Free cancellation

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park with a Guided Tour from Denver

4.9 (442 reviews) · By Explorer Tours

Discover the stunning beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park on this guided small group tour. Starting in Boulder, you'll take in the iconic Flatirons before heading into the foothills toward Estes Park, the gateway to the park. Along the way, enjoy an optional stop at the historic Stanley Hotel, famous for inspiring Stephen King's "The Shining."

Once inside the park, you'll witness alpine lakes, vibrant wildflowers, and golden aspen trees that change with the seasons. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife like elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, moose, and marmots. Your expert guide will share fascinating stories about the park’s geology, history, and ecosystems, making the scenery come alive.

Travel along scenic routes such as Trail Ridge Road, North America’s highest paved highway, offering breathtaking views of the Continental Divide and rugged mountain peaks. After a full day of exploring, you'll return through the foothills, enriched by unforgettable vistas and wildlife encounters.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore and enjoy the sights.

What languages are available?

The tour is conducted in English.

What is the group size?

Groups are limited to up to 14 participants for a more personalized experience.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?

Yes, it’s suitable for adults aged 8 to 99, and accessible for all fitness levels.

What’s included in the tour?

Your package includes the national park entrance fee (excluding foreign visitors), bottled water, a small group transportation in a 15-passenger van, a professional guide, and a picnic lunch with options like sandwiches or salads.

Are there any additional costs?

Yes, gratuities (10-15%) are recommended, and non-U.S. citizens may need to pay a $100 entrance fee at the park, depending on the park’s policies.

Free cancellation

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

Reserve now

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Duration 8 hours

Check availability to see start times.

Live tour guide

English

Key facts

Duration 8 hours
Languages English
Group size Up to 14
Ages Adults 8–99
Accessibility Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What's included

Included

  • National Park Entrance Fee (Foreign Visitor Not Included)
  • Bottled water
  • Small group transportation in a 15-passenger van
  • Professional driver/guide
  • Picnic lunch (sandwich, salad, or other with chips)

Not included

  • Gratuities (10%-15% recommended)
  • $100 Non-US Citizen Entrance Fee — may be collected at the park at the discretion of the National Park Service

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1 Pass by

    The Flatirons are iconic rock formations near Boulder, consisting of five large, numbered formations along Green Mountain's east slope.

  2. Stop 2 Pass by

    Boulder sits at the foothills of the Rockies, with the craggy Flatirons overlooking the city. The University of Colorado campus features the Fiske Planetarium and Natural History Museum.

  3. Stop 3 Pass by

    Lyons, a charming town known as the 'Double Gateway to the Rockies,' is a popular stop en route to Rocky Mountain National Park, accessible via scenic routes from Lyons.

  4. Stop 4

    The Stanley Hotel, famous for inspiring Stephen King's 'The Shining,' offers a quick 20-minute stop to explore its historic grounds.

    20 minutes
  5. Stop 5

    Inside Rocky Mountain National Park, you'll see peaks like Longs Peak at 14,260 feet and spot wildlife such as elk, deer, and bighorn sheep during a 2-hour visit.

    2 hours
  6. Stop 6

    Travel along Trail Ridge Road, North America’s highest paved highway, for breathtaking mountain views during a 1-hour stop.

    1 hour
  7. Stop 7

    The Fall River Visitor Center offers exhibits on the park’s geology and ecosystems, plus a shop with souvenirs, during a 20-minute visit.

    20 minutes
  8. Stop 8 Pass by

    Estes Park, a charming mountain town, serves as the perfect base for exploring the park and spotting wildlife like elk and bears.

Meeting point & pickup

Meet at the starting point

The meeting point is in front of Lucky’s Bakehouse (not the market). Please arrive by 9:35 AM; pickup occurs between 9:40 and 9:50 AM. Confirm your Boulder pickup by texting 720-556-6164 at least 48 hours in advance. If not confirmed, do not assume pickup. Arrive on time, as we will not wait past 9:35 AM.

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Cancellation & confirmation

Free cancellation

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

  • 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
  • No refund if canceled within 24 hours of departure
  • Tour may be canceled due to bad weather or insufficient travelers

Instant confirmation

Your booking is confirmed immediately after completing checkout.

From $179.00 per person

Adult Age 8–99
1
  • Free cancellation
  • Secure checkout with our booking partner

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