Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by foxintheforest
Rocky Mountain National Park is on most people’s Colorado bucket list for good reason! Here you’ll find the stunning scenery of mountain peaks, alpine lakes, rushing waterfalls, and lovely meadows that Colorado is known for.
Focus on the gorgeous landscape without worrying about logistics by taking one of the amazing Rocky Mountain National Park tours.
If you’re looking for recommendations for the best Rocky Mountain National Park tours from a local insider, I’ve got you covered. I’ve lived in Colorado for nearly 15 years now and know RMNP like the back of my hand, so I’ve got all the expert info for you.
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My pick 🏆 for one of the best Rocky Mountain National Park tours is this Rocky Mountain NP Glass-Top Guided Morning Tour. 😊 It’s well-reviewed, perfect if you’re short on time ⏰, offers stunning views, and even includes hot cocoa/snacks!
About this Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park Tours
Inside this local guide to Rocky Mountain National Park tours, you’ll find expert advice about:
- When to visit Rocky Mountain National Park
- What you need to know about reservations for Rocky Mountain National Park
- How to tour Rocky Mountain National Park
- The best Rocky Mountain National Park tours, sorted by start location
- Additional resources for exploring Colorado
When to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
You can visit Rocky Mountain National Park all year-round, but different seasons have different considerations to keep in mind.
Generally, late June to mid-October is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park.
Local Tip: This is when Trail Ridge Road is open (generally) and you can access all areas of the park.
In the summer and early fall, the park will be extremely crowded, and you will have to make a timed entry reservation (see below), but you will also have lovely weather and could see wildflowers in bloom or beautiful fall foliage.
In the winter, the park is especially gorgeous in the snow, and snowshoeing in RMNP is a fantastic experience.
But avalanche conditions may exist on hikes, and Trail Ridge Road is closed, so you won’t be able to drive from the east to west side of the park.
Do You Need a Reservation for Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky Mountain National Park is the most popular of the Colorado National Parks, so a timed entry system has been implemented during peak season.
From late May to mid-October, reservations are required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. You can find out more details about timed entry and how to make reservations on the RMNP site here.
The timed entry system is a little tricky – if it sounds really overwhelming, then selecting a tour that handles this part of the planning for you is the way to go!
Just be sure to check what’s included in your tour. (Psst: we’ve added that info below, but be sure to double-check with the tour provider, since details can change.)
What is the Best Way to Tour Rocky Mountain National Park
You can definitely explore Rocky Mountain National Park on your own, but the best Rocky Mountain National Park tours are guided by local experts who can make sure you visit all the best spots in the park.
A private tour lets you customize your itinerary if you have specific places you want to see.
One of the biggest advantages of a tour is the increased chances to see wildlife. Tour guides generally know where the bigger herds of elk are and they have a trained eye to spot wild animals.
Of course, there are no guarantees, but if you’re looking for a wildlife expert, then a tour is a great option.
The Best Rocky Mountain National Park Tours
These Rocky Mountain National Park tours offer a variety of options to fit your schedule and budget, but they all provide incredible views of the gorgeous landscape at several different locations and lookouts throughout Rocky Mountain National Park.
Note: Some Rocky Mountain National Park tours depart from Denver, and others meet in Estes Park, so this list is divided by starting location.
Rocky Mountain National Park Tours – From Denver
1. Rocky Mountains Jeep Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (7 Reviews) Price: $500 per group of four Duration: 9 hours 📍Meeting Point: Hotel pick up available Operator: Birding Man Adventures Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Make the most of visiting RMNP with this private jeep tour of Rocky Mountain National Park.
After getting picked up at your hotel and driving from Denver to RMNP, you’ll spend a full day immersed in the beauty of one of the prettiest places in Colorado.
The jeep tour will take you up Old Fall River Road, where you will get out to explore the alpine tundra.
“My family and I had a wonderful time seeing Rocky Mountain National Park with Ryan! He’s extremely knowledgable about the ecosystems and wildlife in the park. Even my six year old daughter was able to gain an appreciation for how unique the area is! We visited the park in March during somewhat snowy conditions, but Ryan was able to improvise for weather (and a six year old who couldn’t hike in deep snow). He also made a tasty lunch for us! Overall, the highlight of seeing the park with Ryan is how much you learn along the way. He’s incredibly informative and able to explain complex concepts in an easy to understand way. We highly recommend Ryan and Birding Man Adventures!”
Anonymous (read more reviews now)
Your tour guide is a naturalist, so you’ll learn all about the flora and fauna you’ll find in the park as you keep an eye out for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and a variety of birds.
Take a break for a picnic lunch with a majestic mountain backdrop before heading back to Denver.
| Pros | Cons |
| Private tour for up to 4 people | Pricey per person if your group is smaller than 4 |
| National park entry fees & timed reservations are included | |
| Picnic lunch & snacks provided | |
| Pickup and drop off at your hotel (within 15 miles of downtown Denver) |
2. Rocky Mountain National Park Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5.0 (29 Reviews) Price: $148.38 per person Duration: 9.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Pick up included Operator: Colorado Sightseer Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
If you’re visiting Colorado, taking one of the Rocky Mountain National Park tours from Denver will definitely be a highlight of your trip.
