Our most recommended things to do in Estes Park

Estes Park: Rocky Mountain National Park Safari Tour

1. Estes Park: Rocky Mountain National Park Safari Tour

Your unforgettable tour will start in the historic downtown Estes Park at 7500 feet above sea level. It will take you through lowland meadows and aspen groves, along swift flowing rivers to mountain lakes and into the tundra above 12000 feet in elevation. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park as your professional guide narrates your journey along the way, ensuring an incredible experience. This tour will include going to the highest part of Trail Ridge Road, stopping at a waterfall, wildlife viewing, and the historic one-way road, Old Fall River Road, when open.

Ruttin' around Elk tour

2. Ruttin' around Elk tour

Fall in the Rockies is a truly magical time of year. As the weather cools and the Aspen trees begin to change colors, the bull elk begin to strut around in the hopes of mating, also referred to as the “Elk Rut”. Enjoy the magical sunset, and mystical mating ritual of the elk during a sunset Green Jeep excursion. The “Ruttin’ Around” tour showcases the elk rut in beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. In addition to the spectacular scenery, you will also have the benefit of an experienced, knowledgeable guide.

From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and Lunch

3. From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and Lunch

Explore the Rocky Mountain National Park on this day trip from Denver. See nature at its finest as you take in unspoiled views and magnificent peaks. Cruise down Trail Edge Road and through Estes Park in a comfortable and airconditioned van. Stop for a nice picnic in a stunning natural setting.  Meet your local guide at the Denver Union Station and climb aboard a spacious van with plenty of legroom. Sit back and relax on the drive to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Take in views of the city of Boulder on the drive.  Stop to see the iconic Flatirons red-rock formation. Admire views of this 300-million-year-old wonder that lies in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Feel as though you are on top of the world as you cruise down Trail Edge Road which offers plenty of opportunities for capturing breathtaking photos. Indulge in delicious picnic lunch as you enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains in the background. Visit the Stanley Hotel which was made famous as the shooting location for Stephen King's film 'The Shining.' Encounter marvelous views of the Rocky Mountains as you drive through Estes Park. Return to your meeting point in Denver at the end of your Rocky Mountain adventure. 

Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Tour with Picnic Lunch

4. Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Tour with Picnic Lunch

Immerse yourself in the spectacular sights of Rocky Mountain National Park with a guided day trip from Denver. Hike the park trails while watching for local wildlife such as elk, eagles, and marmots. Savor a picnic lunch and discover alpine lakes and waterfalls. Begin your tour by meeting your guide at the designated pickup point and drive into Rocky Mountain National Park in an air-conditioned van. Admire incredible mountain views as you head deeper into the park, stopping at the scenic panoramic overlook at Many Parks Curve, a hairpin turn on Trail Ridge Road. Proceed to Horseshoe Park to discover a staggering alluvial fan, a naturally made deposit of water-transported material. Explore several short trails, watch for native wildlife such as elk and deer, traverse wide meadows, and wander by waterfalls, alpine lakes, and fragile alpine tundra. Take a break from hiking for a picnic lunch. Enjoy one last glance at the expansive forests, sprawling meadows, and towering mountains before driving back to your pickup location. Visit the village's art galleries and The Stanley Hotel, best known for inspiring the novel "The Shining" by Steven King.

From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Fall/Winter Tour

5. From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Fall/Winter Tour

Get to know the wild side of Denver, with a tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Take the day to walk through the stunning mountain and valley scenes, spotting wildlife and touring around a glacier lake. Delight in a meal and shopping in Estes Park, then catchup on local history at the Stanley Hotel. Arrive at the Rocky Mountain National Park and allow yourself to explore the diverse natural beauty of Colorado. Walk the snowy paths, and catch sight of elk grazing on rich grasses in Moraine Park. Then, gaze at the mountains and park views at Many Parks Curve. Explore the nature-made Alluvial Fan in Horseshoe Park, and meander through the mountain village of Estes Park, admiring artwork, shops, and the leisurely pace of discovery. Grab some lunch in the village, and continue through the day to learn more about the power of Mother Nature. Make a visit to the Historic Stanley Hotel, and experience this manor-style hotel. Who knows, maybe you'll find it so inviting, you'll book a night or two in the glacial mountains.

Rocky Mountain | Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

6. Rocky Mountain | Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Rocky Mountain National Park boasts the very best of what Colorado and the Rocky Mountains has to offer: unbelievably scenic mountains, awesome hiking and superb wildlife viewing. Flexible Tour: Follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. Major Highlights: Alpine Visitor Center Bear Lake Estes Park Grand Lake Holzwarth Historic Site Lava Cliffs Mushroom Rocks Old Fall River Road Overlooks: Many Parks, Rainbow Curve & Forest Canyon Sprague Lake The Stanley Trail Ridge Road Includes: Rocky Mountain National Park Created with the driving visitor in mind, Rocky Mountain National Park has an outstanding and picturesque scenic drive, climbing above the tree-line to 12,000 feet, surrounded by towering Colorado peaks on the Trail Ridge and Old Falls Roads. Nowhere else in the country can you drive a scenic route that brings you above the treeline and into the alpine tundra for 11 miles, peaking at altitudes over 12,000 feet. There are many scenic viewpoints including Rainbow Curve Outlook and Mushroom Rocks overlooks along the driving route, and easy, accessible trails at Sprague and Bear Lakes. Or you may want to follow the historic route that the earliest visitors drove in their Stanley Steamers or Model T’s on the Old Fall River Road. Along the drive, you'll hear all about the “Father of Rocky Mountain National Park” and the other influential characters who fought and invested heavily to preserve this area. But many visitors are drawn by the excellent wildlife watching opportunities. Especially during the Fall rut when male bull elk and moose are fending off rivals vocally and physically. The audio tour will point out the best locations to keep watch and increase your chances. This is a truly unique experience that has thrilled drivers and passengers since the 1920s.

