Driving Cost from Denver, Colorado to Laton, California

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Denver, Colorado to Laton, California: A Budget-Friendly Guide

Planning a road trip from Denver to Laton? Great choice! This route offers beautiful scenery, exciting stops, and an intriguing journey across multiple states. However, we need to pinch our pennies and consider the costs! In this post, we’ll break down the total expenses based on current gas prices and explore different routes, time, and distance.

Route Option 1: I-70 W and I-40 W

This is the most popular route and provides a scenic experience across Colorado, Utah, and Nevada.

  • Distance: 1,100 miles
  • Time: 16 hours
  • Cost:

With current average gas prices hovering around $3.80 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, here’s how the math breaks down:
Total gallons needed: 1,100 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 44 gallons
Total gas cost: 44 gallons × $3.80 = $167.20

Toll prices along this route are minimal, making it budget-friendly since you can mostly stick to free highways.

Route Option 2: I-25 S and I-10 W

This route takes you down through New Mexico, providing an entirely different landscape with a taste of the Southwest.

  • Distance: 1,180 miles
  • Time: 18 hours
  • Cost:

With the same gas pricing and vehicle efficiency, let’s calculate the cost for this longer journey:
Total gallons needed: 1,180 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 47.2 gallons
Total gas cost: 47.2 gallons × $3.80 = $179.36

Again, this route has minimal toll costs, allowing you to enjoy the journey without worrying about extra expenses.

Route Option 3: I-70 W and US-99 S

If you're looking for a route that offers a mix of scenic beauty and urban experiences, consider this option that takes you through California's Central Valley.

  • Distance: 1,051 miles
  • Time: 15 hours
  • Cost:

Calculating the expenses for this slightly shorter route:
Total gallons needed: 1,051 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 42.04 gallons
Total gas cost: 42.04 gallons × $3.80 = $159.15

Similar to the other routes, tolls will be minor, making this option appealing for budget-conscious travelers.

Final Thoughts

Whether you opt for the scenic beauty of I-70 W or take a detour through New Mexico, knowing the distance, time, and cost helps you plan better. Ultimately, the road trip from Denver to Laton provides a fantastic opportunity to create lasting memories while being mindful of your budget. Now, pack your bags, fill up that gas tank, and hit the road! Enjoy the journey!