The Cost of a Road Trip from Boone, North Carolina to Lakewood, Colorado with Current Gas Prices

Are you thinking about traveling from Boone, North Carolina to Lakewood, Colorado by car? If so, you're in for a treat, as you are about to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes America has to offer. However, before you begin your journey, it's essential to plan ahead and understand the costs involved. In this article, we will explore different routes, discuss the cost and distance for each, and recommend the best path to take.

Route Options:

Option 1: I-40 W and I-70 W

This route is the most direct path and covers a distance of roughly 1,619 miles. The rout begins on I-40 West, and you will pass through several cities, including Asheville, Tennessee, Memphis, and Kansas City before you reach Denver. From Denver, you only have to drive another ten miles to reach Lakewood, Colorado.

Option 2: I-75 N and I-70 W

This route is slightly longer than Option 1 but offers more beautiful scenery. The route length is approximately 1,678 miles and starts on I-75 North and ends on I-70 West. You will pass through Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska before reaching Denver. Then, continue ten more miles to Lakewood.

Option 3: I-77 N, I-81 W, and I-70 W

This route is the longest of the three, covering roughly 1,800 miles. The route begins on I-77 North and passes through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska before reaching Denver. From there, it's a quick drive ten miles to Lakewood.

Cost Comparison:

To understand the cost of the trip, we'll use the average gas price data provided by AAA on January 2021. As gas prices fluctuate considerably, you should, of course, check the current price before beginning your journey.

On average, a gallon of gas in the U.S. costs $2.30. If we assume that you drive a car with a gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, we can calculate the cost of gas for each route as follows:

Option 1: I-40 W and I-70 W

To drive this route, you will need to cover approximately 1619 miles. With a gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you would need 65 gallons of gas to cover the distance. The total cost of gas at the current national gas prices of $2.30 per gallon would be $149.50.

Option 2: I-75 N and I-70 W

This route is slightly longer and requires you to cover around 1,678 miles. With 25 miles per gallon, you will need 67.1 gallons of gas, with a total cost of $154.43.

Option 3: I-77 N, I-81 W, and I-70 W

If you opt for this route, you will need to cover approximately 1,800 miles. At 25 miles per gallon, you will need 72 gallons of gas, with a total cost of $165.60.

The Best Route

The most direct route, Option 1, is the cheapest of the three, costing $149.50 in gas alone. Option 2 is slightly longer, only costs $4 more at $154.43, but it offers more beautiful views. Option 3 is the most expensive and only covers a slightly longer distance than Option 2, costing $165.60. Ultimately, the best option is entirely dependent on personal preference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Boone, North Carolina, to Lakewood, Colorado, offers a beautiful journey through the heart of America's landscape. However, it's essential to budget correctly when planning your trip. With this detailed breakdown of the different routes and the cost of each, you're now better equipped to plan your journey. With gas prices expected to change, make sure you check the current costs before beginning your journey. Safe travels!