8 Towns With the Cheapest Gas in Colorado

Colorado is currently one of the most popular states for tourists to come visit. People flock to Colorado to enjoy winter activities on the legendary mountains, to-die-for food in the cities, and an overall rich and bustling culture.

Whether you’re in the mood for a hike on a 13’er (what locals call mountains that reach over 13,000 feet in elevation) or a brew downtown, Colorado has it all. That being said, Colorado isn’t always cheap! But, if you know where to look, you can be sure to grab some solid deals.

Road-tripping around Colorado is one of the best ways to take in the state. Driving through the mountains is absolutely legendary. While generally, the one-the-road part of road-tripping isn’t the most exciting part, Colorado’s mountain views make the drive stunning.

Parts of Colorado sell gas that is far above the average cost-per-gallon in the nation which, as of September 2023, is around $4 a gallon. Stick to this list and save some cash as you explore the Centennial State!

1. Aurora

The cheapest gas in Colorado as of September 2023 is located in Aurora. Aurora is a large municipality in Colorado with a population of almost 400,000! It’s located just east of Denver and sprawls over 160 square miles of land. Because of its eastern location, Aurora is out of the mountains. If you’re coming to Colorado from a state with low elevation, starting in Aurora will be a great place to acclimate to the mountain air! Gas here is $0.70 cheaper than the national average, coming in at about $3.30 per gallon as of September 2023.

While Aurora is a metro hub, it offers a broad variety of ways to explore the great outdoors. The Cherry Creek State Park is an amazing spot to hike, bike, boat, or bird. See if you can spot a bald eagle while you’re there! Aurora is also home to the Plains Conservation Center. This nature reserve and educational center is a fantastic spot to learn about the region. Prairie dogs run around the center, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled!

2. Denver

Surprise, surprise! The largest city in Colorado is home to some great gas prices. The state’s capital, Denver, sees a wide range of prices, but as of September 2023, had some gas for $3.29 per gallon. If you’re coming to Colorado, Denver is a must-see city no matter what. You may as well fill up your tank while you’re enjoying the city!

It’s hard to know where to begin with the list of fun things to do in Denver. If you’re interested in arts and culture, stop by the Denver Art Museum. This giant museum offers two entire buildings of artwork from various periods. If you want to brush up on your science skills, head to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. This museum features a planetarium, a dinosaur exhibit, and multiple traveling exhibits. The interactive displays make the Denver Museum of Nature & Science fun for the entire family.

If you want to get outside, head to Washington Park. If you have a canine friend on your road trip with you, they’ll love exploring the park with tons of other local pups. There are two lakes in the park, too, so keep your eyes peeled for ducks! You also can’t miss the sprawling Denver Zoo. This non-profit conservation organization is home to hundreds of species of wildlife. Check the daily schedule to see an animal show like the African penguin demonstration!

3. Arvada

Just slightly northwest of Denver, Arvada is a super charming, mid-size city with lots to check out. While you’re in town, you can fill your tank with gas that’s well below the nation’s average! For $3.29 a gallon, there’s no reason not to pop into Arvada. Whether you’re looking to get outside, or if you just want to stroll an adorable downtown, Arvada’s got you covered.

Olde Town Arvada is one of the most fun stretches to walk near Denver. Described as “the heart and soul of the city,” Olde Town is full of shops, breweries, and restaurants that are oozing with charm. Events are always happening in Olde Town, too, so check the calendar to see if there are any festivals or art shows happening while you’re in town!

For outdoorsy travelers, Arvada is home to the Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge. Protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Two Ponds Refuge is a sprawling stretch of nature sure to satisfy your outdoorsy itch. The refuge has a mix of land and pond, so you can be on the lookout for wildlife in the water, on the land, and in the air! Hike the property and see if you can find a deer or turtle while you’re passing through.

4. Firestone

Head 30 miles north of Denver and hit Firestone, Colorado for some great gas deals and a lot of fun. Gas in Firestone is around $3.45 per gallon as of September 2023. While a little more expensive than the past few cities, Firestone’s prices are still a lot cheaper than the national average. It’s even cheaper than Colorado’s average, which is around $4.21 per gallon.

