Driving around Denver is logical, it's easy to get used to. The streets are laid out like a grid, running north to south and east to west. Directional names, like East 17^th Avenue and North Washington Street, help you get your bearings – as do the looming mountains in the west.

Interstate-25 (I-25) is the major route that runs northwards through the city. It comes all the way up from Albuquerque, through Colorado Springs, curves around the heart of downtown Denver and continues northwards over the state border into Wyoming – the home of Yellowstone National Park.

In the opposite direction, the Interstate-70 (I-70) runs horizontally through Denver and up into the Rocky Mountains. When the ski slopes are calling, this route will see you straight from the airport to your chalet.

The maximum speed limit on Interstate highways is 65mph and, in some parts, 75mph. On divided highways, the limit is usually 55mph. Stay in the right lane on these routes, only moving into the left lane to overtake.

 In the centre of Denver, the standard speed limit is around 30mph, dropping to 25mph where posted. You can turn right at a junction when the lights are red, providing you come to a full stop and give way to oncoming traffic first.

On-street parking is convenient, with solar-powered meters which accept various forms of payment including debit and credit cards. If you do clock a space, make sure you’re at least 15 feet away from any nearby fire hydrants.  

There are also numerous 24-hour car parks with rates starting from around $3 per hour, and private multi-storey carparks with even more competitive fees, although these usually close at night. Check the Denver Government website to find the best parking arrangement for your hire car.

Denver is a prosperous, lively city at the foot of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, where 300 days of sunshine a year encourage a thriving cultural and artistic scene, and a great range of outdoor activities and experiences.

The Mile-High City

Denver is in the foothills of the Rockies and is surrounded by snowy peaks, but the city stands at a notable elevation itself. Colorado’s biggest metropolis is at an average of 5,200 feet high – hence the ‘Mile-High City’ nickname.

But this is no mountain outpost - you’ll find the downtown area is thriving hub of activity. Throughout the city you’ll see a mix of glossy new architecture and traditional old western-style buildings. Tour the city's architectural highlights, including the State Capitol, Museum of Contemporary Art and striking Millennium Bridge. If you’ve only time to see one building in Denver though, try to see the Frederick Hamilton gallery – it’s an extraordinary futuristic construction of angular titanium.

Delicious Denver

From gastropubs to chef-owned gourmet restaurants, Denver has developed an award-winning food scene based on locally sourced ingredients from the traditional farms around Colorado. There’s everything from fast food to restaurants, but the highlights include original eateries like Avanti, which is uniquely housed in a series of shipping containers, or TV chef Jennifer Jasinski’s acclaimed ‘Rioja’ restaurant.

Retail recreation

Denver is the biggest city and has a fantastic array of shops and stores for you to peruse. You’ll find the 16th Street Mall is the highlight – it’s a mile-long granite pedestrian promenade designed by architect I.M.Pei to resemble a rattlesnake. Meanwhile, you’ll also discover more upscale outlets at the tree-lined Cherry Creek area, where boutiques and luxury brands mix with art galleries and fine restaurants.

Get out of town

It’s a short drive west in your hire car from Denver to the best mountain viewpoints over the city, and the road up to Mount Evans includes plenty of picnic and photographic stops. As well as the panoramic views, there are plenty of opportunities here for you to go hiking, fishing, cycling or camping. Keep an eye out too for Rocky Mountain wildlife like mountain goats, snowy owls and marmots.

To the west of the city, you’ll find the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. It’s known as a stunning natural venue for major concerts but you’ll also find it’s the site of some memorable hiking and biking trails among the distinctive red sandstone formations.

Organise car hire in Denver to experience this spectacular beauty for yourself. Whether hiking or feasting, it's set to be an action-packed escape.