How to Visit Colorado’s National Parks Without a Rental Car

No rental car? You can still visit Colorado’s national parks — here’s how.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Closest town: Estes Park  

Access: Shuttle from Denver or DIA

Options:

- Estes Park Shuttle (~$60 one-way)

- Bustang summer route to Estes Park (limited schedule)

- Free town shuttles inside Estes

- RMNP Hiker Shuttle (requires reservation on recreation.gov)

Note: No personal car = must use shuttle to enter Bear Lake corridor

2. Mesa Verde National Park

Closest town: Durango  

Access: Fly into Durango or bus in via Bustang Outrider

No park shuttle = book a guided tour  

Tour companies in Durango offer full-day visits

3. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Closest town: Alamosa  

Access:

- Fly into Alamosa (limited flights)

- Bustang Outrider from Pueblo or Springs

From Alamosa:

- Book a tour

- Some local hotels or outfitters offer rides

4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Closest town: Montrose  

Access:

- Fly into Montrose (regional airport)

- Some lodges or tour companies offer drop-offs

No public shuttle = use a guide service or hotel transport

5. Transit Tools

Use:

- ridebustang.com (Bustang + Outrider)

- Estes Park Shuttle site

- Viator/GetYourGuide for local tours

- Google Maps transit layer

6. What You’ll Miss

- Sunrise access

- Trail Ridge Road + Million Dollar Hwy

- Remote trails

Still worth it? For sure — less stress, no icy driving, no rental fees.

7. Sample Itineraries

Option A:

- DIA → Estes Park

- Shuttle RMNP

- Return via Boulder

Option B:

- Fly to Durango

- Mesa Verde tour

- Chill in town + return via ABQ

Option C:

- Bustang to Alamosa

- Sand Dunes sunset + stargazing

8. Tips for Car-Free Park Trips

- Reserve all shuttles ahead

- Book early for guided tours

- Bring food, layers, water

- Don’t assume Uber works in rural zones

9. Final Tip

You can still have an epic Colorado adventure without ever turning a key. Book the shuttle, pack smart, and let the mountains do the rest.