Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | Where do you drive the Jeeps? With over 700 miles of Jeep roads, there are numerous routes. When you come in to pick up your Jeep, we will give you a map, and provide you with suggestions based upon your interests and your experience. We also sell guidebooks and additional maps to some of the most popular routes. For example, the Alpine Loop is the only nationally designated four wheel drive byway in the United States. We have a separate guidebook for this spectacular loop that takes you to the Town of Lake City and back. Another popular loop is the Ophir-Imogene Loop that takes you to Telluride and Ouray and back. Again we sell a separate guidebook for this loop. Some people want to explore the less traveled routes, and we are happy to discuss all routes with you. Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | What if I have never driven off road before? More than 70% of our renters are "first timers." Before you leave our premises we review the operation of the vehicle with you and give you hints about driving in the San Juans. Our route suggestion for "first timers" is the Alpine Loop. It is the only nationally designated four wheel drive byway in the United States. The Alpine Loop is 78 miles long and allows you to stop in the Town of Lake City for lunch. You will cross two passes, the highest of which is 12,800'. This is a well traveled route that offers spectacular scenery and takes you by the most important historical sights, including the best preserved ghost town in the San Juans, Animas Forks. It is challenging enough to be fun, but it is also sedate enough to be fun. Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | What are the requirements to drive a Jeep? You may have as many drivers as you wish. However each driver must possess a valid driver’s license and provide proof of full coverage insurance. In addition, each driver must have a credit card in his/her name for security and be at least 25 years of age. Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | What types of Jeeps do you rent? We rent four passenger Wranglers. They are all new models and are equipped with 6 cylinder engines. They come in stick shift or automatic transmission versions as well as hard top or "rag top" versions. You may take the top down on a "rag top" if you wish. Those who require more room may rent the 5 passenger Grand Cherokee with an 8 cylinder engine and automatic transmission. Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | How much does it cost? Jeep Wrangler rentals are $150.00 per day (2 Door Model) and Grand Cherokee/Unlimited rentals are $180.00 per day (4 Door Model). Tax is an additional 9%. You also must fill the tank before returning the Jeep. Pets are not allowed in the Grand Cherokee. We offer tire damage and collision damage waivers. These waivers are optional. Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | How long is a rental day? You may start you rental day at 6:30 p.m. on the day before your rental. If you do not pick the Jeep up the evening before your rental day, you may pick the Jeep up at 8:00 a.m. on the rental day. All vehicles must be returned by 5:00 p.m. on the last rental day. This year we are also offering a Jeep rental day that begins at 12:30 p.m. and requires return of the vehicle by 12:00 noon on the next day. This Jeep rental day is designed to accommodate those people traveling to Silverton on the Train and staying the night, and then taking a return train the next day. At this time we are dedicating only one Jeep to this program, so if you are interested, please make your reservation early. Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | What do I need to bring? You must bring your vehicle insurance card, demonstrating that you have full coverage insurance. Bring coats (you are in the mountains), camera, binoculars, munchies (Wranglers do not accommodate large ice chests if you use the back seat for people; please bring "6-pack" style ice chests if you are renting a Wrangler and have three or four people), and lunch (if you are not taking one of the loops that puts you in Telluride or Lake City for lunch, or if you want to eat lunch in the wilderness). Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | What are your mileage restrictions? You are entitled to 100 FREE miles provided you stay in the San Juan Triangle (a "polygon" defined by the area from Silverton, to Lake City, to Ouray, to Telluride). As a practical matter, as long as you stay on the Jeep roads you can go almost anywhere without being outside of this area. The restriction is designed to stop people from driving long distances over paved roads. Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | When is the best time to come? Our season begins May 15 and ends October 15. Some parts of the Jeep roads are almost always open by May 15 and the Alpine Loop is usually open by Memorial Day weekend. Snow conditions determine how soon roads can open. Our County plows the Jeep roads and is almost always the first County to have the Jeep roads open. By early June most roads are open and remain open (with occasional closures in late September) through the end of the season. The busiest part of the season is from July 4th through August 15th. If you can come before or after these dates, you will be rewarded with less crowded conditions. The early part of the season is unique because the mountains are just awakening from winter. Snow is on the mountain tops and you can almost always find a snow field to play on. Wildlife is moving back up into the mountains and the patient visitor is usually treated to seeing wildlife in its natural environment. The middle of the season is resplendent in wildflowers. However, along with the wildflowers come people. This is our busiest time, however, compared to most locations in the United States, you will probably consider us underpopulated (remember we are somewhat prejudiced by the fact that there are only 500 year round residents in our entire county). If you desire seclusion, come earlier or later. However, if you do not mind a few people, this is a beautiful time of the year. The end of the season (from August 15th) is a well kept secret. The weather is usually beautiful. August 15th through the middle of September offers some of the best Jeeping. All the roads are usually open, and very few people are competing with you for the best views. Starting in the middle of September the weather turns cooler. With this cooler weather comes fall colors. If you have never been in Colorado during fall colors, you have really missed something extraordinary. In summary, all parts of our season are unique and offer something for everyone. Whenever you come, you will enjoy the San Juans. Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | How much time should I plan for? One day is sufficient for either the Alpine Loop or the Ophir-Imogene Loop. If you want to do both loops and go to both Lake City and Telluride, you will need two days. Of course, if you want to explore the less traveled routes, you can spend many more days touring. Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | How likely is it that I might get lost? Three hours late is the latest we have ever had anyone return a Jeep. As long as you stay on the Alpine Loop or the Ophir-Imogene Loop there are plenty of Jeeps to ask for directions if you are unsure of your position. If you get lost on one of the less traveled routes, just head downhill. You will end up at one of the towns surrounding the San Juan Triangle. Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | What about mechanical breakdowns? You will be driving a new vehicle. However, even new vehicles get flat tires and our customers have changed flat tires. These vehicles are machines and as such we know that there can be a mechanical problem which prevents our customer from driving the vehicle back to our premises. If you should have a mechanical problem that prevents you from returning the vehicle, please flag down a passing Jeep and get a ride to Silverton with them or ask them to notify us when they get to town. We will come and get you. Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | Do I need to make reservations? Reservations are highly recommended and during the middle of the season you may not be able to get a Jeep without a reservation. There are times in July and August when we have requests for 30 more vehicles than we have. As one of the largest Jeep rental agencies in Colorado we will do our best to accommodate you, however, we appreciate reservations. Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | What is your cancellation policy? You may cancel without penalty prior to 48 hours in advance of your rental pick up. After this time you will be charged for the first day of your rental. Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | Can I drop off the Jeep at another location? No. All Jeeps must be returned from the location rented. This season we anticipate having only one location open, our Silverton location. Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation |
Can I ride the Train and pick up a Jeep?
Yes. This year we are making available one Jeep with the rental period beginning at 12:30 p.m. and ending the next day at 12:00 noon. This will allow you to ride the Train, pick up your Jeep, stay overnight in Silverton, and then return to Durango the next day. Remember you can also originate your Train ride in Silverton, travel by Train to Durango, and then take the a special train bus back to Silverton.
Back to Table of Questions |
Order a Brochure or Make a Reservation | Do you sell your Jeeps? At the end of every season we sell our Jeeps. If you would like a list of the Jeeps in our inventory, please let us know. Back to Table of Questions |
