Colorado is a state brimming with amazing landscapes and stunning views, and thanks to the state's comprehensive road network, you'll be able to use your hire car to get out into the countryside and mountains.

The state has a simple geographical layout - it’s a neat rectangle drawn on the map in the middle of western America. The state capital is Denver, located in the heart of Colorado.

The state's road layout is simple and easy to navigate, thanks to the Interstates connecting key areas. The I-25 runs north-south through the middle of the state, linking Denver with Boulder to the north and Colorado Springs to the south. Meanwhile the I-70 runs east-west through Denver. Head west for mountains of Aspen, or east for Kansas. Driving in Colorado's major cities is similar to many across American - you’ll find a modern grid-pattern of straight roads in numbered blocks. Away from the city, however, particularly in the mountains to the west, you’ll find winding roads – be sure to take extra caution in your hire car on these routes.

Similarly, Colorado’s driving conditions can vary dramatically. The urban roads in Denver can be straightforward whatever the weather, while winter driving skills could be required deep in the mountains – we can recommend the perfect tyres for your car, if you're heading into more treacherous conditions.

Overall, the state’s driving rules are similar to the rest of America. The maximum speed limit is 75mph on rural interstates and 65mph on rural highways. The I-70 in the Rocky Mountains, however, has lower limits indicated by signs because of the steep gradients and bends. Some mountain routes may have limits as low as 20mph, even if they’re far from any houses.

You'll find all the rules and regulations for driving on Colorado's roads online here.

From the southern end of the Rocky Mountains to the start of middle-America’s Great Plains, the natural wonders of Colorado aren’t hard to find. If you explore the entire state, you’ll find desert sand dunes, snow-capped mountains, deep river canyons and high rocky plateaus. But it's not all about the great outdoors – the state's cities are urban hubs of culture and sophistication.

Cultural Denver

The capital of the state stands with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, but downtown Denver is a forest of skyscrapers and offers some of Colorado's finest cultural hotspots. The city is famed for its impressive architecture, including the acclaimed Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which houses high-tech presentations about science and the universe. There are plenty of opportunities to admire fine art too – inside the striking Museum of Contemporary Art, you can find a regularly changing program of modern pieces.

Capture the spirit of the gold rush era at the recreated Argo Gold Mine, where visitors are invited to try panning for gold themselves. In the heart of the city, the State Capitol Building is a popular landmark and from its viewing platform you can enjoy the sights of the mountains surrounding the city. For an evening of entertainment, head for the Red Rock Amphitheatre just out of the city. This huge open-air venue is created by natural formations of Colorado’s distinctive red rocks, with major bands and acts all performing here.

Exploring the mountains

Make no mistake, Colorado contains some serious mountains. Mount Elbert, at 14,440ft, is one of America’s highest peaks and there are 52 others above 14,000ft in the state. This makes Colorado a major lure for climbers, hikers and all types of winter sports enthusiasts. Mountain resorts include Steamboat Springs, where natural hot springs create open-air hot tubs.

You’ll find Colorado Springs in the foothills of the Rockies to the south of Denver. The famous local mountain, Pikes Peak (14,115ft) is just 12 miles from the city centre. If you’ve got a hire car, you’ll find it’s surprisingly easy to drive to the top thanks the 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway. There’s even a visitor centre offering stunning views at the top.

Winter wonderland to summer solace

Deep in the forested mountains to the west of Denver, you’ll find one of America’s favourite ski resorts. Aspen is known for its classy restaurants, shops and hotels. Throughout the winter months, you can take your skis, snowboards or sledges and hit the city's piste – you'll find runs suitable for whatever standard you are. But if sliding down the slopes isn’t for you, relax in one of the chalets dotted around the foot of the mountain and enjoy the warmth of the indoors.

In the summer, Aspen remains a popular resort thanks to its favourable climate. Get your hiking boots out and trek into the mountain range, or for adrenaline junkies, try your hand on some of the finest mountain bike routes in Aspen. In the city itself, look out for Victorian landmarks, like the Wheeler Opera House from 1889 and the local history museum housed in a 19th-century mansion.

Hiring a car is the perfect way to take in this diverse state. From the fast-paced atmosphere in Denver to the tranquillity of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado makes for a great road trip.