Phoenix, AZ to Cañon City, CO: Distance & Route

Quick Reference

• Distance: ~790 miles (1,271 km) by road
• Drive Time: 11.5–12.5 hours (normal conditions)
• Best Route: I-40 East → I-25 North

Route Breakdown

1. Phoenix → Flagstaff: 145 mi, 2h 15m (I-17 N)
2. Flagstaff → Albuquerque: 325 mi, 4h 45m (I-40 E)
3. Albuquerque → Santa Fe: 65 mi, 1h (I-25 N)
4. Santa Fe → Cañon City: 180 mi, 3h (I-25 N → US-50 W)

Alternative Routes

• US-160 E → US-285 N: More scenic (San Luis Valley), slower (~13h)
• I-10 E → I-25 N: Southern route (Las Cruces), longer (~850 mi, 13h)

⚠️ Considerations

• Elevation: Crosses 7,000–10,000 ft passes (winter chains/snow tires)
• Fuel: Fill in Flagstaff & Albuquerque (long stretches)
• Weather: Monsoon storms (Jul–Sep); blizzards (Nov–Mar)
• Rest stops: Petrified Forest NP, Albuquerque, Great Sand Dunes NP (detour)

Flight Option

• PHL → COS (Colorado Springs): ~2h flight + 1h drive to Cañon City
• Total travel ~5–6h vs. 12h driving