You can make Kansas City to Denver in about 8.5 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 605 miles on I-70, it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving Kansas City
Aim to clear Kansas City before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 176 miles to Salina.
The headline stop on this route is Flint Hills Scenic Byway detour. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
Salina
Salina sits about 176 miles in. It is the natural place to stop for the night: hotels are plentiful, rates beat the big-city ends of the route, and you wake up with the hardest miles already behind you.
Nearby, Monument Rocks near Oakley is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
Colby, the last stretch
Colby sits about 378 miles in. It is the natural place to stop for the night: hotels are plentiful, rates beat the big-city ends of the route, and you wake up with the hardest miles already behind you.
Rolling into Denver
The final 227 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for First Rocky Mountain views past Limon; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Flint Hills Scenic Byway detour, Monument Rocks near Oakley and First Rocky Mountain views past Limon, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. Salina or Colby, KS is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along I-70 before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
