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Trip from Sterling, CO to Denver, CO

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

Drive Time

2h 18m

Distance

126.9 mi

204 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 8m ★
6 AM
2h 18m
8 AM
2h 37m
10 AM
2h 25m
12 PM
2h 23m
3 PM
2h 26m
5 PM
2h 36m
8 PM
2h 12m

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 and county seat of Logan County, Colorado, United States

Sterling, CO

Wikimedia Commons

consolidated city-county and capital of Colorado, United States

Denver, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Connecting Sterling to Denver, this 126.9-mile journey typically takes about 1 hour and 54 minutes. Because the trip is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend roughly $17 on fuel, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers moving between these two Mountain West locations. Navigation is simple, relying on a combination of North 3rd Street, East Chestnut Street, and Highway 6. This route offers a direct path, providing a practical alternative for those looking to reach the capital without complex detours or multi-day planning.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

63.5 miles from Sterling, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 6m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 76 118.4 mi 1h 59m
North Valley Highway 2.3 mi 3m
East Chestnut Street 1.4 mi 2m
North Broadway 1 mi 3m
Park Avenue 0.6 mi 1m
Park Avenue West 0.5 mi 1m
West 22nd Street 0.4 mi 1m
US Highway 6 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 76 — 118.4 mi, about 1h 59m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

240 ft · 22 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto North 3rd Street

277 ft · 11 sec · North 3rd Street
3

Turn right onto US 6

1.4 mi · 2 min · East Chestnut Street
4

Continue on US 6

0.2 mi · 23 sec · US Highway 6
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward I 76 West
6

Merge onto I 76

118 mi · 1 hr 59 min · I 76
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 12 sec
Exit 5 Toward I 25 South: Denver Use the slight right lane.
8

Continue on this road

0.9 mi · 1 min · this road
Toward I 25 south: Denver
9

Merge onto I 25; US 87

2.3 mi · 3 min · North Valley Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 28 sec
Exit 213 Toward 38th Avenue, Park Avenue, Downtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 11 sec
Toward Park Avenue, Downtown Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on Park Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Park Avenue
13

Turn straight onto Park Avenue West

0.5 mi · 1 min · Park Avenue West
14

Continue on West 22nd Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · West 22nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
15

Turn right onto North Broadway

1.0 mi · 3 min · North Broadway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Turn left onto East 14th Avenue

0.1 mi · 29 sec · East 14th Avenue
Use the left lane.
17

Turn left

358 ft · 27 sec
Use the straight / left lanes.
18

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a manageable two-hour drive, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. Because there are no designated stops included in this itinerary, plan to fuel up before you head out to ensure you stay within your $17 budget. Keep a close eye on your navigation as you transition between North 3rd Street, East Chestnut Street, and Highway 6, as the turn-heavy nature of the route requires frequent adjustments. Taking the drive in one go is very feasible, but remember that the lack of highway stretches means your pace will be dictated by local traffic patterns. Prioritize checking your tire pressure before leaving, as the technical nature of these local roads makes steady handling essential for a smooth trip.

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 63.5 miles from Sterling, CO, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.4 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 28 miles or 30m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 63.5 miles or 1h 6m 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 47m

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 Sterling, 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 Sterling, CO

This is one driving day of about 126.9 miles and 2h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Sterling, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 76 for about 118.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brighton, CO

63 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.

Popular next leg

Brighton, CO to Denver, CO

21.6 mi · 32m

Pacing Suggestions

Fort Morgan, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lochbuie, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63.5 miles from Sterling, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 76 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 118.4 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

J & L Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sterling, Colorado

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 5:15 am–8 pm

+19705223625

Visit website

Sam & Louie's Italian Restaurant & New York Pizzeria

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Sterling, Colorado

0.1 mi

Santiago's Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Sterling, Colorado

0.1 mi

J & L Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 5:15 am–8 pm

+19705223625

Visit website

Sam & Louie's Italian Restaurant & New York Pizzeria

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19705262550

Visit website

Santiago's Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+19705210179

Visit website

Fiesta Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

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

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19705260401

Home Plate Fort Morgan

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 45.3

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+19708674416

Wonderful House Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19705220101

Visit website

Glassi Restaurant & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 36.3

Brush, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+19708427722

Visit website

Pizza Hut

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv

Sterling, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+19705227363

Visit website

7Charge Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 108.8

Commerce City, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 108.8

Commerce City, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 117.8

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 117.8

Henderson, Colorado

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18889982546

Visit website

7Charge Charging Station

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 117.8

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18447112474

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 117.8

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Civic Center Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 126.9

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+17209131311

Visit website

Big Blue Bear

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 126.9

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Epic Escape Game

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 126.9

Denver, Colorado

+13033776060

Visit website

House Of Immersions

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 126.9

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

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 126.9

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+13035729500

Larimer Square

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 126.9

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17208051973

Visit website

Skyline Beer Garden

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 126.9

Denver, Colorado

+13035346161

Visit website

Daniels & Fisher

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 126.9

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 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 126.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | North 3rd Street

Turn left onto North 3rd Street

Navigation decision point

7
120.5 mi into trip | ~2h 4m in

Take the exit toward I 25 South: Denver

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 5 Toward I 25 South: Denver
8
123.9 mi into trip | ~2h 9m in

Take the exit toward 38th Avenue, Park Avenue, Downtown

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 213 Toward 38th Avenue, Park Avenue, Downtown
9
124.1 mi into trip | ~2h 9m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Park Avenue, Downtown

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward Park Avenue, Downtown
7
126.8 mi into trip | ~2h 17m in

Turn left

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.12 one way

$38.24 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 44 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $20.24 $40.49
premium $4.39 $21.95 $43.91
diesel $5.61 $28.02 $56.04

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.1 0 $13.32 $6.09
Efficient EV 31.7 0 $11.10 $5.08
EV Truck/SUV 50.8 0 $17.77 $8.12

Gas CO2

44 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (66% 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 14, 2026

Origin

Sterling, CO

Late night in Sterling on Sunday

Local time

1:55 AM

MDT

Current temp

45°F

Mostly Cloudy

N 6 mph 10% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 14 at 2:48AM MDT until April 14 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Denver CO

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 14 at 12:24AM MDT until April 14 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Goodland KS

Destination

Denver, CO

Late night in Denver on Sunday

Local time

1:55 AM

MDT

Current temp

48°F

Mostly Cloudy

NE 2 mph 5% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 14 at 2:48AM MDT until April 14 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Denver CO

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 14 at 12:24AM MDT until April 14 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Goodland KS

44°F

Brighton, CO

63 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

3 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 18m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as this route features zero percent highway travel. You will spend your time navigating through local roads, with no single stretch on North 3rd Street extending beyond zero miles before requiring a turn. The road demands your active attention, shifting away from the fast-paced, straight-line character of typical major highways. Navigating these local connections requires you to stay alert, providing a driving experience that feels more grounded and personal than a standard high-speed commute. It is a steady, hands-on journey that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.4 mi on I 76.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 76 and North Valley Highway. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North 3rd Street.

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 126.9 miles you will encounter 11 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: near the start (North 3rd Street): Navigation decision point; at 120.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 123.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in Denver, CO

Full guide →

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.

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 18m. Total distance: 126.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 118.4 miles on I 76. 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 Denver, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (North 3rd Street): Navigation decision point; at 120.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 123.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Return Trip

Denver, CO to Sterling, CO

Plan the drive back the other way.

127.1 mi 2h 17m

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