The Cost of a Trip Between Cedar Falls, Iowa and Denver, Colorado Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Cedar Falls, Iowa to Denver, Colorado? If so, it's important to factor in the cost of gas when budgeting for your trip. Gas prices can vary widely depending on the route you take, the time of year, and the price of crude oil at any given time. Let's take a look at the different routes you can take, the distances involved, and the estimated cost of gas for each route.

Route 1: I-80 West

The first and most straightforward route is to take I-80 West all the way to Denver. This route covers a distance of approximately 929 miles and takes around 14 hours to complete without stopping. If you're driving a car that gets 25 miles per gallon and the current gas price is $2.50 per gallon, you'll need to budget about $148 for gas for this route.

Route 2: I-70 West

Another popular route is to take I-70 West. This route covers a slightly shorter distance of 877 miles but takes slightly longer to complete due to the terrain. The estimated driving time is around 15 hours without stops. Assuming the same gas mileage and gas price as in Route 1, you'll need to budget about $140 for gas.

Route 3: I-29 South and I-70 West

If you want to avoid some of the mountains and take a more scenic route, you can take I-29 South to I-70 West. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,140 miles and takes around 18 hours without stops. Assuming the same gas mileage and gas price as in Route 1, you'll need to budget about $182 for gas.

Route 4: US-30 West and I-25 South

For those who prefer a more leisurely drive with plenty of small towns to visit along the way, you can take US-30 West to I-25 South. This route covers a distance of around 1,100 miles and takes roughly 21 hours without stops. Assuming the same gas mileage and gas price as in Route 1, you'll need to budget about $176 for gas.

Which Route Should You Take?

So, which route should you choose? The answer depends on a few factors, including your budget, your preferred driving time, and whether you want to stop and see sights along the way. If you're looking for the quickest route and don't mind driving through the mountains, Route 1 (I-80 West) or Route 2 (I-70 West) might be the best options. If you want to take a more leisurely drive with plenty of stops, Route 4 (US-30 West and I-25 South) might be your best bet. And if you want to take a scenic route with fewer mountains, Route 3 (I-29 South and I-70 West) might be the way to go.

Conclusion

All of the routes mentioned above are viable options for getting from Cedar Falls, Iowa to Denver, Colorado. Keep in mind that gas prices can fluctuate, so be sure to check current prices before hitting the road. Ultimately, the route you choose will depend on your preferences, your budget, and how much time you have for the trip. With the right planning and a little bit of flexibility, you can enjoy a fun and memorable road trip from Iowa to Colorado.