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Trip from Lakewood, CO to Fort Morgan, CO

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 36m

Distance

86.8 mi

140 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Fair

4 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min
4 AM
1h 29m ★
6 AM
1h 36m
8 AM
1h 51m
10 AM
1h 41m
12 PM
1h 40m
3 PM
1h 42m
5 PM
1h 50m
8 PM
1h 32m

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 Jefferson County, Colorado, United States

Lakewood, CO

Wikimedia Commons

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

Fort Morgan, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Lakewood, CO to Fort Morgan, CO is 86.8 miles and takes about 1h 36m via Heartland Expressway, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, one-day drive primarily within Colorado, connecting two points in the Mountain West region. Expect a highway-focused experience for most of the journey. Given the relatively short distance and duration, this trip is ideal for a quick transit or a day trip without needing an overnight stay. The main roads involved are Heartland Expressway, South Wadsworth Boulevard, and Main Street, offering a direct path between these two Colorado locations.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

43.4 miles from Lakewood, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 51m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Heartland Expressway 79.3 mi 1h 21m
South Wadsworth Boulevard 5.4 mi 10m
Main Street 0.8 mi 1m
East Beaver Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
State Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Heartland Expressway — 79.3 mi, about 1h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lakewood, CO and Fort Morgan, CO.

1

Start on CO 121

5.4 mi · 10 min · South Wadsworth Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
2

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward I 70 East, I 76 East: Denver, Fort Morgan Use the straight / slight right lanes.
3

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan Use the left / right lanes.
4

Merge onto I 76

12 mi · 13 min · Heartland Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Keep slight right at fork onto I 76

67 mi · 1 hr 7 min · Heartland Expressway
Toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward CO 52: Fort Morgan, New Raymer
7

Turn right onto CO 52

0.8 mi · 1 min · Main Street
Use the straight lane.
8

Turn left onto East Beaver Avenue

369 ft · 12 sec · East Beaver Avenue
9

Turn right onto State Street

364 ft · 9 sec · State Street
10

Arrive at destination

State Street

Trip Plan

Given this is a short, single-day trip of under two hours, you have considerable flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Lakewood, CO in the morning means you'll likely arrive in Fort Morgan, CO with plenty of daylight remaining. With a fuel cost estimated at $13, it's wise to ensure your tank is full before you depart to avoid unnecessary stops, especially since the longest stretch on the Heartland Expressway is nearly 80 miles. Plan for minimal stops; perhaps one quick break if needed, but the duration of the drive makes it easily manageable without significant interruptions.

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 43.4 miles from Lakewood, CO, or about 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.3 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 19 miles or 26m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 43.4 miles or 51m 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 21m

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

Before You Leave

+

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

Day 1

Settle into the route from Lakewood, CO

This is one driving day of about 86.8 miles and 1h 36m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Lakewood, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Heartland Expressway for about 79.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Adams and Weld counties in Colorado, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Thornton, CO

43 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

Commerce City, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lochbuie, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 43.4 miles from Lakewood, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Heartland Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 79.3 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

San Miguel Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 86.8

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+19704278848

Visit website

Chef's Da Chinese Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Fort Morgan, Colorado

0.1 mi

Pepper's

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Fort Morgan, Colorado

0.3 mi

San Miguel Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 86.8

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+19704278848

Visit website

Chef's Da Chinese Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 86.8

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19708674000

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 86.8

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+19708673200

Visit website

Pepper's

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 86.8

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+19703702584

Visit website

Santiago's Mexican Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 86.8

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+19708672214

Visit website

Little Bamboo

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 86.8

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Hours: 10:30 am–8:30 pm

+19708671827

Visit website

El Valle Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 86.8

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+19707433421

Home Plate Fort Morgan

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 86.8

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+19708674416

7Charge Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 24.8

Commerce City, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 24.8

Commerce City, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 18.6

Henderson, Colorado

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18889982546

Visit website

7Charge Charging Station

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 12.4

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18447112474

Visit website

Belmar Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route

Lakewood, Colorado

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13039877800

Visit website

Water World

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 12.4

Federal Heights, Colorado

+13034277873

Visit website

Sister City Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Lakewood, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–10 pm

+13039877800

Visit website

Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+18666369969

Visit website

Larimer Square

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 6.2

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17208051973

Visit website

Big Blue Bear

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 6.2

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

VR ARCADE USA

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 6.2

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+17202899583

Visit website

Skyline Beer Garden

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 6.2

Denver, Colorado

+13035346161

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 5.4 and 85.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
5.4 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the ramp toward I 70 East, I 76 East: Denver, Fort Morgan

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 70 East, I 76 East: Denver, Fort Morga...
7
5.7 mi into trip | ~11m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / right lanes. Toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan
5
6.3 mi into trip | ~12m in | I 76 / Heartland Expressway

Merge onto I 76 / Heartland Expressway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
18.2 mi into trip | ~25m in | I 76 / Heartland Expressway

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

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 76 East: Fort Morgan
5
85.6 mi into trip | ~1h 33m in

Take the exit toward CO 52: Fort Morgan, New Raymer

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward CO 52: Fort Morgan, New Raymer

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.08 one way

$26.16 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $13.85 $27.69
premium $4.39 $15.02 $30.03
diesel $5.61 $19.16 $38.33

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 30.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 26 0 $9.11 $4.17
Efficient EV 21.7 0 $7.59 $3.47
EV Truck/SUV 34.7 0 $12.15 $5.56

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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 15, 2026

Origin

Lakewood, CO

Late night in Lakewood on Sunday

Local time

2:08 AM

MDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Morgan, CO

Late night in Fort Morgan on Sunday

Local time

2:08 AM

MDT

Current temp

42°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

2 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 36m 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?

This trip is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with a substantial 91% of the route utilizing higher-speed roads. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 79.3 miles on the Heartland Expressway, meaning much of your time will be spent on this primary artery. The character of the drive is consistent for the majority of the journey, offering a smooth and efficient transit. While the main roads include South Wadsworth Boulevard and Main Street initially, the bulk of the mileage is on the expressway, setting a predictable pace for your travel.

91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
10 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 79.3 mi on Heartland Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Heartland Expressway and South Wadsworth Boulevard. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 5.4 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 86.8 miles you will encounter 8 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 5.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.3 miles (I 76 / Heartland Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Fort Morgan, CO

Full guide →

Fort Morgan is a city in Morgan County, 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 1h 36m. Total distance: 86.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 79.3 miles on Heartland Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Fort Morgan, 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 5.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.3 miles (I 76 / Heartland Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

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