Colorado’s crown jewels—Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Mesa Verde, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison—make an unforgettable loop by road. Start with a well‑priced car rental at Denver Airport (DEN) for the widest fleet and fastest freeway access, then plan fuel, food, and overnight stops so your miles turn into trail time.
Best Gateways & Vehicle Picks
For a northern loop anchored on RMNP, base in Estes Park. For the southern classics (Durango, Cortez, and Mesa Verde), many travelers still fly into DEN for selection and value. If your first night is in the city, compare late pick‑ups using Denver car hire to skip one day of parking. For vehicles, a midsize SUV balances mountain torque, luggage, and altitude; a sedan works in fair weather but watch curb clearance at trailhead pullouts.
RMNP, Mesa Verde & Fees
Park entry fees vary by site and season and some parks use timed entry or tour reservations for popular areas. Always carry a physical card for any pre‑purchased pass in case of dead zones. In RMNP, Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide and closes seasonally; plan your route around current road status. Mesa Verde’s cliff dwellings may require a guided‑tour ticket—reserve early in peak months. Black Canyon’s rim overlooks are close to parking, but winds can be sharp; pack layers.
Sample 6‑Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Land DEN → pick up your car rental → Estes Park (2 hrs)
- Day 2: Sunrise at Bear Lake corridor → drive to Glenwood Springs
- Day 3: Grand Junction → Montrose → sunset at Black Canyon overlooks
- Day 4: Durango via US‑550 (watch weather) → evening stroll downtown
- Day 5: Mesa Verde cliff dwellings → Cortez
- Day 6: US‑160 back toward DEN with a lunch stop in Salida
Fuel, Food & Safety
Top off before long stretches, especially between Montrose and Durango. Save offline maps, pack two liters of water per person per day, and avoid dusk‑and‑dawn wildlife driving when possible. Keep a tire gauge, power bank, and paper itinerary in the glovebox. If snow appears in the forecast, request an SUV and confirm all‑season or snow‑rated tires at pick‑up.
Book with Trusted Partners
Hola Car Rentals connects you to major counters at DEN with transparent pricing and strong coverage. Compare Avis at DEN, Enterprise at DEN, and Budget at DEN for excellent airport availability. Benefits include All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage, maximum liability coverage on selected itineraries, free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up, and cashback on tolls across Colorado express corridors.
FAQs
- Is timed entry required? Some parks use seasonal windows; secure reservations early and keep a screenshot of confirmations.
- How many miles is this loop? A classic RMNP → Black Canyon → Mesa Verde → DEN loop runs roughly 900–1,100 miles depending on detours—plan two fuel stops per day in rural stretches.
- Do I need snow chains? Most rentals restrict chain use. Book an SUV and watch traction notices; slow, smooth driving is more important than drivetrain.
Set your dates and go from planning to driving. Reserve through Hola Car Rentals to lock in coverage, toll cashback, and a seamless start with your Denver Airport car rental.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer brings longer daylight for scenic drives and hikes; afternoon storms are common, so start early and keep a light rain layer handy. In shoulder seasons, higher passes can see frost at dawn—check for black ice in shaded curves. Winter access is magical but slower; keep an extra buffer day in the plan and book lodging with flexible cancellation.
Smart Packing
- Soft duffels that compress in the boot, leaving space for a cooler
- Layers: base, mid, and a windproof shell for exposed overlooks
- Snacks, electrolyte tabs, and a compact first‑aid kit
- Reusable water bottles—refill at trailheads where available
