Silver Summit Jeep FAQ's
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Silver Summit Jeep FAQ's
"With Over 700 Miles of Spectacular High Country Roads!
Where Do We Drive the Jeeps?
When you come in to pick up your Jeep, we will give you a map and provide you with suggestions based upon your interests and your experience. We also sell guidebooks and additional maps to some of the most popular routes. For example, the Alpine Loop is the only nationally designated four-wheel drive byway in the United States. We have a separate guidebook for this spectacular loop that takes you to the Town of Lake City and back.
Another popular loop is the Ophir-Imogene Loop that takes you to Telluride and Ouray and back. Again, we sell a separate guide book for this loop. Some people want to explore the less traveled routes, and we are happy to discuss all routes with you.
When you come in to pick up your Jeep, we will give you a map and provide you with suggestions based upon your interests and your experience. We also sell guidebooks and additional maps to some of the most popular routes. For example, the Alpine Loop is the only nationally designated four-wheel drive byway in the United States. We have a separate guidebook for this spectacular loop that takes you to the Town of Lake City and back.
Another popular loop is the Ophir-Imogene Loop that takes you to Telluride and Ouray and back. Again, we sell a separate guide book for this loop. Some people want to explore the less traveled routes, and we are happy to discuss all routes with you.
How Long Is a Rental Day? How Much Time Should I Plan For?
If you're staying in Silverton the night before your actual rental day, you may pick your Jeep up at 5:30 PM. If you do not pick the Jeep up the evening before your rental day, you may pick the Jeep up at 8:00AM on the rental day. All vehicles must be returned by 5:00PM on the last rental day.
This year we are also offering a Jeep rental day that begins at 12:30PM and requires return of the vehicle by 12:00 noon, the following day. This Jeep rental day is designed to accommodate those people traveling to Silverton on the Train and staying the night and then taking a return train the next day. At this time, we are dedicating only one Jeep to this program, so if you are interested, please make your reservation early.
If you're staying in Silverton the night before your actual rental day, you may pick your Jeep up at 5:30 PM. If you do not pick the Jeep up the evening before your rental day, you may pick the Jeep up at 8:00AM on the rental day. All vehicles must be returned by 5:00PM on the last rental day.
This year we are also offering a Jeep rental day that begins at 12:30PM and requires return of the vehicle by 12:00 noon, the following day. This Jeep rental day is designed to accommodate those people traveling to Silverton on the Train and staying the night and then taking a return train the next day. At this time, we are dedicating only one Jeep to this program, so if you are interested, please make your reservation early.
What Are the Requirements to Drive a Jeep?
You may have as many drivers as you wish. However, each driver must possess a valid driver's license and provide proof of full coverage insurance. In addition, each driver must have a credit card in his/her name for security, and be at least 25 years of age.
You may have as many drivers as you wish. However, each driver must possess a valid driver's license and provide proof of full coverage insurance. In addition, each driver must have a credit card in his/her name for security, and be at least 25 years of age.
What types of Jeeps do you rent?
All equipped with 6 cylinder engines and heavy duty tires. They come in stick shift or automatic transmission versions, as well as hard top or "rag top" versions. You may take the top down on a "rag top", if you wish.
All equipped with 6 cylinder engines and heavy duty tires. They come in stick shift or automatic transmission versions, as well as hard top or "rag top" versions. You may take the top down on a "rag top", if you wish.
Do I Need Reservations?
Reservations are highly recommended. During the middle of the season, you may not be able to rent a Jeep without a reservation. There are times in July and August when we have more requests for Jeeps than we have Jeeps. As one of the largest Jeep rental agencies in Colorado, we will do our best to accommodate you, however, we do appreciate reservations.
Reservations are highly recommended. During the middle of the season, you may not be able to rent a Jeep without a reservation. There are times in July and August when we have more requests for Jeeps than we have Jeeps. As one of the largest Jeep rental agencies in Colorado, we will do our best to accommodate you, however, we do appreciate reservations.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Jeep?
Jeep Wrangler rental (2 Door Model): $190.00* per day.
Jeep Wrangler rental (4 Door Model): Call for details.
You also must fill the tank before returning the Jeep.
We offer optional tire damage and collision damage waivers.
Tax is an additional 12.4%. *Rates subject to change.
Jeep Wrangler rental (2 Door Model): $190.00* per day.
Jeep Wrangler rental (4 Door Model): Call for details.
You also must fill the tank before returning the Jeep.
We offer optional tire damage and collision damage waivers.
Tax is an additional 12.4%. *Rates subject to change.
What Do I Need to Bring?
You must bring your vehicle insurance card, showing that you have full coverage insurance.
Bring coats (you will be in the mountains), camera, binoculars, and munchies.
Wranglers do not accommodate large ice chests. If you use the back seat for passengers, please bring a "6-pack" style ice chest.
If you are renting a Wrangler, you can stop for lunch at a restaurant in Telluride, Ouray or Lake City.
You must bring your vehicle insurance card, showing that you have full coverage insurance.
Bring coats (you will be in the mountains), camera, binoculars, and munchies.
Wranglers do not accommodate large ice chests. If you use the back seat for passengers, please bring a "6-pack" style ice chest.
