Denver to Arizona end of April?

Question

Hi!

We are flying in from Europe to Denver 25th of April.

We want to do a roadtrip to Phoenix (flight out leaves at 14th of May).

We were thinking of 3 nights Denver, two nights Glenwood springs to get to Moab the next day and continue the tour. Are there better suggestions?

We will rent a 4wd jeep but I dont know how we can be sure to have snowtires. Or do all rental companies provide this in April in Denver?

We would rent from the airport Denver.

Thank u!

Answer

Your planned road trip from Denver to Phoenix in late April is doable, but there are a few considerations regarding timing, routes, and vehicle requirements.

Denver and Surroundings:

Three nights in Denver is a good start, allowing time to adjust from Europe, explore the city, and perhaps take a short day trip (like Red Rocks Park or Boulder).
Consider spending one night in Golden or Boulder if you’d like a less urban, more scenic stop before heading west toward Glenwood Springs.

Glenwood Springs and Moab:

Two nights in Glenwood Springs is practical: the hot springs are relaxing, and it breaks up the drive to Moab.
Driving from Glenwood Springs to Moab is approximately 4–5 hours without stops. You may want to plan for scenic detours, like Grand Junction or the Colorado National Monument.

Moab and Beyond:

Moab is ideal for exploring Arches and Canyonlands. Two nights there is often sufficient for sightseeing and moderate hikes.
Continue south toward Monument Valley and northern Arizona on the way to Phoenix. Depending on your pace, you might consider a night near Sedona to enjoy the red rock scenery.

Vehicle Considerations:

Renting a 4WD Jeep is a smart choice, especially if you plan to explore unpaved areas in Moab or northern Arizona.
By late April, snow tires are generally not required for major roads. Most rental companies provide all-season tires. If you are concerned about high-altitude passes in Colorado, check with your rental company—they can provide vehicles equipped for mountain conditions.
Optional: If you want extra reassurance, ask for a vehicle rated for mountain roads, but snow chains are usually unnecessary by this time of year.

Alternative Suggestions:

You could consider a slight reverse of your route: head west from Denver toward Grand Junction first, then Glenwood Springs, Moab, and down to Arizona. This reduces potential high-elevation driving in April.
Another option is a longer stop in Glenwood Springs to include a day trip to Aspen or Maroon Bells if you enjoy scenic drives.

Overall, your plan is solid: it balances city exploration, relaxation in Glenwood Springs, adventure in Moab, and a scenic drive toward Phoenix. Just confirm your rental vehicle’s suitability for mountain roads and check road conditions near higher elevations, as some passes can still see occasional late snow.

Denver to Arizona end of April?

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