Fourth of July road trip

Denver to Vail for Fourth of July

Distance

100 mi

Driving

2 hrs + traffic

Halfway

Idaho Springs

The next Fourth of July lands on Sunday, July 4, 2027. On I-70, the heaviest traffic usually hits the two days before the Fourth and the day after. Fireworks nights fill small-town rooms first, so lock your overnight early.

Book the halfway night early

Idaho Springs sits about 36 miles from Denver and 64 miles from Vail. Holiday weekends sell out the rooms near the highway first.

• Stays in Idaho Springs
• Stays in Vail

Along the way

• Eisenhower Tunnel
• Summit County ski towns
• Vail Village

Full drive guide for this route