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Trip from Yuma, CO to Boulder, 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 56m

Distance

156.5 mi

252 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$24

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 45m ★
6 AM
2h 57m
8 AM
3h 19m
10 AM
3h 4m
12 PM
3h 2m
3 PM
3h 5m
5 PM
3h 18m
8 PM
2h 50m

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 Yuma County, Colorado, United States

Yuma, CO

Wikimedia Commons

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

Boulder, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 154.8-mile drive from Yuma, Colorado, to Boulder, Colorado, is a straightforward, single-day adventure, taking approximately 2 hours and 29 minutes. You'll navigate primarily using Highway 34 and Highway 6, with a brief stint on West 8th Avenue. Given the relatively short duration and manageable distance, this route is perfectly suited for a day trip, eliminating the need for an overnight stop. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $23. This drive stays within the Mountain West region, offering a consistent feel throughout. It's a practical choice for getting between these two Colorado locations efficiently.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

78.2 miles from Yuma, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 29m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 76 71.7 mi 1h 11m
West 8th Avenue 27.7 mi 34m
US Highway 34 21.2 mi 24m
E-470 12.6 mi 12m
Northwest Parkway 8.3 mi 9m
Denver–Boulder Turnpike 8.3 mi 9m
Buckley Road 2 mi 3m
US Highway 6 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 76 — 71.7 mi, about 1h 11m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Yuma, CO and Boulder, CO.

1

Start on South Ash Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · South Ash Street
2

Turn right onto US 34

28 mi · 34 min · West 8th Avenue
3

Continue on US 34

21 mi · 24 min · US Highway 34
4

Turn right onto I 76 Business; US 34 Spur

1.0 mi · 1 min · US Highway 6
Use the straight lane.
5

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 18 sec
6

Merge onto I 76

72 mi · 1 hr 11 min · I 76
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 35 sec
Exit 20 Toward 136th Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Turn right onto East 136th Avenue

0.2 mi · 32 sec · East 136th Avenue
9

Turn left onto Buckley Road

2.0 mi · 3 min · Buckley Road
Use the left lane.
10

Turn left onto East 120th Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · East 120th Avenue
11

Turn left

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Toward E 470 Toll North Use the left lane.
12

Merge onto E470

13 mi · 12 min · E-470
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Continue on NW

8.3 mi · 9 min · Northwest Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Toward US 36 West: Boulder Use the right lane.
15

Merge onto US 36

1.4 mi · 1 min · Denver–Boulder Turnpike
16

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36

2.4 mi · 2 min · Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36

2.2 mi · 2 min · Denver–Boulder Turnpike
18

Keep slight left at fork onto US 36

2.3 mi · 2 min · Denver–Boulder Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
19

Continue on US 36

0.8 mi · 1 min · 28th Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
20

Turn left onto Arapahoe Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Arapahoe Avenue
Use the left lane.
21

Turn right onto 19th Street

143 ft · 11 sec · 19th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
22

Turn left

87 ft · 4 sec
23

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

With a drive time of under 2.5 hours, flexibility is your friend on this Yuma to Boulder route. You can easily depart in the morning and arrive in Boulder by midday, or even head out in the afternoon. There are no specific 'longest stretches' to worry about, so you can take breaks as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you'll be on local roads with potentially fewer services than a major interstate. The estimated fuel cost of $23 is a good baseline for your budget. A practical tip: since it’s a turn-heavy local drive, pay close attention to GPS directions and any posted speed limit changes as you enter and exit different communities.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 78.2 miles from Yuma, CO, or about 1h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.7 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 34 miles or 42m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 78.2 miles or 1h 29m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 23m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Yuma, 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 Yuma, CO

This is one driving day of about 156.5 miles and 2h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Yuma, 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 76 for about 71.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Weld County, Colorado, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lochbuie, CO

78 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

Brush, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fort Morgan, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 78.2 miles from Yuma, 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 71.7 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

Sushi Bistro TASUKI

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Boulder, Colorado

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 156.5

Hours: 5–9:30 pm

+13034479718

Visit website

Mariana's Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Wiggins, Colorado

0.8 mi

Fajitas Mexican Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Wiggins, Colorado

1.1 mi

Sushi Bistro TASUKI

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 156.5

Boulder, Colorado

Hours: 5–9:30 pm

+13034479718

Visit website

Mariana's Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 78.2

Wiggins, Colorado

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+19704837278

Visit website

Fajitas Mexican Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 78.2

Wiggins, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+19704837262

Glassi Restaurant & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 55.9

Brush, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+19708427722

Visit website

VICTOR'S SUSHI

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 55.9

Brush, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19708427740

Carrillo Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 55.9

Brush, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–1:30 pm

+19708424737

Wendy's

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour Inexpensiv mile 55.9

Brush, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–11 pm

+19708425959

Visit website

Santiago's Mexican Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 67.1

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+19708672214

Visit website

7Charge Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 123

Commerce City, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 123

Commerce City, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Pearl Street Mall

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 156.5

Boulder, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13034493774

Chautauqua Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 156.5

Boulder, CO

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+13034137200

Visit website

First Flatiron

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 156.5

Boulder, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

Visit website

Little Monkey Bizness - Westminster

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 134.1

Westminster, Colorado

Hours: 9 am–1 pm

+13032529999

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 122.1 and 152.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
122.1 mi into trip | ~2h 13m in

Take the exit toward 136th Avenue

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 20 Toward 136th Avenue
7
125.2 mi into trip | ~2h 19m in

Turn left toward E 470 Toll North

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward E 470 Toll North
6
146.5 mi into trip | ~2h 42m in

Take the exit toward US 36 West: Boulder

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

Use the right lane. Toward US 36 West: Boulder
6
148.2 mi into trip | ~2h 44m in | US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
152.8 mi into trip | ~2h 49m in | US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike

Keep slight left at fork onto US 36 / Denver–Boulder Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$23.58 one way

$47.16 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 55 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $24.97 $49.93
premium $4.39 $27.07 $54.15
diesel $5.61 $34.55 $69.11

Estimated Tolls: $3.09

E-470 (12.6 mi) $1.51
Northwest Parkway (8.3 mi) $1.00
Denver–Boulder Turnpike (8.3 mi) $0.58

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$24

Tolls

$3

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 54.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 46.9 0 $16.43 $7.51
Efficient EV 39.1 0 $13.69 $6.26
EV Truck/SUV 62.6 0 $21.91 $10.02

Gas CO2

55 kg

EV CO2

18 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 18, 2026

Origin

Yuma, CO

Late night in Yuma on Sunday

Local time

1:54 AM

MDT

Current temp

83°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Boulder, CO

Late night in Boulder on Sunday

Local time

1:54 AM

MDT

Current temp

58°F

Sunny

NE 7 mph 1% chance 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

25 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 56m 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" for this 154.8-mile trip, with a 0% highway share. This means you'll be on more local roads and potentially dealing with more frequent turns and varying speed limits, rather than long stretches of high-speed highway driving. The absence of a "longest stretch" metric suggests a continuous series of smaller road segments rather than one continuous highway. This character means you'll likely experience a more varied pace as you transition through different towns and landscapes on your way to Boulder.

71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 71.7 mi on I 76.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 76 and West 8th Avenue. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 122.1 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 156.5 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 122.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 125.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 146.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

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 Yuma, CO to Boulder, CO, road signs begin pointing toward E 470 Toll North along the way.

E 470 Toll North

125.2 mi in | ~2h 19m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 56m. Total distance: 156.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 71.7 miles on I 76. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $3.09 in tolls one way, starting with E-470. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

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 Boulder, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 122.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 125.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 146.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

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