The Cost of a Trip between Box Elder, South Dakota and Colorado Springs, Colorado

Are you planning a road trip from Box Elder, South Dakota to Colorado Springs, Colorado? The journey itself is an exciting adventure that offers breathtaking views, thrilling outdoor activities, and several opportunities for exploration. However, before hitting the road, it's essential to determine the cost of the trip based on current gas prices. With this guide, you'll get an insight into the different routes, including the cost and distance of each.

Possible Routes

Driving from Box Elder, South Dakota, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, can take various routes. Depending on the direction you take, the distance may range from as little as 411 miles to a maximum of 559 miles. Here are some of the possible routes:

Route 1: Taking I-25 South

Box Elder, South Dakota, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, via I-25 South is the most straightforward and direct route. This route takes you through Wyoming, the northern part of Colorado, and ends in Colorado Springs. The journey along this route covers 411 miles.

Route 2: Taking I-90 East and I-25 South

Another possible route from Box Elder, South Dakota, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, is taking I-90 East and I-25 South. This route covers 562 miles and takes you through a significant part of South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Route 3: Taking US-18 W, SD-89 N, SD-34 W, WY-59 S, I-90 W, and I-25 S

The third route is the longest, covering 559 miles through South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado. This route is not as direct as the other two, and it involves navigating through several cities and towns along the way.

Cost and Distance Comparison

The total cost of gas varies depending on the type of car, gas prices, route, and driving habits. We estimate the cost of gas based on the assumption that your vehicle gets 25 miles to the gallon and your gas tank is 15 gallons, which means your car travels 375 miles before refueling. Here's a breakdown for each route:

Route	Distance	Estimated Time	Fuel Consumption	Fuel Cost
Route 1	411 miles	6 h 31 min	16.44 gallons	$49.23
Route 2	562 miles	9 h	22.48 gallons	$67.44
Route 3	559 miles	8 h 52 min	22.36 gallons	$67.08

Recommendation

Based on distance and cost, we recommend taking Route 1, which takes you through I-25 South. This route is the shortest, most direct route, and less time consuming compared to the other two routes. Taking Route 1 means you'll spend less money on gas, and the drive will be less tiresome.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're planning a road trip from Box Elder, South Dakota, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, the cost of gas is something you shouldn't ignore. All three routes offer beautiful scenery and exciting attractions to explore. However, after considering the distance and cost, Route 1 taking I-25 South is undoubtedly the most viable option. The journey should take you approximately 6 hours and 31 minutes, depending on traffic and speed limits, and you should have covered a total distance of 411 miles.