The Cost of a Road Trip from DeForest, Wisconsin to Longmont, Colorado: Evaluating Routes and Gas Costs
Planning a road trip can be both exciting and daunting, especially when considering the associated costs. If you're contemplating a journey from DeForest, Wisconsin to Longmont, Colorado, understanding the distances, possible routes, and current gas prices will help you budget effectively. In this article, we'll break down the possible routes from DeForest to Longmont, analyze their costs based on current gas prices, and recommend the best route for your trip.
Overview of the Journey
The distance between DeForest, Wisconsin, and Longmont, Colorado is approximately 800 to 900 miles, depending on the route you choose. Driving conditions, tolls, and gas prices will all influence your total travel costs. As of now, the average gas price in the United States hovers around $3.30 per gallon, although this can vary based on the region.
Estimating Fuel Costs
To calculate the fuel costs for your trip, you'll need to know your vehicle's fuel efficiency (miles per gallon, or MPG). For the sake of this article, let’s assume you are driving a vehicle that averages 25 MPG.
Using the current gas price of $3.30 per gallon, we can calculate your fuel costs using the following formula:
- Total Distance / Fuel Efficiency (MPG) = Total Gallons Needed
- Total Gallons Needed x Current Gas Price = Total Fuel Cost
Using this formula, we can estimate your fuel costs for different routes.
Route Options from DeForest to Longmont
Route 1: I-90 W and I-76 W
- Distance: Approximately 850 miles
- Estimated Travel Time: 13 hours
- Cost Calculation:
- Total Gallons Needed: 850 miles / 25 MPG = 34 gallons
- Total Fuel Cost: 34 gallons x $3.30 = $112.20
This route takes you through major highways and is often the fastest option for reaching your destination. It offers views of the beautiful landscapes of Wisconsin and the plains of Nebraska before reaching Colorado.
Route 2: I-94 W and I-70 W
- Distance: Approximately 900 miles
- Estimated Travel Time: 14 hours
- Cost Calculation:
- Total Gallons Needed: 900 miles / 25 MPG = 36 gallons
- Total Fuel Cost: 36 gallons x $3.30 = $118.80
This route takes a slight detour, allowing you to experience some scenic byways. However, it adds extra distance and marginally increases fuel costs compared to Route 1.
Route 3: I-39 S and I-70 W
- Distance: Approximately 870 miles
- Estimated Travel Time: 13.5 hours
- Cost Calculation:
- Total Gallons Needed: 870 miles / 25 MPG = 34.8 gallons
- Total Fuel Cost: 34.8 gallons x $3.30 = $114.84
This route is an alternative that takes you through southern parts of Wisconsin and provides a mix of scenic countryside and highway driving. Despite being slightly longer than the first route, it still maintains relatively reasonable fuel costs.
Route 4: I-51 S, I-90 W, and I-76 W
- Distance: Approximately 820 miles
- Estimated Travel Time: 12.5 hours
- Cost Calculation:
- Total Gallons Needed: 820 miles / 25 MPG = 32.8 gallons
- Total Fuel Cost: 32.8 gallons x $3.30 = $108.24
This route is a little shorter distance-wise and thereby less costly in fuel as well. You’ll enjoy various landscapes along this highway and it should provide a pleasant driving experience.
Recommendation
Considering both the cost and the distance, Route 1 (I-90 W and I-76 W) stands out as the best option. It is the most direct route with a reasonable travel time of around 13 hours and a fuel cost of approximately $112.20. This route is perfect for those looking to balance time and money while enjoying the landscapes of the Midwest and the Great Plains.
If you want a more scenic experience and don’t mind the extra travel time, you might consider Route 3, which also remains relatively cost-effective at around $114.84.
Conclusion
Embarking on a road trip from DeForest, Wisconsin, to Longmont, Colorado, offers an exciting opportunity to explore diverse landscapes. By taking the recommended Route 1 (I-90 W and I-76 W), you can complete the journey in about 13 hours while spending approximately $112.20 on gas. Regardless of the route you choose, ensure your vehicle is well-prepared for the trip and enjoy the open road!