Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Penrose, CO to Denver, CO

Pin this trip

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

Drive Time

2h 4m

Distance

102.1 mi

164 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 56m ★
6 AM
2h 4m
8 AM
2h 22m
10 AM
2h 11m
12 PM
2h 9m
3 PM
2h 12m
5 PM
2h 21m
8 PM
1h 59m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Penrose, CO, CO

Penrose, CO

Steve A Johnson

consolidated city-county and capital of Colorado, United States

Denver, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 102.1-mile drive from Penrose, CO, to Denver, CO, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes. You'll primarily navigate on the Ronald Reagan Highway, CO 115, and Monument Valley Freeway. With a fuel cost estimated at $15, this route offers a straightforward journey through the Mountain West region. The mixed drive profile suggests a varied experience, and with no specific stops recommended, it's a convenient option for a quick transition between these Colorado locales. Plan for a smooth and efficient travel day.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

51.1 miles from Penrose, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 5m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Ronald Reagan Highway 57.6 mi 1h 1m
CO 115 32 mi 43m
Monument Valley Freeway 7.7 mi 8m
South Logan Street 2.7 mi 5m
East Buchtel North Boulevard 0.6 mi 1m
Grant Street 0.2 mi <1m
4th Avenue 0.1 mi <1m
East 13th Avenue 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Ronald Reagan Highway — 57.6 mi, about 1h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Penrose, CO and Denver, CO.

1

Start on Grant Street

0.2 mi · 46 sec · Grant Street
2

Turn left onto 4th Avenue

0.1 mi · 39 sec · 4th Avenue
3

Turn sharp right onto CO 115

32 mi · 43 min · CO 115
Use the straight lane.
4

Turn left

0.1 mi · 14 sec
Toward I 25 North, US 24 West: Denver Use the left lane.
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward I 25 North, US 24 West: Denver Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Merge onto I 25; US 24

7.7 mi · 8 min · Monument Valley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Continue on I 25

58 mi · 1 hr 1 min · Ronald Reagan Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Exit 206 Toward Downing Street, Washington Street, Emerson Street Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward Emerson Street, Washington Street Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on East Buchtel North Boulevard

0.6 mi · 1 min · East Buchtel North Boulevard
11

Turn right onto South Logan Street

2.7 mi · 5 min · South Logan Street
12

Turn left onto East 13th Avenue

0.1 mi · 26 sec · East 13th Avenue
13

Turn right onto Sherman Street

0.1 mi · 33 sec · Sherman Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
14

At end of road, turn right

298 ft · 21 sec
15

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour duration, this trip is perfect for a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Aiming for a morning start can help you avoid potential afternoon traffic as you near Denver. With no mandatory stops, you can easily break up the 102.1 miles as needed for fuel or a quick rest. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 57.6-mile stretch on Ronald Reagan Highway. The estimated $15 fuel cost is a good baseline for your budget, but it's always wise to have a little extra buffer.

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 51.1 miles from Penrose, CO, or about 1h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57.6 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 22 miles or 30m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 51.1 miles or 1h 5m 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 40m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Penrose, 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 Penrose, CO

This is one driving day of about 102.1 miles and 2h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Penrose, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Ronald Reagan Highway for about 57.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

census designated place in El Paso County, Colorado, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Woodmoor, CO

51 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

Fort Carson, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Woodmoor, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 51.1 miles from Penrose, 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.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Denver, Colorado

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 0min to go 1 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $60

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+13038930044

Visit website

Nola Voodoo Tavern

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Denver, Colorado

2.2 mi

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $60

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+13038930044

Visit website

Nola Voodoo Tavern

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17203899544

Visit website

Old Town Hot Pot

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30

Aurora, Colorado

Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm

+13036580870

Visit website

Tikka & Grill, Nepali and Indian Food

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm

+17204767144

Visit website

Civic Center Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+17209131311

Visit website

Big Blue Bear

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Epic Escape Game

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Denver, Colorado

+13033776060

Visit website

House Of Immersions

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 2–9:30 pm

+13037441008

Visit website

United States Mint Tour Entrance and Gift Shop

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+13035729500

Larimer Square

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17208051973

Visit website

Skyline Beer Garden

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Denver, Colorado

+13035346161

Visit website

Daniels & Fisher

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13038770742

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 98.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0.3 mi into trip | ~1m in | CO 115

