Where to stop

Best places to stop between Denver and Hooper

The US-285 and CO-17 drive runs about 210 miles and 3.5 hours. These are the towns worth pulling off for, in the order you reach them, with how far into the drive each one sits.

1. Mile 72 of 210

   1. Colorado Springs, CO

   This is the halfway mark and the best overnight on the route, with 138 miles left to Hooper.

   Hotels in Colorado SpringsWhere to stay in Colorado Springs

2. Mile 148 of 210

   2. Salida, CO

   The last big stop before Hooper, 62 miles to go. Top off the tank here.

   Hotels in SalidaWhere to stay in Salida

Sights worth the detour

• UFO Watchtower on Highway 17
• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Dark night skies over the valley

Gas, food and rest areas by mile

Open the route in XCRSN to see every gas station, EV charger, rest area and restaurant listed by mile, with live fuel prices.

More on this drive

• Full drive guide
• Can you drive it in one day?
• Halfway point
• Gas cost