou Springs has become known as an artist's colony, although tourism is still a very important part of Manitou's atmosphere. It is directly at the base of Pikes Peak and surrounded by mountains (including Pike National Forest) on three sides.
Top landmarks
- • Cliff House — hotel in Manitou Springs, United States
- • Manitou Cliff Dwellings — archaeological museum in Manitou Springs, Colorado
- • Crystal Valley Cemetery — United States historic place in Manitou Springs, Colorado
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 2h 34m. Total distance: 135.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (49%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 45.7 miles on I 25. 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.
Yes — we found about 2 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 Manitou 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 2 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (US 34 Business / 10th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 43.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 80 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Manitou Springs, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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