Top Estes Park Outdoor Activities

Kids 16 and under tour free Whether hiking to alpine lakes, capturing stunning landscapes, or bonding with your group, we create experiences you'll cherish forever. Our way of giving back to the community and visitors is by inspiring the next generation of wildlife and outdoor advocates. Discover the Rockies on a guided day hike. Enjoy scenic trails, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable adventures in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Explore the Rocky Mountains National Park on this tour in a custom 4x4 with blankets and a heater on board leaving from Estes Park. Enjoy stops for sledding and exploring, as you walk along a lake and to a waterfall. Listen as your guide tells you all about the history of the local area as well as its flora and fauna.

Explore the landscape of Colorado, and take the guesswork out of navigating its terrain, on this small-group tour of Rocky Mountain National Park in a safari-style off-road vehicle. Depending on weather conditions and time of year, journey along the scenic Old Fall River Road and Trail Ridge Road to reach the Alpine Visitor Center. Along the way up and down, take in panoramic views and make stops at photogenic spots.

Leave the guidebook behind and spend an afternoon exploring Rocky Mountain National Park with a local historian and naturalist with decades of experience. This private afternoon tour can be customized based on your interests and is an ideal introduction to the massive park, which can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Get wildlife viewing tips and learn about the area’s pioneer and Native American history along the way.

Immerse yourself in Rocky Mountain National Park’s spectacular landscape with miles of rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, and abundant wildlife. On this private tour, take a scenic drive and cover more ground in less time with a step-on guide. A fully customized itinerary allows you to make stops for photo opportunities and hiking.

We offer private, fully customizable hiking tours of Rocky Mountain National Park. Take a guided hike to see the best the area has to offer. You follow our guide to the trailhead (in your own vehicle) to begin your hike. All tours include a timed entry reservation, gear rentals, and 5 professional photos available for digital download. (Ask about our add-on package for more photos!) We offer fully inclusive and accessible options as well. Great for solo travelers or the whole family and all ability levels. We will text you to build your custom itinerary after we receive your booking request. 4 hour: Easy/Beginner 6 hour: Medium/Intermediate 8 hour: Hard/Advanced

Embark on a unique 4x4 photo adventure amidst the majestic Rockies, offering unparalleled views at a leisurely pace. Our guided safari tour follows an authentic 1860’s wagon trail through Roosevelt National Forest, leading to our private panoramic viewing tower boasting vistas stretching over 100 miles! Feel the thrill as you glide over water bars in our highly modified 4x4s, complete with stadium seating and open tops for an immersive experience. Rain gear is provided, including full-body suits called Frog Toggs, ensuring your comfort regardless of the weather. Take a break at our private pavilion for restroom facilities and indulge in a relaxing food and beverage interlude. Capture unforgettable moments of "The Mummy," "The Bear Tree," and ancient Aspens along the way. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a nature enthusiast, this adventure promises cherished memories for the whole family. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey into the heart of Colorado's wilderness!

Climb from the streets of the "Mile High City" to Rocky Mountain National Park, on a day trip that showcases the rugged beauty of Colorado's mountains. Weave through small, historic towns and drive over alpine passes, as you scan the horizon for mountain wildlife such as elk, black bears, or moose.

Make the most of your visit to the Rocky Mountains with a photo-focussed 4x4 tour of Estes Park. In addition to capturing incredible views en route, you will learn about the history of the park, starting with the iconic 1909 Stanley Hotel. Watch the surroundings change as you ascend by 12,0000 feet (3,658 metres), crossing three ecosystems, and look out for wildlife such as Moose, Elk and Deer.

The basecamp to Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park offers unlimited high-elevation adventure—and with this tour, you’ll see that for yourself, *without* breaking a sweat. Following your guide, you’ll set off on an e-bike, traveling from the famous Stanley Hotel to downtown Estes to Rocky Mountain and more, getting to know this mountain town in the open air.

If you just have a few hours, make the most of your time inside Rocky Mountain National Park on a private morning tour. Get in early to avoid the crowds, and maximize your chances of seeing the park’s famous wildlife with a naturalist guide who knows the best viewing locations. Plus, learn about the cultural history of the Estes Park area for added context on this memorable morning safari.

Planning a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park can be overwhelming, but this private tour from Estes Park showcases the park’s amazing wildlife and scenery without the stress of logistics. See the best mountain views and increase your chances of wildlife sightings, plus explore highlights outside the park like Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. Your private guide can customize the route based on your interests and add any extra stops along the way.

Explore the stunning beauty of the Rocky Mountains like never before on our guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park! This self-guided audio tour will take you on a journey through the park's iconic peaks, and stunning alpine lakes, with views of breathtaking wildlife. Turn your phone into a personal guide as we share fascinating insights into the park's geology, ecology, and history. With stops at multiple viewpoints and scenic overlooks, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the park's stunning vistas and capture unforgettable photos. The tour provides directions, stories, music, and travel tips - all in the comfort of your own vehicle. It's like having a tour guide along for the ride. We've done all the planning, so you don't have to! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Riding an Ebike around Lake Estes is one of the most popular things to do in Estes Park. You're almost guaranteed to encounter elk along the way and the beautiful views are around every corner. The bike path starts at Backbone Adventures and loops right back to us. Bring the whole family, we have kids bikes, tag alongs, and toddler carts. Don't forget your phone. You're going to find all kinds of picture points.