Firestone is a small town east of Boulder and north of Denver, making it a great central spot as you move from metro hub to metro hub. The town spans only 14 square miles, but packs a lot of punch despite its size! If you’re over 21 and seeking to enjoy the views of Firestone with a beverage in hand, head to Wild Cider. This cidery crafts delicious drinks with a stunning view of the plains.

5. Longmont

Just west of Firestone, Longmont is in close proximity to Boulder, Colorado. The town boasts gas prices similar to Firestone’s, with per-gallon gas costing around $3.45. Longmont is a much larger city than its tiny neighbor Firestone, with a population of around 100,000. Once you’ve replenished your gas tank, it’s time to get exploring, because Longmont has a lot to offer.

Longmont is home to St. Vrain State Park, a 700-acre park with lots to do and see. You can camp year-round on the grounds or just stop by for a stroll around the area. There are fishing piers, as well, if you’re hoping to catch a bite! If you’re looking to take a swim, however, Union Reservoir Nature Area is going to be your best bet. Take a boat, kayak, paddleboard, or tube out onto the reservoir to cool off after a warm Colorado day.

If you’re over the age of 21 and looking to relax after a day of exploration, Longmont has more than a few local breweries. Head to Left Hand Brewing and grab a drink while you take a tour of the facility, or stop by Wibby Brewing for a beer and live music. As always, drink responsibly!

6. Centennial

Located southeast of Denver, Centennial is a large municipality with a population of over 100,000 residents. Centennial offers a mix of parks and metro activities, making it a great place to visit on your Colorado road trip. Gas in Centennial is just slightly more expensive than the last couple of cities, coming in at $3.48 per gallon. Again, it’s not the cheapest gas in the state, but it’s over fifty cents cheaper than the national average!

If you’re traveling with young ones (or even just folks who are young at heart), you absolutely need to head to Centennial Center Park. The playground at this facility is unreal! This award-winning park is a great place to play around and have a picnic. Another awesome stop in Centennial is the Trails Recreation Center. This rec center is home to classes for folks of all ages, as well as a gym, a pool, and a spa! If you need to recuperate after a long day of exploring, the Trails Rec Center is a great place to visit.

For tourists with a competitive edge, head to Monster Mini Golf Denver. This state-of-the-art mini golf facility is sure to entertain the entire family! You can also check out Topgolf and enjoy golf-like games and a yummy restaurant. No matter what you do while you’re in Centennial, you’re sure to have a great time.

7. Englewood

Another great spot just south of Denver, Englewood offers reasonable gas prices and lots of things to do. The gas prices in Englewood as of September 2023 included some stops that were only $3.48 per gallon. Compared to the rest of the state, this is worth going out of your way for!

But Englewood itself is worth heading to. If you’re looking to enjoy some time outside, Belleview Park in Englewood is a great place to visit. While the park isn’t huge, it’s packed with fun for the family. There are always events happening at the park, so check the calendar before you head to Englewood! There’s also a petting zoo on the premises, so you can meet some four-legged friends while you’re here!

If you want to make a splash, check out the Pirates Cove Water Park. Open during the summer, this outdoor park is full of slides, pools, and lazy rivers. Parents can also relax in a cabana! If you’re on an adults-only trip and you’re looking for some musical entertainment, the legendary Gothic Theatre is worth checking out. This cool and intimate concert venue hosts some great artists, so check their events page and grab a ticket!

8. Lone Tree

A final destination for fantastic excursions coupled with great gas prices is Lone Tree, Colorado. Lone Tree is the southernmost town on our list, just below Centennial in the central part of the state. Prices are around $3.50 per gallon in Lone Tree, making it a good place to fill up your tank as you make a loop through Colorado.

Lone Tree is a fairly small town, with a population of just under 15,000 residents. But that doesn’t mean Lone Tree doesn’t have some great stuff to check out! For folks looking for an artistic experience, the Lone Tree Arts Center is a must-stop. This performing arts space features music, dance, and theatre alongside visual art exhibitions. There’s a lot to see at the Lone Tree Arts Center!

If you want to explore the outdoors of Lone Tree, Bluffs Regional Park Trail is a great hike. Just under 4 miles, this trail is fairly flat, making it a great beginner hike. Take the whole family and explore the scenery around Lone Tree. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a deer or two!

Colorado is a stunning state with endless towns and pockets to explore. Hop in your car and get to driving around the Centennial State. Use this list to guide your gas tank as you check out all the beauty Colorado has to offer.