Getting a Rental Car in Estes Park
So you’re planning a trip to Estes Park, awesome choice. Now you’re trying to figure out the car situation. Its one of the biggest questions we get here at Estes Direct. Do you need one? Where do you get it? Should you rent it in Denver or wait until you get to Estes?
Dont worry, we got you covered.
Estes Direct is Your local guide for getting from Denver to Estes Park and back. We are focused on everything you need to know about getting from denver to estes park and from estes park to denver. Our company can help you with everything from shuttles, car rentals, transfers, and even custom concierge services. Trust us for the most up to date information for getting from Denver to Estes Park.
This page is all about car rentals for your Estes Park trip. We’ll walk you through all the options so you can make the best choice for your vacation.
Do You Even Need a Car in Estes Park?
First things first, let’s tackle this. The short answer is, probably yes.
While Estes Park has a walkable downtown area with lots of shops and restaraunts, the real magic is outside of town. The main attraction is Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and unless you plan on sticking to a bus tour, you’re gonna want the freedom of your own vehicle.
A car gives you the freedom to:
- Drive Trail Ridge Road at your own pace 🚗
- Pull over for every elk sighting (and there will be many!)
- Hit the trails early in the morning before the crowds.
- Explore areas around Estes like the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.
- Just make your trip way more flexible and convenient.
There are local shuttles in town and into the park during the summer, but they can be crowded and run on a set schedule. If you want maximum freedom, a car is the way to go.
The Big Decision: Rent in Denver or Estes Park?
This is the main question. Both have their pros and cons. Let’s break it down.
| Feature | Renting at Denver Airport (DIA) | Renting in Estes Park |
|---|---|---|
| Selection | (Huge!). Every major brand, every car type you can imagine. | Very, very limited. One or two small local operators. |
| Price | Much more competitive. Lots of companies fighting for your business. | Can be significantly more expensive due to low supply and high demand. |
| Convenience | Pick it up right when you land and you’re on your way. | You have to get from Denver to Estes first (hey, we have shuttles for that!). |
| The Drive | You have to make the 1.5-2 hour drive from Denver yourself. | Avoids the mountain drive from Denver if you’re not comfortable with it. |
| Availability | Almost always have cars available, even for last-minute bookings. | Sells out MONTHS in advance for summer and fall. Seriously, book early. |
Our Advice?
For most people, renting a car at the Denver airport is the best all-around option. The selection is better, the price is lower, and its just more convenient to have your transport sorted from the moment you land. You can load up all your luggage and go.
However, renting in Estes can be a good option if:
- You are terrified of driving in the mountains from Denver.
- You only need a car for one or two days of a longer trip.
- You’re taking a shuttle up with a big group and want a car for local trips.
If you do decide to rent in Estes Park, you HAVE to book it as far in advance as possible. We can’t stress this enough. When they’re gone, they’re gone.
What Kind of Car Should You Get?
The right car depends on when you’re visiting. The weather in the rockies can be tricky, so your vehicle choice matters.
Summer (June - September)
In the summer, the roads are generally clear and in great condition.
- AWD/4WD: Not strictly necessary, but always nice to have for peace of mind on gravel roads or in case of a surprise summer hail storm.
- Standard Car: A regular sedan or small SUV is perfectly fine for 99% of what you’ll be doing, including driving Trail Ridge Road.
- Clearance: If you plan on exploring some of the less-traveled forest service roads, a vehicle with higher clearance like an SUV (think Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4) is a good idea. Don’t take a standard rental car on roads that require high-clearance 4x4.
Fall & Spring (October, November, April, May)
This is the tricky season. You can have beautiful sunny days or a full-on blizzard.
- AWD/4WD: We highly reccomend it. A sudden snowstorm can make roads slick, and having that extra traction provides a huge safety margin.
- Tires: Check for tires with good tread. All-season M+S (mud and snow) tires are the minimum you should have.
Winter (December - March)
Winter driving in the mountains is no joke. You need the right equipment.
- AWD/4WD: This is pretty much mandatory in our book. While the main roads are plowed, they can still be icy, and many smaller roads or cabin driveways might not be.
- Snow Tires: This is even more important than 4WD. Colorado has a Traction Law that can be put into effect during storms. This requires vehicles to have either 4WD/AWD or proper snow tires. A rental car with standard all-seasons might not be compliant, leaving you stuck or with a fine. Ask the rental company specifically about their winter tire options.
Local Tips for Renting and Driving
As the local experts on the Denver to Estes Park route, here’s some inside advice we share with our customers.
- Book Early, Seriously: We know we said it before, but we’re saying it again. Especially for summer, fall colors (mid-September), and holidays.
- Check for RMNP Timed Entry: From late-May to mid-October, you need a timed entry reservation to get into Rocky Mountain National Park. Get this reservation online BEFORE your trip. Having a rental car doesn’t get you in without one.
- Altitude & Gas: Cars can feel a little less powerful at high altitude. Also, fill up your gas tank in Estes Park or a larger town. There are no gas stations inside RMNP or in the remote areas.
- Wildlife is a Real Thing: People aren’t kidding. You will see elk, deer, and maybe even moose or bears. They often cross the road when you least expect it, especially at dawn and dusk. Drive slowly and stay alert. 🦌
- Mountain Driving 101: When going down long, steep hills, shift your car into a lower gear (L, 2, or 3) instead of riding your brakes the whole way. This uses the engine to slow you down and prevents your brakes from overheating.
Navigating all these options can be confusing, but thats why we’re here. While we’re known for our shuttles and transfers, our concierge service can be a lifesaver.
We can help you:
- Decide on the best plan for your specific trip - rent in denver or estes?
- Book a reliable shuttle from DIA to Estes Park so you can relax and enjoy the views.
- Connect you with the right local partners for activities and services.
- Provide the most up-to-date info on road conditions for your drive.
Think of us as your local connection. We live here, we drive these roads every single day, and we want to make sure your trip is as smooth and amazing as possible.
Ready to plan your transportation? Give us a call or send an email. We’re here to help you figure out everything you need for getting from denver to estes park and back again.