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Activity Rocky Mountain National Park, USA

Rocky Mountain National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

4.2 (112 reviews) 2–4 hours Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Rocky Mountain National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

About this activity

Purchase only one tour per vehicle, not per person. Everyone listens together!

Take an unforgettable drive through Rocky Mountain National Park with this self-guided audio tour! These beautiful peaks are loaded with hiking trails and astonishing vistas, and this comprehensive tour will introduce you to all of them. Visit stunning lakes and mountain passes, hear the history of the remarkable women who helped create the park, and learn about the Ute tribe and their legends. And, of course, don’t forget to snap a few photos along the way!

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

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At a glance

Duration
2–4 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–4
Audio guide
English
Written guide
English
Operated by
Travel with Action

What is included

Included

  • Included: Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
  • Included: Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
  • Included: Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
  • Included: Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
  • Included: Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
  • Included: Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
  • Included: One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
  • Included: Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
  • Included: Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
  • Included: Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.

Not included

  • Not included: No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1

    one hour

    Up next are Beaver Ponds, featuring an easy boardwalk through secluded, very pretty wetlands.

    Note: The tour is over 40+ miles long, with more than 60+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

    New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

  2. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center

    Passing by

    Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, also known as Rocky Mountain National Park Administration Building, is the park headquarters and principal visitors center of Rocky Mountain National Park in central northern Colorado.

  3. Deer Mountain

    Passing by

    The first hiking trail you'll reach is the Deer Mountain Trailhead, which leads up 1,000 feet to some spectacular views from a mountainous summit.

  4. Rocky Mountain National Park

    Passing by

    Welcome to Rocky Mountain National Park! This tour will take you through the most picturesque stretch of this majestic mountain range. Get ready for stunning vistas, lush meadows, and prime wildlife-spotting!

  5. Stop 5

    5 min

    After that is Hidden Valley, a boreal forest with some of the hardiest flora in the country.

  6. Many Parks Curve Overlook

    Passing by

    You'll arrive next at the Many Parks Curve Overlook, which offers stunning views of not one or two but three gorgeous mountain meadows.

  7. Stop 7

    Passing by

    The next overlook you'll reach is Rainbow Curve Overlook, which sits right at the altitude beyond which most trees can no longer grow. Suffice to say it boasts some pretty incredible views!

  8. Ute Trail

    Passing by

    At the next trail, the Ute Trailhead, you'll learn about the Ute tribe which once called the Rockies home.

  9. Forest Canyon Overlook

    Passing by

    Continuing on, you'll come to the Forest Canyon Overlook, featuring a vista from 12,000 feet up. You'll also get some facts about the Arapaho tribe while taking in the views.

  10. Stop 10

    Passing by

    Your route takes you next to the Lava Cliffs Overlook. You might not think "lava" when you think of the Rocky Mountains, but these 28 million year-old cliffs are sure to change your mind about that!

  11. Stop 11

    Passing by

    Next, you'll arrive at the Gore Range Overlook. This ominously-named range gets its name from the deep red coloring it takes on at certain times of the day, and you might just catch sight of that striking image while visiting!

  12. Alpine Visitor Center

    Passing by

    You'll pass the Alpine Visitor Center next. This isn't just a great place to stop for snacks and restrooms, it's also the highest-elevation visitor center in any US national park!

  13. Stop 13

    Passing by

    At the Medicine Bow Curve, up next, you won't want to leave your camera in the car! This vista is so high up you can see the state of Wyoming from it!

  14. Stop 14

    Passing by

    Ever seen an alpine lake? That's next, at Poudre Lake. This lake is so high up that it freezes all the way through, top to bottom, each winter.

  15. Stop 15

    Passing by

    Continuing on, you'll arrive at Fairview Curve Viewpoint, offering an excellent look at the Never Summer Mountain Range.

  16. Stop 16

    one hour

    The next trail leads to some great views of the famous Colorado River. Here, you'll also learn some of that river's surprising history.

  17. Stop 17

    Passing by

    The road you'll follow throughout the park wasn't built in a day, and your next stop, the Timber Creek Road Camp Barn, provides a glimpse into the ambitious construction project's past.

  18. Stop 18

    Passing by

    More history waits ahead, at the Holzwarth Historic Site. Once the home of a small family, this became one of the nation's first dude ranches before the area was a national park.

  19. Stop 19

    Passing by

    Up next is the Bowen/Baker Trailhead, marking the start of one of the park's longest trails. Experienced hikers looking for a challenge will definitely want to check this one out!

  20. Stop 20

    Passing by

    The next trail, the Coyote Valley Trail, is a great choice for hikers looking for an easier, shorter journey. This trek also has opportunities for fishing!

