Road Tripping Across Two States: Exploring the Time It Takes to Drive from Amarillo to Colorado Springs

Are you planning a road trip from Amarillo, Texas, to Colorado Springs, Colorado? If so, you might be wondering how long the drive will take. There are several routes you can take, each with varying distances and traffic patterns. Let's explore the fastest and slowest routes and how long it takes to drive from Amarillo to Colorado Springs.

The Fastest Route

If you're in a rush to get to Colorado Springs, taking I-40 W and I-25 N is your best bet. This route covers 474 miles and takes around 7 hours, without stopping. However, take note of potential traffic jams that could impact the driving time, especially in high-traffic areas near major metropolitan areas.

During low traffic times, the driving time on this route ranges from around 6 hours to 6 hours and 30 minutes. In contrast, when traffic is heavy, it could take up to 7.5 hours.

The Scenic Route

If you have time to spare and don’t want to rush your road trip, then consider following US-87 N and US-287 N from Amarillo to Colorado Springs. This route takes you through numerous towns, valleys, and beautiful scenery, but you’ll be driving for around 9 hours.

The distance on this route is slightly longer than on the faster route, covering approximately 540 miles, so a longer driving time should be no surprise. Similarly to the faster route, rush hour traffic can slow you down, causing the journey to last up to 10 hours. However, if you're taking the scenic route, you might be less concerned with the total time, but instead, looking forward to the beautiful sights.

The Middle Route

For a balance between fast and scenic travel, consider taking US-87 N and US-287 N until you reach Dumas, where you then transition to US-385 N. This route is around 505 miles in length, depending on any detours you take, and takes no less than 8 hours.

In lower traffic, the driving time can range from around 7 to 8 hours, while in heavy traffic, the journey time may increase up to 9 hours. This route passes through some scenic areas and panoramas but is shorter than the scenic route.

Decision Time

When planning a road trip from Amarillo to Colorado Springs, you have to make a few decisions about whether to choose a faster, more direct route or enjoy scenic vistas along the way. This guide offers three possible routes each with varying distances and drive times based on traffic conditions.

No matter which route you choose, with some planning and a bit of flexibility, you can have an enjoyable and memorable road trip from Amarillo to Colorado Springs. What route will you choose?