Car Hire

Question

How easy is it to hire cars that obey the Colorado road rules for driving in March. Am arriving in Denver. Travelling to Beanu Vista, Alamosa, Colorado Springs and back to Denver. This could include the 285

March is snowy. So you need Awd I assume but these are not specified in the major car hire companies and they all say something similar can be used. Do hire companies in Denver hire cars in March that have the right tyres you need to drive in winter?

Answer

Hiring a car in Colorado for a March road trip is very doable, but it’s important to understand how winter driving works here, what the rental companies provide, and how the laws apply—especially on highways like US-285, which can get snow, ice, and variable conditions.

March is still winter in Colorado, especially in the mountains and the San Luis Valley (Alamosa) and the Arkansas Valley (Buena Vista). Snowstorms are common, and morning/overnight ice is very possible. However, rental companies at Denver International Airport (DEN) are well-equipped for winter travelers, and many visitors drive during this time without issues as long as they select the right vehicle.

The key is selecting an appropriate vehicle and understanding the Colorado Traction Law, which can be active from September through May on certain roads.

Traction Law Requirements: When active, your vehicle must have either AWD/4WD or snow-rated tires (look for the “3-Peak Mountain Snowflake” symbol) or carry chains/auto socks. Rental cars do not allow chains, so AWD/4WD is best.
US-285 Conditions: This scenic highway goes over Kenosha Pass. March can bring snow, wind, blowing snow, and icy patches, but it is usually plowed quickly. An AWD vehicle makes the drive much safer and more comfortable.
High Mountain Valleys: Buena Vista and Salida can have sunny dry days or sudden snowstorms. Alamosa is very cold and can get icy mornings. AWD helps but is not legally required unless traction law activates.

Availability and car type can vary at rental agencies, so here’s what you should expect and request:

AWD/4WD SUV: The safest and most reliable for March. If available, request specifically “4WD/AWD SUV” (e.g., Subaru Outback, Ford Escape AWD, Jeep Grand Cherokee).
Snow-rated tires: Most rental companies do not equip their vehicles with full winter tires. However, they often have all-season tires with adequate tread, which satisfy the law only when AWD/4WD is also present.
Specific vehicle guarantees: Budget, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Alamo normally classify AWD as “specialty” or “premium SUV.” You cannot guarantee an AWD sedan, but AWD SUVs can often be specifically reserved.
Airport rentals are better: Denver Airport (DEN) has the highest AWD inventory in Colorado because most winter travelers pick up cars there.

You do not need chains—rental companies prohibit them. The best option is simply to secure the right type of vehicle from the start.

Additional suggestions for winter driving in Colorado:

Check weather daily, especially on US-285 and mountain passes like Kenosha Pass.
Drive during daylight when possible—roads can refreeze overnight.
Avoid low-clearance sedans if storms are expected.
Carry essentials like water, warm clothing, snacks, and a phone charger in case of delays.
Expect slower travel times during storms; Colorado plows roads quickly, but storms can be heavy.

In summary, yes—rental companies in Denver absolutely have suitable cars for winter driving in March, but you must select an AWD/4WD SUV category to be properly equipped. All-season tires are standard and combined with AWD are adequate for most Colorado winter roads. For a trip covering Denver → Buena Vista → Alamosa → Colorado Springs → Denver, AWD is strongly recommended for safety and comfort.

If you choose an AWD rental and watch the weather, your itinerary is completely reasonable and common for March travelers.

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