The Cost of a Trip Between Aurora and Estes Park Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a trip can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to budgeting. If you’re thinking of hitting the road from Aurora to Estes Park, one thing you'll need to consider is the cost of gas. Here’s a breakdown of the different routes and their estimated costs based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-25 N

For the most direct route, take I-25 N from Aurora and get off at Exit 243 to US-34 W towards Estes Park. This route is approximately 75 miles and will take you about an hour and a half without traffic.

The average gas price in Aurora is currently around $2.35 per gallon, and in Estes Park, it's around $2.60 per gallon. Based on a standard vehicle that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 3 gallons of gas each way. That comes to around $7.05 each way, bringing the total cost to about $14.10 for a round trip.

Route 2: US-287 N

If you’re looking for a more scenic route, you can take US-287 N from Aurora to Estes Park. This route is approximately 90 miles and will take you about two and a half hours without traffic.

The average gas price on this route is around $2.47 per gallon, based on the average price in Longmont, which is near the midpoint of this route. Using the same calculation as before, you’ll need around 3.6 gallons of gas each way, coming to a total cost of around $8.89 each way, or $17.78 for a round trip.

Route 3: CO-7 W and CO-72 W

For a more scenic drive through the mountains, you can take CO-7 W and CO-72 W from Aurora to Estes Park. This route is approximately 105 miles and will take you about three hours without traffic.

The gas prices on this route vary greatly depending on the location, as there are fewer gas stations in the mountainous areas. The average gas price in Black Hawk, which is along this route, is around $2.80 per gallon. Using the same calculation as before, you’ll need around 4.2 gallons of gas each way, coming to a total cost of around $11.76 each way, or $23.52 for a round trip.

Recommended Route

Based on the estimated costs and travel time, the recommended route is Route 1: I-25 N. Not only is it the shortest distance and the quickest route, but it also has the lowest estimated gas cost. However, if you’re not in a rush and want to take in more scenic views of the mountains, Route 3: CO-7 W and CO-72 W could be a great option. Just be aware that gas prices may be higher along this route.

Regardless of the route you choose, be sure to factor in any possible detours or traffic delays, which could affect both your travel time and gas expenses.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of a trip between Aurora and Estes Park based on current gas prices can range from around $14.10 to $23.52 for a round trip. While the direct route on I-25 N is the most cost-effective, it’s always worth considering other routes based on your preferences and the time you have available. No matter which route you choose, the stunning views along the way and the trip’s destination in Estes Park will make it a memorable and worthwhile trip.