What Is the Longest Continuous Street in the United States?
When it comes to massive infrastructure, the United States is home to some of the most impressive roads, highways, and scenic byways in the world. But here’s a question that surprises even the most seasoned road tripper: What is the longest continuous street in the U.S.?
The answer? Colfax Avenue in Colorado.
Colfax Avenue: The Longest Continuous Street in America
Stretching more than 50 miles, Colfax Avenue (U.S. Highway 40) runs east to west through the Denver metropolitan area, extending from Golden, Colorado all the way through Aurora and out to the Plains Conservation Center.
Colfax Avenue isn't a highway, freeway, or interstate—it’s a continuous urban street, making it unique in a country filled with sprawling expressways. As part of the historic U.S. Route 40, Colfax played a crucial role in the development of cross-country travel during the mid-20th century.
Quick Facts About Colfax Avenue:
Length: Approximately 53 miles
Named after: Schuyler Colfax, 17th Vice President of the U.S.
Historic Significance: Part of the Lincoln Highway and later U.S. Route 40
Cities It Passes Through: Golden, Lakewood, Denver, Aurora
Why Colfax Avenue Is So Well Known
Colfax isn’t just notable for its length. It has long been a cultural and historical icon. In the early and mid-1900s, it was a booming corridor for travelers heading west. Over time, the street evolved and became known for its gritty character, diverse neighborhoods, and quirky mix of diners, tattoo parlors, concert venues, motels, and more.
Even Playboy Magazine once referred to Colfax as the “longest, wickedest street in America” [source: Playboy, 1970s].
Today, Colfax is undergoing a revival, with parts of the avenue being redeveloped into trendy neighborhoods with art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, and bustling music scenes.
How Is “Longest Street” Measured?
You might be wondering—what counts as a “street,” and how is it different from a highway?
The title of the longest street refers to a named, continuous surface-level roadway that:
Doesn’t change names
Isn’t broken up by major interchanges or gaps
Can be driven end to end without interruption
While highways like U.S. Route 20 or Interstate 90 are longer by thousands of miles, they are highways—not streets. Streets typically operate within urban or suburban settings and are part of a city’s grid system.
Other Long Streets That Come Close
Colfax may hold the crown, but here are a few other long streets worth noting:
Yonge Street (Toronto, Canada): Once claimed to be the world’s longest street at over 1,100 miles, though this is now disputed due to changes in designation.
Broadway (New York City): Stretches over 30 miles from Manhattan into upstate New York, but not continuous under the same name.
Final Thoughts
If you ever find yourself in Colorado, consider taking a drive—or better yet, a walk—down Colfax Avenue. You’ll be exploring more than just the longest continuous street in America—you’ll be traveling through decades of American history, urban transformation, and cultural storytelling.