The Cost of a Road Trip from Cedar Falls, Iowa to Estes Park, Colorado

Are you planning a road trip from Cedar Falls, Iowa to Estes Park, Colorado? Knowing the cost of the trip can help you plan your budget. The total cost of the trip will depend on different factors such as gas prices, the distance between both points, and the route you choose to take. In this article, we will discuss the different routes, their distances and costs, and recommend the best one for you.

The Possible Routes

There are different routes to take when traveling from Cedar Falls, Iowa to Estes Park, Colorado. The most common routes include:

Route 1: Via I-80 and I-76

This route passes through Des Moines, IA, and then takes you through Lincoln, NE, and Cheyenne, WY before getting on I-25 towards Estes Park, CO. The distance between Cedar Falls, IA, and Estes Park, CO, using this route is approximately 1,128 miles.

Route 2: Via I-35 and I-70

This route starts in Cedar Falls, IA, and goes through Kansas City, MO, and then takes you through Salina, KS, and Denver, CO before arriving at Estes Park. The distance between Cedar Falls, IA, and Estes Park, CO, using this route is approximately 1,192 miles.

Route 3: Via I-35 and I-25

This route passes through Kansas City, MO, and then goes through Wichita, KS, and Albuquerque, NM, before arriving at Estes Park. The distance between Cedar Falls, IA, and Estes Park, CO, using this route is approximately 1,238 miles.

The Cost and Distance of Each Route

To calculate the cost of the trip, we will assume an average mileage of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of $3.00 per gallon. We will also calculate the total cost of the trip for a small car, a mid-size car, and an SUV.

Route 1: Via I-80 and I-76

The distance between Cedar Falls, IA, and Estes Park, CO, using this route is approximately 1,128 miles. The total cost of gas for a small car is $135, for a mid-size car is $169, and for an SUV is $220.

Route 2: Via I-35 and I-70

The distance between Cedar Falls, IA, and Estes Park, CO, using this route is approximately 1,192 miles. The total cost of gas for a small car is $143, for a mid-size car is $179, and for an SUV is $233.

Route 3: Via I-35 and I-25

The distance between Cedar Falls, IA, and Estes Park, CO, using this route is approximately 1,238 miles. The total cost of gas for a small car is $148, for a mid-size car is $185, and for an SUV is $241.

The Best Route

While all three routes have their advantages and disadvantages, we recommend taking Route 1: Via I-80 and I-76. This route has the shortest distance and the lowest cost of gas for all types of vehicles. The route is also relatively flat, making it a comfortable drive for most people.

Conclusion

Knowing the cost of a trip from Cedar Falls, Iowa to Estes Park, Colorado, can help you plan your budget. There are three possible routes, each with its own distance and gas cost, with Route 1 being the most affordable. We recommend taking Route 1 for its shorter distance, lower gas cost, and comfortable drive. The road trip will take approximately 17 to 19 hours, depending on traffic and breaks taken. Happy travels!