The Cost of a Trip Between Boulder, Colorado and Tucson, Arizona

If you're planning a road trip from Boulder, Colorado to Tucson, Arizona, there are a few different route options to consider. Depending on the route you choose, the distance and cost of your trip will vary. In this article, we'll break down the different routes and give you a sense of what you can expect in terms of overall cost.

Route Options

Option 1: Taking the Direct Route on I-25 South and I-40 West

The direct route between Boulder and Tucson is to take I-25 South to Albuquerque, then to I-40 West towards Flagstaff and finally taking I-17 South to Tucson. According to Google Maps, this route is approximately 830 miles with a driving time of about 12 hours, depending on traffic.

If you were to assume that gas costs around $3 per gallon and your car gets 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $124 on gas one-way. Be prepared for additional expenses such as food, lodging, and tolls, which can increase the overall cost of your trip.

Option 2: Taking a Longer Route on US-550 South

Another option is to take US-550 South all the way from Colorado to New Mexico before joining I-40. This route is approximately 850 miles with a driving time of about 13 hours, depending on traffic.

Assuming the same gas rates and car efficiency as in option 1, you can expect to spend around $128 on gas for this route one-way. Keep in mind that this route is longer, so you will need to factor in additional expenses for food, lodging, and tolls as well.

Option 3: A Scenic Route Through the National Parks

Lastly, you might want to consider a scenic route through some of the national parks in the region. Starting in Boulder, you can take I-70 West to Utah, where you'll find several national parks including Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. From there, you can take I-15 South to Las Vegas and then I-10 East to Tucson. This route is approximately 1200 miles with a driving time of about 19 hours, depending on traffic.

While this route is longer than the previous two, it offers breathtaking views of the region's natural wonders. Make sure you budget appropriately for food, lodging, and tolls, as you'll be on the road for several days.

Assuming the same gas rates and car efficiency as in options 1 and 2, you can expect to spend around $180 on gas for this route one-way.

Choosing the Best Route

The route you choose will depend on factors such as your budget, the time you have available, and whether you're more interested in reaching your destination quickly or taking the time to see some natural wonders. If you're in a hurry and want the fastest and most direct route, option 1 via I-25 and I-40 is the way to go. However, if you're interested in experiencing some of the region's stunning scenery, you might prefer option 3.

Conclusion

An important factor to consider when planning a road trip is the cost. Whether you're looking for the quickest and most direct route, a scenic route through national parks, or something in between, you'll need to budget not just for gas, but also for food, lodging, and other expenses along the way.

In our analysis, we found that the cheapest route (not counting the impact on your time and experience) is option 1 via I-25 and I-40 which cost around $124 for gas one-way. But if you're inclined towards a more scenic route, option 3 via I-70 West to Utah, I-15 South to Las Vegas and I-10 East towards Tucson is a breathtaking choice that will cost around $180 for gas.

Before hitting the road, make sure to plan your route, budget your expenses and pack accordingly.

Safe travels!