Spanning 272.6 miles across Colorado, this trip from Rangely to Lakewood typically takes about 5 hours and 59 minutes of drive time. Because the route is straightforward, it functions well as a single-day journey, allowing you to reach the Denver metro area by evening without an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via CO 13, West Main Street, and the major artery of I-70. Budget approximately $41 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Since you are staying within the Mountain West region throughout the entire trip, you will experience a consistent high-altitude driving environment from start to finish.
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
136.3 miles from Rangely, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
171.1 mi
3h 15m
West Main Street
55 mi
1h 28m
CO 13
37.5 mi
1h
West 6th Avenue Freeway
4.9 mi
5m
Whiteriver Avenue
1.5 mi
3m
North Wadsworth Boulevard
1.4 mi
2m
Railroad Avenue
0.3 mi
<1m
South Wadsworth Boulevard
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 171.1 mi, about 3h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rangely, CO and Lakewood, CO.
1
Start on CO 64
55 mi·1 hr 28 min·West Main Street
Use the straight lane.
2
At end of road, turn right onto CO 13
37 mi·59 min·CO 13
Use the straight lane.
3
Continue on CO 13
0.3 mi·33 sec·Railroad Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn left onto Whiteriver Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·Whiteriver Avenue
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on Whiteriver Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Whiteriver Avenue
6
Take the ramp
209 ft·5 sec
7
Merge onto CO 13
0.4 mi·44 sec·CO 13
8
Enter roundabout
254 ft·4 sec
9
Continue
0.2 mi·32 sec
10
Merge onto I 70
171 mi·3 hr 15 min·I 70
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 261Toward US 6 East: 6th Avenue, LakewoodUse the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto US 6
4.9 mi·5 min·West 6th Avenue Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward CO 121 South: Wadsworth BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Turn slight right onto CO 121
1.4 mi·2 min·North Wadsworth Boulevard
15
Continue on CO 121
369 ft·15 sec·South Wadsworth Boulevard
Use the left lane.
16
Arrive at destination
CO 121
Trip Plan
To manage the 6-hour duration effectively, plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the long interstate segment. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid peak traffic as you approach Lakewood. Because I-70 accounts for the bulk of your mileage, monitor your fuel levels before merging onto the interstate to avoid premium pricing at remote stations. Flexibility is a major advantage on this route, as the manageable duration allows you to adjust your departure based on local traffic reports. Keep your eyes on the road during that 171.1-mile I-70 stretch, as consistent speeds are key to maintaining your estimated fuel budget of $41.
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 136.3 miles from Rangely, CO, or about 3h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 171.1 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 60 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 136.3 miles or 3h 21m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lakewood, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Rangely, 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 Rangely, CO
This is one driving day of about 272.6 miles and 5h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Rangely, 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 70 for about 171.1 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 10
5 decision points cluster between mile 55 and 270.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
55 mi into trip|~1h 28m in|CO 13
At end of road, turn right onto CO 13
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
92.4 mi into trip|~2h 28m in|Whiteriver Avenue
Turn left onto Whiteriver Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
94.6 mi into trip|~2h 34m in|I 70
Merge onto I 70
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
265.7 mi into trip|~5h 49m in
Take the exit toward US 6 East: 6th Avenue, Lakewood
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 261
Toward US 6 East: 6th Avenue, Lakewood
6
270.9 mi into trip|~5h 55m in
Take the exit toward CO 121 South: Wadsworth Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward CO 121 South: Wadsworth Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.07 one way
$82.14 round trip
$3.83/gal25.4 MPG avg95 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.05
$43.49
$86.97
premium
$4.39
$47.16
$94.32
diesel
$5.61
$60.19
$120.37
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81.8
1
$28.62
$13.08
Efficient EV
68.2
0
$23.85
$10.90
EV Truck/SUV
109
1
$38.16
$17.45
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 13, 2026
Origin
Rangely, CO
Evening
in Rangely on Saturday
Local time
7:26 PM
MDT
Current temp
34°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
SW 5 to 15 mph19% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 12 at 8:57PM MDT until April 13 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 12 at 8:57PM MDT until April 13 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
Destination
Lakewood, CO
Evening
in Lakewood on Saturday
Local time
7:26 PM
MDT
Current temp
45°F
Partly Cloudy
SW 6 to 12 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 12 at 8:57PM MDT until April 13 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 12 at 8:57PM MDT until April 13 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
36°F
Eagle, CO
136 mi in
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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 59m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Dinosaur National Monument
National Monument
150 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed here. Their fossils are still embedded in the rocks. Today, mountains, desert, and rivers flowing in canyons support a variety of life. Petroglyphs reveal the l...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience with 78% of your travel occurring on major thoroughfares. The road transitions from local segments like West Main Street and CO 13 into the expansive I-70 corridor. You should prepare for a significant 171.1-mile stretch on I-70, which serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of your trip. While the route is efficient, the shift from rural state roads to the high-traffic interstate environment defines the character of the drive. The transition requires steady focus as you navigate the varying speed limits and traffic density inherent to Colorado's main mountain transit route.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 171.1 mi on I 70.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and West Main Street. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 55 miles in near CO 13.
Driving Effort5/10
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 272.6 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 55 miles (CO 13): Lane positioning matters here; at 92.4 miles (Whiteriver Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 94.6 miles (I 70): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 59m. Total distance: 272.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 171.1 miles on I 70. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 55 miles (CO 13): Lane positioning matters here; at 92.4 miles (Whiteriver Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 94.6 miles (I 70): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Dinosaur National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Lakewood, CO before the return drive.
