Car Rental Durango, CO

FAQs

Do I need a 4WD/AWD vehicle in Durango? For summer driving on paved roads, a standard 2WD car is usually fine. However, we strongly recommend an AWD/4WD for the winter months (November–April), especially if you plan to travel on mountain passes like Red Mountain Pass (US-550) or visit ski areas. A 4WD is also helpful for getting to some trailheads on unpaved forest roads.

What is the Million Dollar Highway and is it safe to drive? The Million Dollar Highway is the part of US-550 that runs between Silverton and Ouray. It's famous for amazing scenery and some parts that have no guardrails next to steep drop-offs. Crews maintain the road regularly and it's safe if you drive carefully at the speed limit. You should drive slowly, stay in your lane and only pull over at marked spots to enjoy the views.

Can I visit Mesa Verde National Park in a regular car? Yes, a regular car is fine for the park's roads because crews pave and maintain them. Keep in mind the main park road climbs from the entrance to the mesa top. It has some steep sections and curves, but you can easily drive it in any car. Make sure you plan for plenty of time, as the cliff dwellings are about 21 miles (34 km) from the entrance.

Is it better to rent from Durango airport or in town? If you are flying in, renting at the airport is easiest because the rental counters are right in the small terminal, so you won't need a shuttle. Downtown rentals might have slightly lower prices, but you should add the cost of a ride from the airport, which is about $35–40 for a taxi. If you're already in Durango and don't have a car, renting in town saves you a trip to the airport.

What about one-way rentals from Durango? You can rent a car one-way, but companies often charge a drop fee unless you return it to another location in the same area. Popular one-way trips include driving from Durango to Denver or Albuquerque. This can be a good option for people taking a one-way Colorado/Utah road trip. Ask the rental company about drop fees. They often cost between $100 and $300, depending on how far you drive.

How much time should I allow for driving mountain roads? Driving in the mountains takes longer than driving the same distance on flat land. When you plan your trip, expect to drive about 30–40 mph on mountain passes like the Million Dollar Highway. You should also plan for extra time for photo stops, weather delays and wildlife sightings. A 50-mile (80 km) mountain drive could take 1.5 hours instead of the 1 hour it would take on a flat highway.

Are there any roads near Durango where rental cars are not allowed? Most rental agreements do not let you drive on unpaved roads that the government doesn't maintain. You can usually drive on well-kept dirt roads to popular trailheads, but companies forbid true off-road driving. For example, the Alpine Loop (between Silverton, Ouray and Lake City) requires a high-clearance 4WD and driving it would break most rental agreements. If you want to do serious off-roading, you should look into renting a special Jeep in Ouray or Silverton.

What's the best time of year to drive the San Juan Skyway? You will find the complete San Juan Skyway is easiest to drive from late May through mid-October. In the summer, you'll see green landscapes and wildflowers, while late September brings amazing fall colors when the aspen trees turn golden. You can drive most parts in the winter, but you need to prepare more and have the right kind of car. Some parts of the road may close for a short time during winter storms.