Turn sharp right onto CO 115

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
7
32.3 mi into trip | ~44m in

Turn left toward I 25 North, US 24 West: Denver

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

Use the left lane. Toward I 25 North, US 24 West: Denver
7
32.5 mi into trip | ~44m in

Take the ramp toward I 25 North, US 24 West: Denver

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

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward I 25 North, US 24 West: Denver
8
98.1 mi into trip | ~1h 55m in

Take the exit toward Downing Street, Washington Street, Emerson Street

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 206 Toward Downing Street, Washington Street, Emers...
9
98.2 mi into trip | ~1h 55m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Emerson Street, Washington Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward Emerson Street, Washington Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.38 one way

$30.77 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 36 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $16.29 $32.58
premium $4.39 $17.66 $35.32
diesel $5.61 $22.54 $45.08

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$15

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 35.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 30.6 0 $10.72 $4.90
Efficient EV 25.5 0 $8.93 $4.08
EV Truck/SUV 40.8 0 $14.29 $6.53

Gas CO2

36 kg

EV CO2

12 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

Penrose, CO

Morning in Penrose on Tuesday

Local time

6:21 AM

MDT

Current temp

36°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Denver, CO

Morning in Denver on Tuesday

Local time

6:21 AM

MDT

Current temp

35°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

1 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

2h 4m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

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...

24 mi from route ~61 min detour $10 near mile 38.7
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a mixed driving experience on this 102.1-mile journey. While 39% of the route involves highway driving, you'll also encounter other road types. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 57.6 miles on the Ronald Reagan Highway, indicating a significant portion where you can maintain a consistent speed. This road character suggests you'll transition between faster highway sections and potentially more varied local road conditions as you approach your destination in Denver. It's not an all-highway grind, nor is it exclusively a winding backroad.

39% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 57.6 mi on Ronald Reagan Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near CO 115.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 102.1 miles you will encounter 10 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 (CO 115): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 32.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in Denver, CO

Full guide →

“Mile High City” · Founded 1858

Denver is the capital of the western U.S. state of Colorado and the dominant city of the Rocky Mountain Region. Founded in 1858 as the placer gold mining camp known as the Cherry Creek Diggings, the "Mile-High City" is today the most populous city within a 560-mile (900 km) radius and the center of the Front Range Urban Corridor of more than five million residents. Denver embraces its cowboy and mining past but also looks toward the future with a vibrant arts and performing arts scene, dozens of great outdoor festivals, and distinct neighborhoods each offering a unique experience. You'll find everything a cosmopolitan city has to offer including a spectacular view of and easy access to the beautiful Rocky Mountains, which arise only 12 miles (19 km) west of the Colorado State Capitol.

Top landmarks

  • • Denver Art Museum — museum in Denver, Colorado, United States
  • • Denver Mint — United States Mint branch in Denver, Colorado
  • • Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception — church in Colorado, United States

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 4m. Total distance: 102.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (39%). 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 57.6 miles on Ronald Reagan Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (CO 115): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 32.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Denver, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Denver, CO

Rangely, CO 277.3 mi · 6h 4m Grand Junction, CO 243.8 mi · 4h 39m Clifton, CO 238.4 mi · 4h 30m Monte Vista, CO 214.4 mi · 4h 52m

More from Penrose, CO

Greeley, CO 165.8 mi · 3h 11m Colorado Springs, CO 33.8 mi · 48m

More trips to Denver, CO

Cortez, CO 378.5 mi Ouray, CO 332.4 mi Bayfield, CO 315.3 mi Montrose, CO 296.3 mi Olathe, CO 286.1 mi Delta, CO 276.2 mi
Escape planner: Penrose, CO Scenic drives in CO

Explore more options from Penrose, CO or browse trips ending in Denver, CO.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse CO road trips.