If you are renting a Wrangler, you can stop for lunch at a restaurant in Telluride, Ouray or Lake City.
What If I Get Lost?
Three hours late is the latest we have ever had anyone return a Jeep. As long as you stay on the Alpine Loop or the Ophir-Imogene Loop there are plenty of Jeeps to ask for directions if you are unsure of your position. If you get lost on one of the less traveled routes, just head downhill. You will end up at one of the towns surrounding the San Juan Triangle.
Can I Ride the Train and Pick Up a Jeep?
Yes.
This year we are making available one Jeep with the rental period beginning at 12:30PM and ending the next day at 12:00 noon. This will allow you to ride the Train, pick up your Jeep, stay overnight in Silverton, and then return to Durango the next day.
Remember, you can also originate your Train ride in Silverton, travel by Train to Durango, and then take the a special train bus back to Silverton.
Yes.
This year we are making available one Jeep with the rental period beginning at 12:30PM and ending the next day at 12:00 noon. This will allow you to ride the Train, pick up your Jeep, stay overnight in Silverton, and then return to Durango the next day.
Remember, you can also originate your Train ride in Silverton, travel by Train to Durango, and then take the a special train bus back to Silverton.
Can I drop off the Jeep at another location?
No. All Jeeps must be returned from the location rented.
This season we anticipate having only one location open, our Silverton location.
No. All Jeeps must be returned from the location rented.
This season we anticipate having only one location open, our Silverton location.
Why should I rent a Jeep instead of an ATV.?
There are a few reasons. First, a Jeep generally rents for much less than an ATV. Also, a Jeep is more versatile. You can easily run the Ophir-Imogene Loop and the Alpine Loop in a Jeep. Because of current restrictions, this is not possible in an ATV. Also, if you put the top up, a Jeep will keep you much drier in the rain and you will eat less dust in dry weather.
There are a few reasons. First, a Jeep generally rents for much less than an ATV. Also, a Jeep is more versatile. You can easily run the Ophir-Imogene Loop and the Alpine Loop in a Jeep. Because of current restrictions, this is not possible in an ATV. Also, if you put the top up, a Jeep will keep you much drier in the rain and you will eat less dust in dry weather.
What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
You may cancel without penalty prior to 48 hours in advance of your rental pick up.
After this time you will be charged for the first day of your rental.
You may cancel without penalty prior to 48 hours in advance of your rental pick up.
After this time you will be charged for the first day of your rental.
When Is The Best Time to Visit Silverton?
Our season begins May 15 and ends October 15. Some parts of the Jeep roads are almost always open by May 15 and the Alpine Loop is usually open by Memorial Day weekend. Snow conditions determine how soon roads can open. Our County plows the Jeep roads and is almost always the first County to have the Jeep roads open. By early June most roads are open and remain open (with occasional closures in late September) through the end of the season.
The busiest part of the season is from July 4th through August 15th. If you can come before or after these dates, you will be rewarded with less crowded conditions.
The early part of the season is unique because the mountains are just awakening from winter. Snow is on the mountain tops and you can almost always find a snow field to play on. Wildlife is moving back up into the mountains and the patient visitor is usually treated to seeing wildlife in its natural environment.
The middle of the season is resplendent in wildflowers. However, along with the wildflowers come people. This is our busiest time, however, compared to most locations in the United States, you will probably consider us under populated (remember we are somewhat prejudiced by the fact that there are only 500 year round residents in our entire county). If you desire seclusion, come earlier or later. However, if you do not mind a few people, this is a beautiful time of the year.
The end of the season (from August 15th) is a well kept secret. The weather is usually beautiful. August 15th through the middle of September offers some of the best Jeeping. All the roads are usually open, and very few people are competing with you for the best views.
Starting in the middle of September the weather turns cooler. With this cooler weather comes fall colors. If you have never been in Colorado during fall colors, you have really missed something extraordinary.
Our season begins May 15 and ends October 15. Some parts of the Jeep roads are almost always open by May 15 and the Alpine Loop is usually open by Memorial Day weekend. Snow conditions determine how soon roads can open. Our County plows the Jeep roads and is almost always the first County to have the Jeep roads open. By early June most roads are open and remain open (with occasional closures in late September) through the end of the season.
The busiest part of the season is from July 4th through August 15th. If you can come before or after these dates, you will be rewarded with less crowded conditions.
The early part of the season is unique because the mountains are just awakening from winter. Snow is on the mountain tops and you can almost always find a snow field to play on. Wildlife is moving back up into the mountains and the patient visitor is usually treated to seeing wildlife in its natural environment.
The middle of the season is resplendent in wildflowers. However, along with the wildflowers come people. This is our busiest time, however, compared to most locations in the United States, you will probably consider us under populated (remember we are somewhat prejudiced by the fact that there are only 500 year round residents in our entire county). If you desire seclusion, come earlier or later. However, if you do not mind a few people, this is a beautiful time of the year.
The end of the season (from August 15th) is a well kept secret. The weather is usually beautiful. August 15th through the middle of September offers some of the best Jeeping. All the roads are usually open, and very few people are competing with you for the best views.
Starting in the middle of September the weather turns cooler. With this cooler weather comes fall colors. If you have never been in Colorado during fall colors, you have really missed something extraordinary.