Colorado: Rocky Mountains National Park Hike to Dream Lake

7. Colorado: Rocky Mountains National Park Hike to Dream Lake

Enjoy a sunrise hike in the Rocky Mountain National Park and walk through a forest of Christmas trees. Marvel at the view of Dream Lake, a high alpine lake, and the spectacular peaks above it. Have some professional photos taken as a souvenir of your adventure. Meet your tour guide outside the park early in the morning, and then follow them into the park in your own vehicle. Put on your snow showers and begin your hike, which is roughly 2.2 miles (3.5 km) long. Reach an elevation of 500 ft (152 meters). Afterward, walk on the frozen ice of Dream Lake. Next, take in the amazing scenery, and pose for some professional, high-quality digital photos of your experience.

Rocky Mountain National Park: Driving Audio Tour App

8. Rocky Mountain National Park: Driving Audio Tour App

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 40+ miles-long tour covers the essentials of Rocky Mountain Park in 2-3 hours. Experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park with this audio tour that works offline. Use the live GPS to learn more about historical sites, natural landscapes, and the people who have lived in this area. Start at the Estes Park entrance and travel toward sparkling Bear Lake. Pass numerous hiking trails to smaller lakes like Fern Lake and Bierstadt Lake. Make as many stops or take as many detours as you like. Reach Deer Mountain Trailhead. Head to Beaver Ponds which has a boardwalk through a unique wetland biome. Travel to Hidden Valley and Marvel at the views of lush glacial meadows at Many Parks Curve Overlook. Hear about the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Uncover the buried history of the Ute tribe and listen to a Ute story. Go by the Roger Toll Memorial. Tour at your own pace and let your audio guide reveal all this and more as you drive along.

RMNP Winter SUV tour

9. RMNP Winter SUV tour

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park on a guided tour from Estes Park. Take a short hike or two and see fast-flowing snow melt, waterfalls, and glaciers. Enjoy coffee, hot drinks, and a variety on board. Learn all about the science and history of the Rockies and its animals with your guide. Travel up the famous Old Fall River Road ( when road is open), which is the original high alpine road that opened in 1920 and is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Journeying across Trail Ridge Road , the highest continuous paved road in North America, reaching the highest point on the road at 12,183 feet (when road is open to that point) Get spectacular views from inside the panoramic SUV, and above the tree line. If Old Fall River Road is closed for the season, hit the Trail Ridge Road to go both up and down the mountain, with the highest point accessible being the turnaround point. Travel to the coveted Bear Lake Corridor, explore some of the beautiful meadows and possibly wildlife this amazing corridor has to offer.

Denver’s Nature Escape: Rocky Mountain National Park

10. Denver’s Nature Escape: Rocky Mountain National Park

Embark on an immersive 8-hour private tour that commences in Denver, offering a seamless journey to the captivating landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park. With private transportation at your service, you’ll discover the natural wonders that await. Begin your experience at the serene Lily Lake, where tranquility and scenic beauty converge. Journey onward to Estes Park, a charming mountain town that exudes character and offers a glimpse into the local culture. The awe-inspiring Trail Ridge Road beckons as you ascend to elevated heights, granting panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. At Rocky Mountain National Park, immerse yourself in the splendor of diverse landscapes, from alpine lakes to majestic forests. Engage in light hiking and exploration, capturing the essence of this cherished wilderness. With knowledgeable guidance and comfortable transport, this private tour promises an unforgettable journey through the stunning beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

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What people are saying about Estes Park

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 220 reviews

Don’t even hesitate - this is one of the best tours I’ve ever taken! The Rocky Mountains are truly stunning in winter. Emily our tour guide was wonderful, had so many interesting facts to share and had boundless energy. The stop at the Stanley Hotel was a cool extra addition!

Nick was a great guide for our 3 hour trip up to Trail Ridge. I wouldn’t have been able to drive it myself with the hair pin turns. Nick provided great information about Rocky Mountain Park and played great music while on our way back from the tour.

I enjoyed seeing Rocky Mountain National Park and all of the cute towns that surround it. Our guide Will was very knowledgeable and had plenty of great stories to tell us.

this was a great way to learn more about the park, it's history, and geology. it was just the right amount of information, easy to use, stop, restart

Brian was great. The views were amazing. The only thing that could have helped was telling people to met at the flag pole. Worth the money!!!!!!