Road Trip: Driving from Brooklyn Park, MN to Blue River, CO

Are you planning a road trip soon? If you're looking to go from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota to Blue River, Colorado, you're in for a drive. I've created a guide for you on the best possible routes that you can take, detailing the time you'll spend on the road depending on the traffic conditions. Buckle up, and let's go!

The Fastest Route

If you want to get to your destination fast, taking the fastest possible route is your best bet. The quickest route is to drive southwest on I-35W, and then take I-90W until you reach Route 9 in Breckenridge. From there, you'll take CO-9 South until you reach Blue River, CO. This route is approximately 1,110 miles long, and it will take you 17 hours 30 minutes in ideal conditions. While this is the fastest route, you may encounter higher levels of traffic and increased rates of construction since it's a popular route, which may affect your drive time.

The Scenic Route

If you're in no rush to get to Blue River and want to take in the beautiful scenery, take a trip through the Rocky Mountains. Begin by heading southwest on I-35W, then take I-90W until you get to Mitchell, South Dakota. From there, take SD-37 South until you reach Custer. Then you'll take US-385 South, which will take you through the Black Hills National Forest. Once you reach I-25 in Colorado Springs, take it south until you reach CO-24. From there, take CO-9 South until you reach Blue River, CO. This route is 1,350 miles long, and you'll spend approximately 21 hours on the road. Keep in mind that the scenic route has its hazards, including winding mountain roads and increased traffic in tourist-heavy areas.

Traffic Patterns

The traffic patterns you'll encounter will greatly affect your drive time. If you're driving between 6:00 am and 9:00 am, traffic in Minneapolis will be at its heaviest, and you may lose an hour due to the congestion. Once you get onto I-90, traffic flows quickly, and you won't have much difficulty getting through until you get to the Milwaukee-Chicago area. You'll then encounter heavy traffic on I-88, and you'll have to contend with increased volumes of construction. If you're traveling outside rush hours, it shouldn't be an issue.

Peak Driving Timings

If you want to avoid traffic, plan your trip to avoid rush hour. The best times to travel through Minneapolis are between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, or after 7:00 pm. In Chicago, it's best to avoid rush hour between 7:00 am and 9:00 am and between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are multiple routes to choose from while driving from Brooklyn Park in Minnesota to Blue River, Colorado. The fastest route is 17 hours 30 minutes via I-35W and I-90W, while the scenic route is 21 hours via the Rocky Mountains. Keep in mind that traffic conditions can affect your drive time, so plan accordingly. Enjoy your road trip!