Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tour
Description
Explore towering alpine peaks, high-elevation tundra, and Colorado’s most celebrated national park—all in one expertly guided day. Begin your journey in Boulder, framed by the iconic Flatirons, before traveling into the mountains toward Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Visit the historic The Stanley Hotel, surrounded by sweeping mountain views, before continuing into the park where alpine lakes, wildflowers in summer, and golden aspens in fall create a vibrant, ever-changing landscape. Travel in comfort with a professional guide who brings the scenery to life with stories of the park’s history, geology, flora, and fauna. From panoramic overlooks to the heights of Trail Ridge Road, experience Colorado at its most spectacular before returning through the foothills—an unforgettable Rocky Mountain adventure.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Flatirons are rock formations near Boulder, Colorado, consisting of flatirons. There are five large, numbered Flatirons ranging from north to south along the east slope of Green Mountain.
Boulder is a city at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. To the west, the trail-lined Flatirons are craggy rock formations overlooking the city. The University of Colorado Boulder campus is home to the Fiske Planetarium and the Museum of Natural History, with zoology and anthropology exhibits.
Hidden in the gently rolling foothills of Colorado is the small town of Lyons an under-the-radar adventure destination and the unofficial “Double Gateway to the Rockies.” For decades, thousands of people have passed through the small town en route to the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, which can be accessed via two scenic 30-minute routes that begin in Lyons.
Stanley Hotel, famous for its inspiration of the book and movie “The Shining. Some time in 1974, horror writer Stephen King and his wife Tabitha spent one night at the Stanley Hotel. At the time, King was struggling with Darkshine as the working title of his latest project.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the country's most visited parks. Inside the Park, 110 peaks reach as high as 11,000 feet in altitude, including the celebrated Longs Peak, which boasts a height of 14,260 feet. The beautiful scenery in this area can be viewed by car or on foot. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can also anticipate seeing a broad range of birds and animals in their natural habitat, as well as other unforgettable sites.
Trail Ridge Road is the most popular route among tourists and interestingly, it is North America's highest continuous paved roadway.
The Fall River Visitor Center offers one of the largest retail spaces in Rocky Mountain National Park, with an extensive selection of souvenirs, gifts, apparel, and locally inspired merchandise. Inside, you’ll also find engaging exhibits that highlight the park’s geology, wildlife, and high-alpine ecosystems—making it both a shopping destination and an educational stop.
Estes Park is a town in northern Colorado. It’s known as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park, home to wildlife including elk and bears, plus miles of trails.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- **LUNCH & LIGHT SNACKS INCLUDED** - This tour comes with a choice of a Turkey + Swiss, Turkey + Pepper Jack, Roast Beef + Provolone, Turkey & Roast Beef (no cheese), Tuna Salad, Gluten-Free Salad, Gluten-Free Bar and Fruit. Please send us a message via Viator/Tripadvisor with your lunch preference for all travelers in your group otherwise if we don't hear from you, a turkey sandwich will be provided.
- **MEETING LOCATION** - Colorado Convention Center, in front of Blue Bear sculpture
- Guests Ages 8+ No children under 8 unless it has been authorized by tour operator.
- Subject to weather conditions. If canceled due to weather conditions, an alternative date or full refund will be offered.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Small group tour.
- Recommend clothing layers for cooler temperatures and inclement weather.
Reviews(392)
Had an amazing guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park with Alexis! She was so friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience so fun and memorable. The views were incredible, and we learned so much along the way. Highly recommend Alexis and the tour! Thank you so much we had an amazing time with you and with the other people!!!
The van had maintenance issues (flat tire) so it was late picking us up but the guide/company was communicative with the group about the delay and gave a discount for the inconvenience, still providing the full 8 hour excursion. The trip itself was absolutely amazing! Eric got us out of the hot Denver heat (100 degrees) and into the cool mountain air, beating the crowds at each of our stops. He helped our group feel comfortable with each other and enjoy the day together. We were able to see some gorgeous deer with full majestic antlers, does and chipmunks. At the tallest point in the Rocky Mountain National Park that we visited, we spotted a colony of pika (Ochotona princeps) that were unusually active at about 2pm. They were SO ADORABLE with their cute little ears! Eric's knowledge and description of the environment and the history really added to the experience. If we traveled independently, it wouldn't be the same. With the 8 hour tour, our phone batteries were running low and he allowed us to charge them from the van which was super nice! At the end of the day, we airdropped our pictures to each other so we all got the best of the best, no matter which side of the van we were on! Breathtaking experience!
David was great Had a wonderful time
Fantastic tour day with David from Explorer Tours. He was not only knowledgeable about the national park we were visiting (and all the side quests) but also all the national parks in nearby states. Would definitely recommend.
Robert was our outstanding driver AND guide. He not only had safety as a number one priority, he provided a wealth of information as he drove. He did not ever look at a note. He has much knowledge and quick recall.
What a great way to see around Denver and learn about the Rocky Mountains. We loved seeing The Stanley Hotel! I would recommend this trip for first time Rocky Mountain visitors. This is a great tour to take when you first get there because then you will be able to decide, where else you wanna go for the rest of your trip. Our guide was funny, knowledgeable, and kept us entertained throughout the day. The lunch that was provided was absolutely delicious. Having a tour guide driving you around the mountains is beneficial because you’re able to enjoy the view more while not having to worry about driving. Again, our guide was great and I highly recommend this tour.
Robert was a wonderful tour guide. Knowledgeable of all things in the area. He ensured lots of stops were in the itinerary for photos, restrooms, and took the scenic routes. Overall a wonderful day
Great tour. Eric our tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful
This tour was fabulous!! Saw a moose, deer, many elk and the sceneries were breathtaking. Brian our tour guide was fabulous! He had so much knowledge everywhere we went and was so considerate of everyone.
Brian was amazing. Some guides talk way too much but he was perfectly balanced with good information but not overdoing it. The trip was gorgeous! Definite recommend.
