Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Small Group Tour

4.9 (497 reviews) 8 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

497 reviews

4.9

Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Small Group Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Small Group Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore towering alpine peaks, high-elevation tundra, abundant wildlife, and Colorado’s most celebrated national park—all in one expertly guided day. Begin in Boulder, framed by the iconic Flatirons, before traveling through the foothills to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy a stop at the historic Stanley Hotel before continuing into the park, where alpine forests and lakes, summer wildflowers, golden aspens in fall, and abundant wildlife create an ever-changing landscape. Watch for elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, moose, marmots, and other native species along the way. Your professional guide brings the scenery to life with engaging stories about the park’s history, geology, flora, and fauna. From scenic overlooks and alpine valleys to the heights of Trail Ridge Road, (in the winter, sections of road are closed, and we make alternative stops) experience sweeping Continental Divide views and dramatic alpine scenery before returning through the foothills.

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Small Group Excellent Quality Likely To Sell Out

At a glance

Duration: 8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 14 people
People per booking: 1–14
Guide: English
Operated by: Explorer Tours

Ages: Adults (8–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled water
Included: Small Group Transportation 15 Passenger Van
Included: Entrance fees: National Park Entrance Fee (Foreign Visitor of $100 Not Included)
Included: Professional Driver/Guide
Included: Picnic lunch, sandwich, salad or other with chips

Not included

Not included: Gratuities (15%-18% recommended)
Not included: Government fees: $100 Non US Citizen Entrance Fee - At the discretion of the National Park Service to check IDs (they haven't made a practice with tour operators)

Itinerary

Flatirons

Passing by

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

Passing by

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.
Lyons

Passing by

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.
Chapel on the Rock

15 min Admission included

Built directly into a massive granite boulder, officially St. Catherine of Siena Chapel is one of Colorado’s most distinctive small landmarks, combining nearly a century of history with a setting that draws visitors of all faiths passing through on their way to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park

2 hours

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

one hour Admission included

Trail Ridge Road is the most popular route among tourists and interestingly, filled with scenic stops in the Park. i
Fall River Visitor Center

20 min Admission included

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

Passing by

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.
Chrysalis At the Stanley Hotel

20 min

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The meeting point is in front of Lucky’s Bakehouse (NOT the market). Please arrive by 9:35 AM; pickup is 9:40–9:50 AM. TEXT 720-556-6164 at least 48 hours prior to confirm Boulder pickup. If we don't confirm, don't assume it's noted. If you're not there by 9:35 AM, we will NOT WAIT.
The meeting point is in front of the Blue Bear sculpture, outside the main entrance of the Colorado Convention Center.

End point

The meeting point is in front of Lucky’s Bakehouse (NOT the market). Please arrive by 9:35 AM; pickup is 9:40–9:50 AM. TEXT 720-556-6164 at least 48 hours prior to confirm Boulder pickup. If we don't confirm, don't assume it's noted. If you're not there by 9:35 AM, we will NOT WAIT.
The meeting point is in front of the Blue Bear sculpture, outside the main entrance of the Colorado Convention Center.

Using your ticket

**MEETING LOCATION** - The Colorado Convention Center, Blue Bear sculpture.

**TEXT LUNCH PREFERENCE** - This tour comes with a choice of a Turkey + Swiss, Turkey + Pepper Jack, Roast Beef + Provolone, Turkey or Roast Beef (no cheese), Tuna Salad, Vegetarian with Hummus, Gluten-Free Salad, Gluten-Free Bar, and Fruit. Please send us a message with your lunch preference via Viator, TripAdvisor, Text or What'sApp at 720-556-6164.

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%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
**LUNCH 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 in 15 passenger van.
Recommend clothing layers for cooler temperatures and inclement weather.
Guests who will be using an assistive device such as a scooter or walker, please contact us prior to your tout to ensure our vehicle has accommodating space.
For nearby Convention Center Parking visit spothero website and type in the Convention Center address 700 14th St
This is an sightseeing tour, NOT a hiking tour.