Surprise, AZ → Denver, CO
586 mi · 11h 42m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
Get an email if snow, ice or storms hit this route before you leave.
Free. One email to confirm, then only when conditions change. Unsubscribe in one click.
Surprise
61°
Navajo County
54°
San Juan County
47°
Saguache County
43°
Denver
36°
Trip Briefing
4 segments · 586 mi · 11h 43m
Weather
⛅ Partly cloudy
54°F, wind 13 mph
Rest Stops
11
Restrooms, water, Truck svc
Cameras
4 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Sunset Point Rest Area 🚻
- ● Pilot Travel Center
- ● Love's Travel Stop
Normal Traffic
46 construction zones along route — no other incidents
46 Construction Zones on Route
Dysart Rd: Road construction - Road work, northbound and southbound lanes restrictedSlow down in work zones
Dysart Rd: Road construction - Road work, northbound and southbound lanes restrictedSlow down in work zones
Westbrook Pkwy: Road construction - Road work, one lane road, be prepared to stopSlow down in work zones
Westbrook Pkwy: Road construction - Road work, one lane road, be prepared to stopSlow down in work zones
US-60 eastbound: Shoulder closed from W Yorkshire Dr (MP 140) to N Castle Hot Springs Rd (MP 120)
Happy Valley Pkwy: Road construction - Underground Boring project. Expect lane restrictions
+ 40 more zones along the route — see map for full list
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.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via AZ 303 Loop (Bob Stump Memorial Parkway) → I-17 North → ... → US-40 → US-287
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
I-17 @Pioneer Rd
AZ ·
I-17 @Daisy Mountain Dr
AZ ·
I-17 @McGuireville
AZ ·
US-89 @Gray Mountain
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 023.10 EB : 2.7 miles W of River Rd in Grand Junction (Looking East)
CO · EB
I-70 MP 086.10 EB : 0.8 miles W of US 6 in Rifle
CO · EB
I-70 MP 145.80 EB : 1.0 mile W of Eby Creek Rd
CO · EB
I-70 MP 210.65 EB : 2.9 miles W of Eisenhower Tunnel
CO · EB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
35 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 35
Sponsor
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Surprise, AZ to Denver, CO covers 586 miles in roughly 11h 42m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 35 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. On a drive this length, weather can change dramatically between stops. Use the segment-by-segment forecast below to time your route.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
71° / 60°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
68° / 55°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
73° / 53°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
70° / 55°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
73° / 59°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
62° / 46°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
61° / 47°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌦️ Slight rain showers at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Good to Go🌤️ Mainly clear at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
🚗 Live traffic included
See if current slowdowns affect your drive time
Free • No sign-up required
Current Conditions
Surprise, AZ
61°F
Wind: 6 mph
Denver, CO
36°F
Wind: 5 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Surprise, AZ to Denver, CO
The 586-mile drive from Surprise, Arizona to Denver, Colorado takes approximately 11h 42m 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 Surprise and Denver. Covering 586 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 Surprise to Denver
For long drives like this 586-mile journey, planning is essential. Consider breaking the trip into segments if weather looks challenging. The best approach is to check conditions for multiple departure times using Route Outlook's optimizer, which considers weather at each point when you'll actually be there.
Driving Strategy
Covering 586 miles from Surprise to Denver is a full-day or multi-day drive that requires advance planning. Break the route into manageable segments, planning fuel and rest stops every 2-3 hours. Weather that looks fine at departure may deteriorate significantly at the midpoint. Consider booking overnight accommodation if the forecast shows deteriorating conditions in the latter half. Route Outlook's segment-level weather data helps you identify exactly where and when conditions will change.
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 Surprise to Denver?
The drive is approximately 586 miles and takes about 11h 42m 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 Surprise to Denver today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Surprise to Denver route?
Yes, there are 35 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 I-17 North, 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?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
Related Driving Guides
10 Essential Winter Driving Tips for Long Road Trips
Planning a winter road trip? Here are the essential safety tips to help you navigate snow, ice, and cold weather conditions.
🧊Black Ice: The Invisible Killer on Winter Roads
Black ice forms when rain or melting snow refreezes on cold road surfaces. Here's how to spot the conditions that create it.
🛡️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.
Road Trip Guides Through This Area
Southwest Grand Circle: Canyon Country Epic
The Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Beyond
I-70 Colorado Mountain Corridor
Denver to the Rockies — Ski Towns, Hot Springs, and 14ers
Route 66: Chicago to Santa Monica
The Mother Road — America's Most Famous Highway
Sedona Weekend: Phoenix to Red Rock Country
Red Rocks, Vortexes, and Stargazing — Just 2 Hours from Phoenix
Explore More Routes
More routes from Surprise
More routes to Denver
Similar-distance drives
More routes starting in AZ
Don't Drive Blind Into Weather
Route Outlook shows you conditions at every point along your route—at the exact time you'll be there.
Open Planner