Lakewood, CO to Springfield, CO is 261.1 miles and takes about 5h 3m via Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway and US 287, with a fuel budget near $43 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. The drive is mostly on highways, offering a straightforward path for a single-day excursion. Given the relatively short duration, you'll find this route efficient for reaching your destination without needing an overnight stop.
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
130.5 miles from Lakewood, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
76.6 mi
1h 16m
US 287
62.5 mi
1h 13m
US 40
62.3 mi
1h 13m
West 15th Street
29.8 mi
35m
I 70
9 mi
12m
US 50
8 mi
13m
North Valley Highway
3.2 mi
4m
West 6th Avenue Freeway
2.7 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
— 76.6 mi, about 1h 16m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~3,740 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,758
Quietest
2 AM
~391 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 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 Lakewood, CO and Springfield, CO.
1
Start on CO 121
1.3 mi·2 min·South Wadsworth Boulevard
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward US 6 East: DenverUse the slight right lane.
3
Merge onto US 6
2.7 mi·3 min·West 6th Avenue Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Take the exit onto US 6
1.3 mi·2 min·US 6
Toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado SpringsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Merge onto I 25
3.2 mi·4 min·North Valley Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·19 sec
Exit 214AToward I 70: Limon, Grand JunctionUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on Grand Army of the Republic Highway
1.0 mi·1 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Toward I 70
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·40 sec
9
Merge onto I 70
9.0 mi·12 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
2.4 mi·2 min·Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Continue on I 70
77 mi·1 hr 16 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
Exit 363Toward US 40, US 287: Hugo, Kit CarsonUse the slight right lane.
13
Turn right onto US 40; US 287
62 mi·1 hr 13 min·US 40; US 287
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 287; CR 40
18 mi·20 min·US 287; CR 40
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on US 287; CO 96
30 mi·35 min·West 15th Street
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on US 50; US 287
8.0 mi·13 min·US 50; US 287
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 287; US 385
1.6 mi·1 min·US 287; US 385
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Continue on US 287; US 385
43 mi·50 min·US 287; US 385
Use the straight lane.
19
Turn left onto East 6th Avenue
0.1 mi·28 sec·East 6th Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
East 6th Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a single-day trip covering 261.1 miles, leaving Lakewood, CO in the morning will give you plenty of time to arrive in Springfield, CO before dark. The route includes one recommended stop, so plan to break up your 5h 3m drive accordingly. With a fuel cost estimated at $43, be sure to check your fuel levels before departing and consider topping off if needed, especially before heading out on the 76.6-mile stretch on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. This route is manageable in one day, offering flexibility in your departure time.
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 130.5 miles from Lakewood, CO, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.6 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 57 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 130.5 miles or 2h 25m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Springfield, 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.
+
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 Lakewood, CO
This is one driving day of about 261.1 miles and 5h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Lakewood, 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 Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 76.6 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.3 and 98.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
1.3 mi into trip|~2m in
Take the ramp toward US 6 East: Denver
Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 6 East: Denver
7
4.3 mi into trip|~6m in|US 6
Take the exit onto US 6 toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs
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 I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs
8
8.7 mi into trip|~13m in
Take the exit toward I 70: Limon, Grand Junction
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 214A
Toward I 70: Limon, Grand Junction
6
19.1 mi into trip|~27m in|I 70 / Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70 / Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
98.1 mi into trip|~1h 46m in
Take the exit toward US 40, US 287: Hugo, Kit Carson
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 363
Toward US 40, US 287: Hugo, Kit Carson
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.48 one way
$88.96 round trip
$4.33/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.58
$47.04
$94.08
premium
$4.90
$50.41
$100.82
diesel
$6.18
$63.52
$127.03
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: 91.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
78.3
0
$27.42
$12.53
Efficient EV
65.3
0
$22.85
$10.44
EV Truck/SUV
104.4
1
$36.55
$16.71
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
31 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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Lakewood, CO
Late night
in Lakewood on Sunday
Local time
5:49 AM
MDT
Current temp
36°F
Clear
SW 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 5:02AM MDT until October 17 at 9:00AM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 9:15PM MDT until October 17 at 9:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
Destination
Springfield, CO
Late night
in Springfield on Sunday
Local time
5:49 AM
MDT
Current temp
25°F
Clear
SSW 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 5:02AM MDT until October 17 at 9:00AM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 9:15PM MDT until October 17 at 9:00AM 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
11 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
5h 3m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 56% of this drive is on highways, meaning you'll spend a good portion of the 5h 3m behind the wheel on faster roads. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 76.6 miles on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. After this highway segment, the route transitions to surface roads, which will likely mean slower speeds and more varied scenery. You can expect a mix of interstate cruising and more rural driving conditions on this route.
56% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 76.6 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 1.3 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 261.1 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 1.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.3 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
High-altitude sections with notable climbs
5,566 ft3,745 ft
Total Climb
1,117 ft
Total Descent
2,274 ft
Highest Point
5,566 ft
~37.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,821 ft
Notable High Points
5,566 ft at ~37.3 miles+210 ft prominence
5,421 ft at ~93.2 miles+4 ft prominence
4,409 ft at ~242.4 miles+46 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Lakewood, CO to Springfield, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Kit Carson along the way.
Lakewood is a city of about 160,000 in the Denver Metropolitan Area of the western U.S. state of Colorado. The city lies in Jefferson County, immediately west of Denver and east of the Front Range foothills.
Top landmarks
•Lakewood Cultural Center — museum in Colorado, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 3m. Total distance: 261.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 76.6 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 13 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 Springfield, 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 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.3 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Springfield, CO before the return drive.
