Route map
Start / endStopsHalfway
Denver to Colorado Springs: the drive
The drive from Denver to Colorado Springs covers 69 miles (111 km) and takes about 1 hr 15 min without stops, mostly on I-25.
It's an easy drive that leaves plenty of time to explore along the way. Allow about 1 hr 30 min with breaks.
We found 4 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Boulder, Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak Highway.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| I-25 | 64 |
Best time to go: May to October.
Best stops between Denver and Colorado Springs
Before you leave Denver
- 2
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
A natural concert venue between 300-foot sandstone monoliths, open to walk through on non-show days. 30 minutes from downtown Denver.
- 1
Boulder
Pearl Street Mall and the Flatirons from Chautauqua Park make an easy detour on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Photo: Taken by Jesse Varner. Modified by AzaToth. · CC BY-SA 2.5
Near Colorado Springs
- 3
Garden of the Gods
Free city park of towering red rock fins below Pikes Peak, with paved loops and rock climbing.
Photo: John Fowler from Placitas, NM, USA · CC BY 2.0 - 4
Pikes Peak Highway
A toll road to the 14,115-foot summit. Book a timed entry in summer, and use low gears on the way down.
Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay in Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods, the Pikes Peak Highway and the Manitou Incline.
Map not loading? See places to stay near Colorado Springs →
Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) and pick up a car there. If you're not driving back, compare one-way rentals that drop off at COS. One-way fees vary a lot between companies.
Need a car?
Rental cars at DEN
Compare prices from major and local agencies at Denver International Airport in one search. Dropping off near Colorado Springs? Search a one-way rental; drop fees vary a lot between companies, so compare first.
Compare rental cars →Free cancellation on most bookings.
Trip cost calculator
Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from Denver to Colorado Springs:
Denver to Colorado Springs road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Denver to Colorado Springs?
About 1 hr 15 min without stops for 69 miles via I-25. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 1 hr 30 min.
What is the halfway point between Denver and Colorado Springs?
Castle Rock, CO is about halfway, roughly 35 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Can you drive from Denver to Colorado Springs in one day?
Yes. At 1 hr 15 min of driving it's a comfortable one-day trip. Leave early so you arrive with daylight to spare.
What are the best stops between Denver and Colorado Springs?
Top stops include Boulder, Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak Highway. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from Denver to Colorado Springs?
About $9 one way in a car that gets 28 mpg with gas at $3.60 a gallon. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own car and prices.
When is the best time to visit Colorado Springs?
May to October.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
