Car Rental Grand Junction, CO

FAQs

What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Grand Junction area? For most visitors, a standard midsize car is all you need to explore Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument and nearby attractions on paved roads. If you plan to drive to high places like Grand Mesa or travel in winter, we recommend an AWD/4WD vehicle. If you plan to explore remote dirt roads, you should consider an SUV that sits higher off the ground.

Can I drive to Moab and the Utah national parks from Grand Junction? Yes, Moab is about 115 miles (185 km) (a 2-hour drive) from Grand Junction, so it makes a great day trip or overnight stay. You can find Arches National Park just outside Moab, and Canyonlands National Park is also close. Most rental companies let you drive into neighboring states, but you should always check this when you book.

Are there any scenic drives around Grand Junction? In Colorado National Monument, you can take the 23-mile (37 km) Rim Rock Drive for amazing canyon views. The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway (CO-65) takes you up to the world's largest flat-top mountain, where you can see alpine lakes and forests. The Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway shows you red rock canyons and desert landscapes south of Grand Junction.

Is it common to rent one-way from Grand Junction? Yes, many people rent a car one-way between Grand Junction and Denver or Salt Lake City for road trips. Ask the rental company about one-way drop fees. They often cost between $100 and $300, depending on your route. Sometimes companies offer specials when they need to move their cars to other locations.

Do I need a special vehicle for Colorado National Monument? No, the roads in Colorado National Monument are paved and in good shape. Any standard rental car will be fine on the drive. Rim Rock Drive has some steep parts and sharp turns, but you can handle them easily in any car if you drive at a safe speed.

What about winter driving in the Grand Junction area? Grand Junction itself has fairly mild winters and gets about 19 inches of snow each year. Crews usually clear the city streets quickly. However, mountain roads like Grand Mesa, Vail Pass (I-70 east) and Douglas Pass can get a lot of snow and ice. If you travel to these higher places in the winter, we strongly recommend an AWD/4WD vehicle.

Can I take a rental car on unpaved roads? Most rental agreements don't allow "off-road" driving, but they let you drive on dirt or gravel roads that are kept in good shape. Many parks around Grand Junction have well-kept unpaved roads that are usually okay to drive on. You should avoid rough 4x4 trails, creek crossings or roads that need a vehicle with high clearance. If you're not sure, you should ask the rental company about certain roads.

What's the best strategy for visiting wineries in Palisade? Palisade has over 25 wineries in a small area, so it's a great place for wine tasting. Having your own rental car gives you freedom, but you could also join a guided tour if you plan to visit many wineries and try the wines. Another option is to drive to Palisade and then rent a bike to get around. Many wineries are close together on flat ground.