Road Trip Overview
📍 Starting Point: Kansas City, Missouri
🏔️ Destination: Colorado Springs, Colorado
🛣️ Distance: Approximately 600 miles
⏱️ Drive Time: Around 8–9 hours (without major stops)
🗺️ Route: I-70 W through Kansas → US-24 W to Colorado Springs
🌞 Best Season to Travel: Late spring through early fall (May–September)
Pro tip: give yourself at least two days so you can stop and explore the small-town charm and natural beauty that along this drive.
The drive from Kansas City to Colorado Springs takes you across some of the most varied landscapes in the heart of America. Starting amid Kansas City’s skyline and smoky BBQ haze, you’ll cruise west on I-70 through wide-open Kansas prairies dotted with windmills, sunflower fields, and friendly small towns. As you cross into Colorado, the horizon begins to shift, the flat plains give way to rolling foothills, and before long, the Rocky Mountains rise dramatically in the distance. The final stretch along US-24 West winds past family farms and quiet valleys until you reach Colorado Springs, nestled at the base of Pikes Peak. It’s a journey that transforms mile by mile, blending Midwest charm with mountain majesty.
Lawrence, KS – Just 45 minutes from Kansas City, this vibrant college town offers boutique shopping, local coffee houses, and the University of Kansas Natural History Museum.
Salina, KS – A classic midway stop with small-town charm. Check out the SculptureTour Salina art walk or enjoy homestyle cooking at The Scheme.
Hays, KS – A western Kansas gem known for its frontier history and friendly downtown. Stretch your legs at Fort Hays State Historic Site or grab a local brew at Defiance Brewery.
Limon, CO – Known as “Hub City,” Limon is your first real taste of Colorado. Stop for a quick snack, walk the nature trails at the Limon Heritage Museum, or snap a photo of the wide-open plains before the mountains appear.
Woodland Park, CO – As you approach Colorado Springs, this mountain town offers breathtaking views of Pikes Peak, charming cafés, and local craft shops, the perfect final stop before rolling into the Springs.
Roadside Eats Worth the Stop
A great road trip isn’t just about the destination, it’s about the snacks, diners, and hidden gems along the way. From legendary BBQ joints in Kansas City to cozy mountain cafés in Colorado Springs, this stretch of I-70 keeps your appetite happy the entire way.
Start Strong in Kansas City
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Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que: You can’t leave KC without tasting what locals call “barbecue perfection.” Their burnt ends and Z-Man sandwich are must-haves before you hit the road.
Fuel Up Midway Through Kansas
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The Brazen Bull in WaKeeney: A local favorite with juicy burgers and rustic decor that gives you a taste of the Old West.
Dine Downtown in Colorado Springs
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Black Bear Diner: Generous portions of comfort food for weary travelers.
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The Purple Onion Café: Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a laid-back, colorful setting.
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Saigon Tapioca: Vietnamese eats and bubble tea — ideal after a day outdoors.
Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Colorado Springs’ wine scene offers plenty of character, flavor, and mountain charm, with a little extra altitude in every pour.
Here are two can’t-miss stops for vino lovers:
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Manitou Winery: A boutique winery where you can make your own custom-labeled wine! Sample a range of reds, whites, and dessert wines in a charming, artsy setting just minutes from Colorado Springs.
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Cork & Cask: Upscale and moody, this hybrid wine and whiskey bar features hand-selected bottles, plush leather seating, and curated charcuterie boards. Perfect for date night or unwinding after a day on the trails.
Insider Tip: If you’re planning to spend a night in town, arrange a designated driver or rideshare. The altitude hits differently!
Dive Into Local History and Culture
Colorado Springs is rich with museums that bring the area’s history, innovation, and spirit to life. If you need a break from outdoor adventures (or the weather turns), these spots are well worth a few hours.
US Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Discover the inspiring stories behind America’s greatest athletes. The museum features rotating galleries, interactive displays, Olympic torches, and an immersive Hall of Fame.
National Museum of WWII Aviation
A must-visit for history buffs. See meticulously restored WWII aircraft up close, learn about aviation technology of the era, and explore rare artifacts that tell the story of air combat and innovation.
Space Foundation Discovery Center
Get hands-on with space science. From Mars rovers to meteorites, this is the region’s premier hub for astronomy and STEM learning. Perfect for families and curious minds alike.
Whitewater Rafting Near Colorado Springs
If you’re heading to Colorado Springs in the summer, there’s one adventure you can’t miss, rafting the Arkansas River. Just under an hour southwest in Cañon City, you’ll find some of the best whitewater in the entire state. Whether you’re looking for an easy float or a heart-pounding challenge, there’s a stretch of river that’s perfect for you.
Why the Arkansas River?
The Arkansas River is one of the most rafted rivers in the country, and for great reason. Flowing through deep granite canyons and high-desert valleys, it offers:
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Reliable summer water levels fueled by snowmelt from the Rockies
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Class II–V rapids that range from splashy fun to pure adrenaline
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Stunning canyon views with wildlife like bighorn sheep and eagles
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Trips for every age and adventure level, from families to thrill-seekers
With easy access from both Colorado Springs and Salida, the river is a natural extension of your road trip — the perfect excuse to stretch your legs and swap asphalt for adventure.
Q: How far is whitewater rafting from Colorado Springs?
A: About 55 miles southwest in Cañon City, home of the Royal Gorge and Arkansas River Tours.
Q: What’s the best rafting trip for my group?
A: It depends on your adventure level!
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Cottonwood Family Float: Calm waters and gorgeous canyon views, perfect for kids, grandparents, or first-timers.
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Bighorn Sheep Canyon: The ideal balance of excitement and scenery. Class III rapids, wildlife sightings, and stunning canyon walls.
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Browns Canyon National Monument: A full-day trip through one of Colorado’s most iconic sections of river — thrilling waves, granite cliffs, and pristine wilderness.
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Royal Gorge Rafting: Ready to kick it up a notch? The Royal Gorge delivers steep drops, narrow chutes, and powerful Class IV–V rapids, all framed by 1,000-foot canyon walls.
With expert guides, top-notch gear, and itineraries for every comfort level, Arkansas River Tours makes rafting near Colorado Springs easy, safe, and unforgettable.
After a few hundred miles on the open road, arriving in Colorado Springs feels like stepping into another world, one where mountain peaks replace city skylines and adventure waits around every corner.
From roadside diners and scenic wineries to waterfalls, hiking trails, and vibrant downtown energy, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your days. But if there’s one experience that captures the spirit of Colorado best, it’s a day spent rafting the Arkansas River. The rush of whitewater, the laughter between rapids, and the canyon views you’ll never forget, it’s the perfect reward for making the drive from Kansas City. So pack your bags, cue your playlist, and get ready to trade the plains for paddles. Colorado Springs is calling.
FAQs About the Kansas City to Colorado Springs Road Trip
How long is the drive from Kansas City to Colorado Springs?
About 600 miles, which usually takes 8–9 hours without major stops.
What’s the best time to visit Colorado Springs?
Late May through early October, warm weather, open mountain passes, and peak rafting season.
Are there family-friendly things to do?
Definitely! Try a family rafting float, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, or the Space Foundation Discovery Center.
Can I combine this trip with other destinations?
Yes, many travelers pair Colorado Springs with stops in Denver, Cañon City, or Salida for more rafting, hiking, and hot springs.