  21. Stop 21

    Passing by

    The Ute and the Arapaho weren't the only tribes to call the Rockies home. You'll learn about another, the Onahu, at the Onahu Trailhead up next.

  22. Grand Lake

    5 min

    The main tour concludes in the town of Grand Lake, which has all the amenities you'll need after a long, rewarding day in the Rockies.

  23. Moraine Park Museum

    Passing by

    If you chose to take the Bear Lake detour, you'll come first to the Moraine Park Amphitheater, which dates all the way back to the park's earliest days.

  24. Moraine Park Museum

    Passing by

    At Moraine Park, up next, you'll have the opportunity for some seriously scenic horseback riding.

  25. Bear Lake Trailhead

    Passing by

    After that you'll come to Cub Lake Trailhead, where you'll learn about the lasting damage caused by wildfires within the park.

  26. Fern Lake

    Passing by

    Beyond that is Fern Lake Trailhead, the perfect stop for hikers looking for a bit of peace and quiet away from the crowds.

  27. Stop 27

    5 min

    As you follow the route, you'll find it hard to miss Eagle Cliff Mountain, named for the golden eagles and bald eagles which can frequently be seen in this area.

  28. Eagle Cliff Mountain

    Passing by

    Looking for a picturesque picnic spot? You'll find it next, at Hollowell Park.

  29. Stop 29

    one hour

    A relaxing destination with many picnic tables and excellent views of Mill Creek Basin below Longs Peak.

  30. Sprague Lake

    Passing by

    Continuing on, you'll come to Sprague Lake, one of the best spots in the entire park to catch the sunrise. If you can get here early enough, it's highly recommended!

  31. Stop 31

    Passing by

    After that is the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead. This lake is every bit as beautiful as Sprague Lake, and tends to have fewer visitors, so be sure to stop by if you want to enjoy a bit of wilderness solitude.

  32. Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead

    Passing by

    The next trail, at Glacier Gorge Junction, offers a great trek through the park's famous quaking aspens. These iconic aspens are among the hardiest trees around!

  33. Bear Lake

    Passing by

    Finally, you'll arrive at Bear Lake. This immense lake is a phenomenal spot to end your journey, get a few final photos, and bask in the pristine beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Start near the Grand Lake Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Rd, Grand Lake, CO. If approaching northbound, the Visitor Center will be on your right. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with the Visitor Center. Audio plays automatically—check your email/text for details.

  • Start near the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center at 1000 US Hwy 36, Estes Park, CO, with the Visitor Center parking lot as a reference. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with the Visitor Center. Audio plays automatically—check your email/text for details.

End point

Using your ticket

IGNORE THE QR CODE ABOVE

The QR code CANNOT be presented for a ticket onsite.

The QR simply contains your tour access instructions. Please follow these instructions BEFORE you’re onsite because they require WiFi/signal.

1. Download my Action Tour Guide app:

actiontourguide.com/app

2. Sign in/ register with your email (this is will automatically generate a one-time verification sent to your email. That code is NOT your tour password).

3. Go to “My Tours” and select “Enter Password”. Find your password in the instructions email sent by “Action Tour Guide” to you by email and text.

4. Download your tour NOW. Do not wait until you are onsite.

BEFORE YOU START

This is a self-guided audio tour. No guide will meet you.

Entrance tickets, attraction tickets, parking, and transportation are not included.

Your tour has lifetime access with no expiry. Use it on any date—no need to change your booking date.

For walking tours, we recommend headphones.

See how it works: actiontourguide.com/tutorial

NEED HELP?

Setup: actiontourguide.com/redeem

FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq

Call: 1-508-506-1844

Email: [email protected]

Important Note:

  • In 2026, a timed entry reservation is required to enter and visit all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park from May 22 to mid-October during certain hours. For details, visit https://www.nps.gov/timed-entry-permit-system.htm.
  • Note for International Visitors: Starting in 2026, this park will have additional fees for non-residents. Visit NPS.gov for details.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • From May 22 through October 12, 2026, a timed-entry reservation is required for most areas of Rocky Mountain National Park between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The Bear Lake Road Corridor requires a Timed Entry+ reservation from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM through October 18, 2026. A park entrance pass is also required.

  • Trail Ridge Road usually closes to through travel from mid-October through late May due to winter conditions. The winter audio-tour route remains available from the park’s east entrance. Check current road conditions before your visit.

  • Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.

  • Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.

  • At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.

  • Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.

  • Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.

  • More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.

  • Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.

  • Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.

  • Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.

  • Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.

  • The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.

Traveller ratings

4.2 out of 5 · 112 reviews
5
57%
4
21%
3
9%
2
8%
1
5%

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Rocky Mountain National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

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