How far is Ellicott, CO from Thornton, CO?
The driving distance from Ellicott, CO to Thornton, CO is about 100.7 miles (162 km), with a travel time of about 01h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 77.7 miles (125.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 46m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 53m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Douglas County, Colorado, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ellicott and Thornton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ellicott and Thornton.
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1
Start on the route
16.5 mi · 20 min
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2
Turn left
1.6 mi · 2 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward CO 21 North: Powers Boulevard
1687 ft · 41 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto North Powers Boulevard
12.1 mi · 16 min · North Powers Boulevard
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5
At the end of the road, turn left onto Interquest Parkway
2.2 mi · 4 min · Interquest Parkway
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 25 North: Denver
1585 ft · 39 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Ronald Reagan Highway
64.6 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Ronald Reagan Highway
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8
Keep slight right to continue on North Valley Highway
1.3 mi · 2 min · North Valley Highway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Thornton Parkway
2280 ft · 43 sec
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10
Turn right onto Thornton Parkway
1.4 km · 2 min · Thornton Parkway
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11
Turn right onto Dorothy Boulevard
1077 ft · 51 sec · Dorothy Boulevard
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12
Turn right
36 m · 9 sec
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ellicott and Thornton.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Ronald Reagan Highway
Merge slight left onto Ronald Reagan Highway
64.6 mi · 01h 12m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving Ellicott and Chance Rain Showers near Thornton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ellicott to Thornton?
The road trip is about 100.7 miles (162 km) and usually takes 01h 53m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Larkspur is a useful midpoint, sitting about 50.3 miles from Ellicott and 50.4 miles from Thornton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 77.7 miles (125.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 23 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:44 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.35 one way or $30.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Ellicott and Chance Rain Showers near Thornton.
Stop Ideas Near Larkspur
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Larkspur.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ellicott and Thornton. Straight-line distance: 77.71 mi (125.06 km).
#1 Ellicott
Situated in El Paso County at an elevation of 6,020 feet, this census-designated place lies on the semi-arid high plains east of Colorado Springs.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 38.8383300, -104.3869100 |
| Altitude | 1835 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Thornton
The seventh most populous city in Colorado.
| Population | 148,113 |
| Coordinates | 39.8680400, -104.9719200 |
| Altitude | 1631 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-104.971859, 39.868064)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 162 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.33 | $15.35 | $30.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.72 | $16.75 | $33.50 |
| Premium | $5.06 | $17.97 | $35.95 |
| Diesel | $6.52 | $23.14 | $46.27 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Colorado · Oct 15, 2026