Route map
Start / endStopsOvernight
Salt Lake City to Denver: the drive
The drive from Salt Lake City to Denver covers 519 miles (836 km) and takes about 7 hr 45 min without stops, mostly on I-80, I-25 and US-287.
That's a lot of time behind the wheel for one day, so we suggest splitting it into 2 days with an overnight in Rawlins, WY. That keeps each day to about 3 hr 45 min of driving.
We found 3 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Park City, Boulder and Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| I-80 | 386 |
| I-25 | 69 |
| US-287 | 46 |
Best time to go: June to September for high mountain passes; I-70 can close in winter storms.
Suggested 2-day itinerary
- Day 1: Salt Lake City → Rawlins, WY (260 mi). Stops: Park City.
- Day 2: Rawlins, WY → Denver (259 mi). Stops: Boulder and Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre.
Best stops between Salt Lake City and Denver
- 1
Park City
A silver mining town turned ski resort, with a lively Main Street and the Utah Olympic Park.
Photo: PeteysHead · CC BY-SA 4.0 - ☾
Overnight in Rawlins, WY
End of day 1: about 3 hr 45 min and 260 miles from Salt Lake City.
See hotels in Rawlins →
Near Denver
- 2
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 - 3
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.
Where to stay overnight on the way
Hotels and rentals around Rawlins, WY, the natural end of day one:
Map not loading? See places to stay near Rawlins →
Where to stay in Denver
Gateway to the Rockies, with Rocky Mountain National Park, ski towns and the I-70 canyon drive all close by.
Map not loading? See places to stay near Denver →
Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and pick up a car there. If you're not driving back, compare one-way rentals that drop off at DEN. One-way fees vary a lot between companies. A mid-size car is fine for all paved roads on this route. You only need an SUV for the optional dirt-road detours.
Need a car?
Rental cars at SLC
Compare prices from major and local agencies at Salt Lake City International Airport in one search. Dropping off near Denver? 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 Salt Lake City to Denver:
Salt Lake City to Denver road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Salt Lake City to Denver?
About 7 hr 45 min without stops for 519 miles via I-80, I-25 and US-287. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 9 hr 30 min.
Where should I stop overnight between Salt Lake City and Denver?
To keep each day under about 4 hours of driving, stay overnight in Rawlins, WY. Book ahead in summer and on holiday weekends.
What are the best stops between Salt Lake City and Denver?
Top stops include Park City, Boulder and Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from Salt Lake City to Denver?
About $67 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 Denver?
June to September for high mountain passes; I-70 can close in winter storms.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