With this private tour, experience one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most famous events in worry-free, VIP style. Picked up from Estes Park, your driver/guide whisks you off into nature to see hundreds of elk coming down from the mountaintops. Drive along high alpine roads, stop at one of the highest visitor centers in the National Park Service system, and more with binoculars and bottled water provided, too.

Take a guided driving tour of Trail Ridge Road in with us in our 3-row Subaru Ascent! Drive through Rocky Mountain National Park on a 3 - 4 hour private tour with only your party & your guide! Our Highway to the Sky Tour takes you up the iconic roads on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park that are open for your visit (Trail Ridge Road: Jun - Sep, and off road on Old Fall River Road: Jul - Sep). You will see the land transition from valleys to the high alpine tundra with sweeping mountain views, and reach a peak elevation of 12,183 ft! Quick 10-minute stop at the Alpine Visitor Center for a bathroom break before you drive down Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. This guided drive is NOT a walking tour and has little time outside of the vehicle, it's the perfect mountain cruise. We're only able to offer pickup for guests staying in Estes Park. If you're staying outside of Estes Park, we can meet you at the free parking garage for the Estes Park Visitor Center for pickup.

If you're going to Rocky Mountain National Park for the animals, maximize your sightings with a full-day tour completely focused on wildlife. Travel with a guide who knows the best places to spot amazing Colorado creatures like bighorn sheep, moose, elk, and mule deer. Avoid the crowds at off-the-track locations, and learn about the park’s amazing biodiversity along the way.

Spend the day immersed in Rocky Mountain National Park, an incredible expanse of Colorado’s diverse landscape. A private guide, like a park ranger, joins you in your vehicle for this full-day tour across the entire park. Stop at the Alpine Visitor Center and Kawuneeche Valley for photo opportunities while learning how to take professional-quality photos. Enjoy lunch at Grand Lake then stop for more scenic photography lessons before returning to Estes Park.

Explore the stunning winter landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park on a private driving tour tailored just for you. With a knowledgeable local guide, enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the park in a cozy SUV, perfect for small groups of 1 to 5 guests. Experience the serene charm of winter while taking optional short walks to reach picturesque views. This 4-hour tour focuses on the accessible east side of the park, ensuring safety and comfort as you soak in the seasonal scenery. Pick-up and drop-off options are available in Estes Park, making it easy to start your adventure. - Private tour customized for your group of 1-5 guests - 4-hour scenic driving tour with optional short walks - Warm, comfortable SUV with complimentary snacks and drinks - Flexible pick-up options within Estes Park, starting at 8:00 am

Leave the driving to me as we travel the highest continuous road in the United States! We'll travel onto the alpine tundra above timber line and over the Continental Divide. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views while we talk about the amazing wildlife we'll see. We can hike to waterfalls or walk amongst the buildings of a preserved homestead. Every tour is designed for you and your areas of interest.

Looking for an unforgettable adventure in Estes Park? Join us for a private, guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park—customized just for you and your group! Whether you're chasing sunrise over snowcapped peaks, spotting elk and moose in the wild, or stargazing beneath one of the clearest night skies in the U.S., this is the experience that will elevate your trip from ordinary to extraordinary. What to Expect: Private tours for up to 6 guests—perfect for couples, families, or friends Pickup from your lodging in Estes Park Scenic overlooks, iconic photo spots, and wildlife sightings Optional easy hikes to alpine lakes or hidden gems Choose from morning, afternoon, sunset, or stargazing tours In summer, enjoy a full-day adventure over Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake! Your passionate guides are locals who know the park intimately and love sharing its hidden stories, ecological wonders, and dramatic landscapes.

Beauty is best appreciated on two feet. This walking and hiking tour is crafted to offer an unfiltered connection to the cultures and landscapes of each destination. Led by experienced trip leaders, our Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes take you down the dirt and rocky trail to one of the many beautiful mountain peaks or lakes the Colorado Rockies offer. Experience the wilderness protected since 1915 as Rocky Mountain National Park while gaining an understanding of its human and natural history as you hike. Our guides prioritize your safety above all. They reserve the right to alter the hike or turn the group around if conditions are unfavorable.

Fall in the Rockies is a season of golden aspens, crisp mountain air, and one of nature’s most powerful displays—the elk rut. Join us for a front-row seat to this dramatic and fascinating mating ritual, where massive bull elk bugle, strut, and spar in their quest to impress a harem of cows. Our Ruttin’ Around tour takes place during the most active hours for elk: sunrise and sunset, when the light is magical and the park is alive with sound and movement. Your expert guide will share insights into elk behavior and seasonal wildlife activity, adding depth and context to every sighting. Ride in comfort through the stunning landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park as autumn colors and animal encounters combine for an unforgettable experience. Available September 7th through October 17th. Private tours may be available. Please contact us.