Colorado Springs to Estes Park drive: Distance, time & best stops

The best road trip stops on the Colorado Springs to Estes Park drive are Castle Rock, Denver and Boulder. The distance from Colorado Springs to Estes Park by car is 134 miles, with a 2h15m driving time.

Planning a Colorado Springs to Estes Park road trip itinerary

The Colorado Springs to Estes Park drive connects two Colorado destinations with plenty of activities on offer.

Colorado Springs is at the foot of the Rockies – most notably the 14,114ft-high Pikes Peak. You can take a Jeep tour to the top, or go via the cog railway. The other natural highlight is the Garden of the Gods, a park with giant red sandstone formations jutting out towards the sky. Ways of exploring include Jeep tours, ebike adventures and Segway tours.

Other interesting Colorado Springs experiences include falconry classes, food tours, hot air balloon flights and ziplining.

For memorable Colorado Springs accommodation with character, go for the Great Wolf Lodge or the Mining Exchange.

Estes Park CO is the main base for the Rocky Mountain National Park. Several tours leave from here, including a winter wonderland photography tour, sledding adventures, trips in retractable glass-top vehicles and wildlife-spotting tours.

For something more indulgent, you can try tasting beers at the Rock Cut Brewing Company or wines at the Snowy Peaks Winery.

There are plenty of characterful, distinctive Estes Park accommodation options. Try the Murphy’s River Lodge or Estes Park Resort for heavy doses of mountain charm.

Colorado Springs to Estes Park distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Colorado Springs to Estes Park is 134 miles. That makes for a driving time of around two hours and 15 minutes. The quickest route is via the I-25 and US-36.

The best stops to add to a Colorado Springs to Estes Park road trip itinerary are Castle Rock, Denver and Boulder.

Colorado Springs to Estes Park drive: Castle Rock

The town of Castle Rock CO has a handful of breweries and even the Honnibrook Craft Meadery. But it’s really about the great outdoors. The rock that gives the town its name is in Rock Park – it’s a short but steep walk to the top. The Gateway Mesa Open Space is another good option for walking and taking in the views.

Perhaps the most fun, however, is the Edge – a massive aerial obstacle course. You can also do a zipline tour here.

Track down the best Castle Rock accommodation deals here.