Flagstaff, AZ → Denver, CO
481 mi · 9h 37m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Freezing rain in Montezuma County — consider delaying
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Flagstaff
39°
Apache County
38°
Montezuma County
33°
Gunnison County
30°
Denver
38°
Wind gusts up to 16 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
4 segments · 481 mi · 9h 37m
Weather
☁️ Overcast
38°F, wind 16 mph
Rest Stops
5
Restrooms
Cameras
4 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rocky Mountain Truck Centers 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Hazards Ahead
1 road closure may affect your route · 8 construction zones on route
8 Construction Zones on Route
US-160 eastbound: Construction work from SR-264 (MP 322) to BIA-6240 (MP 335)
I-70 Business eastbound: Two right lanes closed. Between US 6; I-70 and US 6.
I-70 Business eastbound: Two right lanes closed. Between CO 340 and US 6.
US 50 eastbound: Right lane closed. Between I-70 Business; Ute Avenue and 4th Avenue.
I-70 in both directions: Right lane closed. Between Exit 133: Dotsero and US 6.
US 6 eastbound: Road construction. Between Garrison Street and CO 88.
+ 2 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Road Conditions: Wet
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Selected Route
Via I-40 BUS → US-180 → ... → US-40 → US-287
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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US-180 @Columbus
AZ ·
US-89 @Gray Mountain
AZ ·
US-160 @SR-264
AZ ·
US-160 @US-163
AZ ·
US-191 NB @ Devils Canyon / MP 61.18, SJ
UT · NB
US-191 NB @ MP 103.8, SR-46 / La Sal Jct, SJ
UT · NB
I-70 @ MP 226.75, GR
UT · EB
I-70 MP 015.00 WB at CO 139 in Loma (Looking North)
CO · NB
I-70 MP 074.65 EB at CO 215 in Parachute (Looking East)
Parachute, CO · EB
I-70 MP 115.95 EB : 0.8 miles W of CO 82 in Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs, CO · EB
I-70 MP 169.55 EB : 0.9 miles E of US 6 in Eagle
CO · EB
I-70 MP 221.30 EB at Stevens Gulch Rd in Bakerville
CO · EB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
25 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 25
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 12: Heavy rain expected near Montezuma County - consider afternoon departure
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Flagstaff, AZ to Denver, CO covers 481 miles in roughly 9h 37m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 25 rest areas, 1 reported incident and 1 active weather alert along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 14
45° / 39°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 15
53° / 30°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
52° / 36°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
45° / 38°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
40° / 32°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
45° / 32°
No precip
Fri
Nov 20
40° / 33°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌦️ Slight rain showers at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Flagstaff, AZ
39°F
Wind: 16 mph
Denver, CO
38°F
Wind: 3 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Flagstaff, AZ to Denver, CO
The 481-mile drive from Flagstaff, Arizona to Denver, Colorado takes approximately 9h 37m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This long-distance route crosses state lines from Arizona into Colorado, connecting Flagstaff and Denver. Covering 481 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
- Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
- Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding (spring and summer)
- Extreme heat and dust storms in desert regions
- Flash floods during monsoon season (July through September)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Mountain passes along this corridor can be treacherous from October through May, with chain requirements, road closures, and whiteout conditions at higher elevations. Summer brings its own challenges — afternoon thunderstorms are common above 7,000 feet, and construction season narrows lanes on key highways. Always check pass conditions before departing, and carry emergency supplies during the colder months.
Best Time to Drive Flagstaff to Denver
For medium-distance drives like this 481-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 481-mile drive from Flagstaff to Denver takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Flagstaff to Denver?
The drive is approximately 481 miles and takes about 9h 37m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Monday, Nov 16 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Flagstaff to Denver today?
Current conditions show high risk along this route. Travel is not recommended at this time. Dangerous conditions are present along this route. Check back for updates or use Route Outlook to find a safer departure time.
Are there rest areas on the Flagstaff to Denver route?
Yes, there are 25 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses US-180, US-89, US-160, US-191, I-70 East. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There is currently 1 active incident along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
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🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
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