Time It Takes To Drive From Arvada, Colorado to Grand Junction, Colorado

Are you planning a road trip from Arvada, Colorado, to Grand Junction, Colorado? If so, you’re in for some picturesque scenery and plenty of adventure! The drive between these two cities is filled with mountains, rivers, and small towns that are rich with history.

But before you hit the open road, it’s important to know how long it will take you to get there. There are a few different routes you can take, and the time it takes to get to Grand Junction can vary depending on traffic patterns and weather conditions.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route between Arvada and Grand Junction is via I-70 W. This route covers approximately 243 miles, and it takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete the journey at peak traffic hours. The drive is scenic, especially once you get into the mountains.

During low traffic volumes such as early in the morning or late at night, the drive should take around 3 hours, and there are various sites to stop off and see along with the way.

The Scenic Route

If you’re in no hurry and want to take the scenic route, you can drive through the Rockies via US-6 W to I-70 W. This route includes a winding journey through the mountains and will take approximately 5 hours to complete at peak traffic hours, covering roughly 293 miles. You'll be able to immerse yourself in the stunning rocky scenery and those natural rocky mountains during the drive.

If you’re going at low traffic volumes, the trip will take around 4 hours and 45 minutes, and you'll have more chances to enjoy the remarkable rocky scenery.

The Slowest Route

If you want an experience of driving through quaint roads and exploring historic towns, then add an hour to the drive and take US-36 West and CO-91 South to Fairplay. From Fairplay, you’ll take US-285 South to US-50 West, leading into Grand Junction. This drive covers approximately 300 miles and will take you around six hours to get there at peak traffic hours.

At low traffic volumes, the journey should take around five hours and 30 minutes, and the drive will highlight the beauty of the old historic towns you pass, including the likes of Leadville and Florissant.

No matter which route you decide to take, be sure to check driving conditions and weather before setting off, be prepared, and check Google Maps for any detours before you leave. Happy driving!