How far is Thornton, CO from Black Forest, CO?
The driving distance from Thornton, CO to Black Forest, CO is about 75.5 miles (121.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 60.8 miles (97.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 03m 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 31m.
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.
The most populous city in Douglas County, Colorado.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Thornton and Black Forest.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Thornton and Black Forest.
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1
Start on the route
23 m · 12 sec
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2
Turn left onto Dorothy Boulevard
1165 ft · 59 sec · Dorothy Boulevard
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Thornton Parkway
1.6 km · 2 min · Thornton Parkway
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4
Turn left onto I 25 South: Colorado Springs
1973 ft · 40 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto North Valley Highway
1.2 mi · 2 min · North Valley Highway
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6
Keep slight right to continue on North Valley Highway
65 mi · 1 hr 12 min · North Valley Highway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Interquest Parkway
1.1 km · 2 min
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8
Continue on Interquest Parkway
2.8 mi · 4 min · Interquest Parkway
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9
Turn right onto Shoup Road
4.3 mi · 8 min · Shoup Road
-
10
Turn left onto Black Forest Road
25 m · 2 sec · Black Forest Road
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Black Forest Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Thornton and Black Forest.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
North Valley Highway
Keep slight right to continue on North Valley Highway
65 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.
Sunny leaving Thornton and Sunny near Black Forest.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Thornton to Black Forest?
The road trip is about 75.5 miles (121.5 km) and usually takes 01h 31m 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?
Castle Rock is a useful midpoint, sitting about 37.8 miles from Thornton and 37.7 miles from Black Forest.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 60.8 miles (97.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.7 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 3:26 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.87 one way or $19.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Thornton and Sunny near Black Forest.
Stop Ideas Near Castle Rock
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 Castle Rock.
Denver (Bus Station), Colorado
Union Station
Pine Junction, CO
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Thornton and Black Forest. Straight-line distance: 60.82 mi (97.88 km).
#1 Thornton
The seventh most populous city in Colorado.
| Population | 148,113 |
| Coordinates | 39.8680400, -104.9719200 |
| Altitude | 1631 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Black Forest
Census designated place
| Population | 13,116 |
| Coordinates | 39.0130500, -104.7008100 |
| Altitude | 2246 |
| Country | United States |
End: Black Forest (-104.70081, 39.01305)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 122 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.70 | $9.87 | $19.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.08 | $10.90 | $21.81 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $11.72 | $23.45 |
| Diesel | $4.74 | $12.65 | $25.30 |
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 · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.