Elijah Grant
Colorado is known for its majestic mountains, rolling rapids, and snowy peaks, and many people wonder whether they need to rent an SUV to navigate the state's terrain. While some sources say that an SUV is not necessary, others argue that it is the best option for safety and comfort, especially when driving in the mountains or on unpaved roads. In addition, Colorado's traction and chain laws require that all motorists have an all-wheel or four-wheel-drive vehicle, which is typically an SUV. However, renting an SUV can be expensive, and there are alternative transportation options available in Colorado, such as mountain shuttles and free town buses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Advantage of renting an SUV | Capability |
| Driving in mountains | Easier with an SUV |
| Driving on steep hills | Easier with an SUV |
| Driving on snowy mountain roads | Dangerous |
| Colorado's traction and chain laws | AWD/4WD required |
| Rental car insurance | Expensive |
| Gas prices | Fluctuating and often increasing |
| Mountain shuttle | Available |
| Mountain towns | Pedestrian-friendly |
| Mountain driving in winter | Difficult |
| SUV rental | Comfortable |
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What You'll Learn
SUV advantages
While renting an SUV in Colorado is not a necessity, it does offer several advantages that may enhance your experience, particularly if you plan to explore the state's mountainous regions and outdoor attractions. Here are some benefits of renting an SUV for your trip to Colorado:
Enhanced Visibility and Safety:
SUVs are designed with taller windows and a higher seating position, providing improved visibility for the driver and passengers. This enhanced visibility increases safety, making it easier to navigate tight spots, spot potential obstacles, and change lanes confidently. The higher ground clearance of SUVs, such as the CRV, also makes it easier to get children in and out of car seats.
Passenger and Pet Comfort:
SUVs offer ample seating and legroom, making them ideal for larger groups or families. Some SUVs provide a third row of seating, accommodating up to eight people comfortably. Additionally, SUVs often feature fold-flat seats, extra-wide doors, and underfloor storage, ensuring a spacious and comfortable journey for all occupants. They are also pet-friendly, with features like rear lift gates, airy cabins, and rear cargo attachment rings, making it convenient for pets to travel safely and comfortably.
Off-Road Capabilities:
SUVs are designed with off-road capabilities, making them suitable for navigating rough terrain and tight switchbacks commonly found on dirt roads leading to hiking trails or small mountain towns. Their higher ground clearance and all-wheel or four-wheel drive systems make them more capable of handling challenging road conditions, ensuring a safer and more comfortable journey.
Compliance with Traction and Chain Laws:
Colorado has specific traction and chain laws in effect from September 1st to May 31st. These laws require vehicles to have all-wheel or four-wheel drive, snow tires, or all-weather tires with a mud/snow designation. SUVs typically meet these requirements, ensuring compliance with local regulations and avoiding potential fines.
While renting an SUV offers these advantages, it is important to consider factors such as the additional cost, limited parking availability in mountain towns, and the potential for stressful driving conditions on snowy and icy roads. Weighing these factors will help you make an informed decision about whether the benefits of renting an SUV align with your specific needs and preferences for your Colorado trip.
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Mountain driving
Know Your Vehicle and the Road Conditions:
- Check your vehicle's manual for proper cooling procedures and follow the instructions when adding coolant.
- Ensure your vehicle complies with Colorado's traction and chain laws, especially during winter. From September 1st to May 31st, your vehicle must meet specific requirements:
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive.
- Two-wheel-drive vehicles must have snow tires or all-weather tires with a mud/snow designation and a tread depth of at least 3/16".
- If your vehicle doesn't meet these standards, you must carry and use snow chains.
- Check road conditions before starting your journey. Colorado's weather can change rapidly, especially in the Rockies, where it can snow any month of the year.
Driving Techniques:
- Take your time and don't rush. Remember that you might drive slower than others, and that's okay. Pull over to let faster drivers pass when it's safe to do so.
- Use low gears when driving downhill to save your brakes. Continuous braking can cause overheating, leading to brake failure.
- Uphill traffic has the right of way.
- Obey road signs, especially those indicating recommended speeds for curves and steep grades.
- Be cautious when driving at night. Use your headlights to see wildlife and avoid animals in the road. Use high beams on lightly travelled roads, but remember to turn them off when approaching oncoming traffic.
- Avoid using air conditioning when driving uphill, as it may cause your engine to overheat.
- If your vehicle struggles on steep grades, shift to a lower gear to maintain a constant speed.
Other Considerations:
- Always have at least half a tank of gas when embarking on mountain drives.
- Plan for potential altitude sickness. Bring medications and be aware of nearby medical facilities.
- Be mindful of wildlife, especially deer, and small rockfalls, especially after rains or freeze-thaw events.
- If another driver is flashing their headlights, it may indicate wildlife, rocks, accidents, or speed traps ahead.
- If you're driving an SUV or larger vehicle, be mindful of tight switchbacks and rough terrain on roads to small towns or hiking trailheads.
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Alternative transport options
If you're travelling to Colorado and don't want to rent an SUV, there are several other transport options available to you.
Firstly, it's important to consider your itinerary. If you're planning to stay in one place for most of your trip, you may not need a car at all. Many mountain resort towns in Colorado are pedestrian-friendly, with bars, restaurants and shops within walking distance of the resorts. Breckenridge, for example, offers the Breck FreeRide Bus for free transportation around town, and the Summit Stage bus provides free transportation throughout Summit County. Vail also has a reliable and typically affordable bus system.
If you do need to travel between towns, there are several other options besides renting an SUV. Mountain shuttles offer door-to-door service, bypassing the hassle and expense of parking. Greyhound coaches link Denver to other major US cities, and the Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers bus and light rail services within Denver itself. The RTD bus fleet also provides special rides and services for people with limited mobility, as well as free rides for active-duty military. The University of Colorado A Line train runs from Denver International Airport to Denver Union Station and vice versa for $10 each way, with trains leaving every 15 minutes between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can explore Colorado by bike. Denver, for instance, has hundreds of miles of bike paths and dedicated lanes, and hotels like Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver and Halcyon provide complimentary bicycles to guests. You can also rent electric bikes from companies like FattE-Bikes or take a guided tour with Pedego Denver Electric Bike Sales & Tours.
Finally, if you're arriving in Colorado by plane, you can use an airport shuttle to get to your destination, bypassing the expense of rental cars and the potential stress of driving on snowy and icy mountain roads.
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Cost of rental cars
The cost of renting a car in Colorado varies depending on the type of car and the rental company. On average, a rental car in Colorado costs $55 per day or $1,647 per month. However, prices can vary depending on the location and demand. For example, rental cars in Pueblo cost $62/day, in Lakewood $52/day, and in Aspen $53/day.
When renting a car in Colorado, it is important to consider the additional costs such as rental car insurance, which can add up to $30 per day. If you choose to use your own insurance and damage the rental car, you may have to pay a large deductible, which can lead to increased rates in the long run.
Additionally, the fluctuating and often-increasing price of gas can also impact the overall cost of renting a car. It is worth noting that rental cars in Colorado may need to comply with the state's traction and chain laws, which require all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles, especially during winter. These types of vehicles, such as SUVs, tend to be more expensive to rent and can cost hundreds of dollars more per week compared to economy or mid-size cars.
While renting a car can offer flexibility and convenience, it is important to consider the potential costs and whether it aligns with your budget. It may be worth exploring alternative transportation options, such as mountain shuttles or public transportation, which can help save money and avoid the hassle of driving and parking in Colorado's mountain towns.
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Safety and comfort
If you're heading to Colorado and wondering whether to rent an SUV, there are a few things to consider when it comes to safety and comfort.
Firstly, Colorado is known for its stunning outdoor adventures, from hiking and white-water rafting to exploring the majestic mountains and winter sports. If you plan to venture beyond the pedestrian-friendly mountain resorts and their free transportation options, a rental car might be a good idea.
Now, when it comes to choosing between a compact or economy car and an SUV, there are a few factors to keep in mind. The terrain in Colorado can be challenging, with steep hills, winding mountain passes, and potentially snowy and icy conditions. Smaller cars may struggle on these roads, and an SUV with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive can provide better traction and handling. This is especially true if you plan to drive on dirt roads to hiking trailheads or navigate tight switchbacks in small towns. An SUV will give you more ground clearance and peace of mind on these types of roads.
On the other hand, some people have shared their experiences of driving in Colorado in smaller cars, such as a Toyota Camry, without any major issues. They mention that as long as you stick to paved roads and don't go off-roading, a smaller car should suffice. Additionally, renting an SUV can be significantly more expensive than a compact or economy car, and you'll also need to factor in the cost of gas, which can fluctuate.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific plans and comfort level with driving in varying conditions. If you feel confident navigating the mountain roads in a smaller car and don't plan to go off-road, you can likely stick with a more economical option. However, if you want the added peace of mind, ground clearance, and traction that an SUV provides, it may be worth the extra cost. Remember to also consider the activities you plan to do and whether you'll need the extra space and cargo capacity of an SUV for your gear.
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Frequently asked questions
Renting an SUV in Colorado is not necessary, but it may be helpful if you plan to drive in snowy or icy conditions, or on rough terrain. Many people drive smaller cars such as the Toyota Camry, Ford Focus, or Ford Escape in Colorado without issue.
SUVs offer more power and better handling in snowy and icy conditions. They also provide higher clearance, which can be useful for driving on dirt roads or to hiking trailheads. Additionally, they offer more cargo space for outdoor gear such as skis and snowboards.
Renting an SUV can be more expensive than renting a smaller car, with weekly rates ranging from $800 to $1100. Rental car insurance can also add up, costing around $30 per day.
Yes, many mountain towns in Colorado are pedestrian-friendly, with bars, restaurants, and shops within walking distance of resorts. Some towns also offer free transportation options within city limits, such as the Breck FreeRide Bus in Breckenridge.
From September 1st to May 31st, Colorado's traction and chain laws require all motorists to have an all-wheel or four-wheel-drive vehicle, or use snow tires or all-weather tires with a mud/snow designation and a tread depth of at least 3/16". Not complying with these requirements can result in a fine of up to $500.