After getting picked up in Denver (or Boulder or Estes Park), you’ll drive into the park and up Trail Ridge Road, which features many scenic viewpoints.
You’ll stop for a stunning panoramic vista at Many Parks Curve, then head to Horseshoe Park to check out the alluvial fan.
“The best part of the tour was the tour guide! Phil was very knowledgeable about everything from the trees in the park to the history of the towns that we passed through. While it would have been nice to see some of the wild animals, I feel like too much time is spent stopping to look for them without really finding any. I would have liked spending more time in Estes Park instead.”
Anonymous (read more reviews now)
Here you can take some short trails for some of the top hikes in Colorado to see alpine lakes, waterfalls, and meadows.
Enjoy a casual picnic lunch with a view before you make your way to the town of Estes Park.
You’ll have time to explore this mountain town for a bit, including a visit to the Stanley Hotel of “The Shining” fame.
| Pros | Cons |
| National park entry fee included | Not a private tour |
| Picnic lunch of sandwiches provided | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Pickup available in Denver, Boulder, or Estes Park (at designated meeting points) |
3. Rocky Mountain National Park Fall/Winter Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (28 Reviews) Price: $138.20 per person Duration: 8 hours 📍Meeting Point: 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO Operator: Colorado Sightseer Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Some Estes Park jeep tours are seasonal, but if you’re looking for winter activities in RMNP, this Rocky Mountain National Park Fall/Winter tour is the perfect way to see snow-capped mountains and a glacial lake.
Meet in Denver before driving up north to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Explore the trails at Moraine Park while keeping an eye out for elk, then make your way to Many Parks Curve for breathtaking views of mountain peaks.
“Such a pleasant trip, you never spend too much time in the van, stops are well thought and it dis not feel rushed. A good combination of outdoors and roadtrip time. Very convenient for solo travellers who don’t want to go through the hassle of renting a car and figuring things on your own. Captain Kurt is an authentic colorado renaissance man. He knows his geography, history, fauna and flora of the region, great recommendations of stuff to do in Denver and a great attitude. Love it.”
Stephane (read more reviews now)
After checking out the alluvial fan in Horseshoe Park, you’ll head to downtown Estes Park where you can grab lunch before wandering around town or doing some short hikes in Estes.
Stop at the historic Stanley Hotel for a memorable final stop on your tour.
| Pros | Cons |
| National park entry fee included | Not a private tour |
| Meeting point in Denver but pickup can be arranged in Boulder and Estes Park | Lunch not provided |
Rocky Mountain National Park Tours – From Estes Park
4. Rocky Mountain National Park Glass-Top Guided Morning Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (60 Reviews) Price: $168 per person Duration: 4 hours 📍Meeting Point: 165 Virginia Dr Unit 17 Operator: Purple Mountain Tour Co. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Start your morning off right with a Rocky Mountain National Park tour in a special glass-top van to give you the best views of the incredible landscape.
While this tour is awesome any time of year, it’s one of the especially cool things to do in RMNP in summer when the glass roof can be opened up to feel the mountain breeze while you soak in the views.
“This was an exceptional tour! Our guide was knowledgeable about Rocky Mountain National Park. The views were spectacular, and the van was very comfortable. Hot chocolate and snacks included! We thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend the tour to everyone.”
Stephanie (read more reviews now)
You’ll travel up Old Fall River Road to get above treeline where you’ll stop at the Alpine Visitor Center, sitting at 11,796 feet.
This is the highest visitor center in any National Park, and you’ll have time to grab some food, get a souvenir, and immerse yourself in the views of the tundra before you head back down Trail Ridge Road.
During the tour, you’ll also have a chance to take a short excursion to a waterfall or other beautiful destination.
| Pros | Cons |
| National park entry fees & timed reservations included | Tour is only half a day |
| Hot & cold drinks and snacks provided | Must meet at office in Estes Park |
5. Rocky Mountain National Park Private Driving/Hiking Tour (6 hrs)
⭐️ Rating: 5.05/5.0 (6 Reviews) Price: $199.00 per person Duration: 6 hours 📍Meeting Point: Varies Operator: Full Potential Wilderness Details: Read more on Viator Now!
Enjoy one of the best jeep tours from Estes Park with this customizable private guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park.
With 6 hours to explore the park, you can do a driving tour or explore some of the best RMNP hikes like Emerald Lake or Lake Haiyaha. You’ll also get professional photos taken to document your adventure.
“Enjoyed learning so much about the park. The guide, Ranger Rod was very knowledgeable and shared some of what he knew. my favorite new thing were the tansy asters😀 would recommend the tour.”
Sharon (read more reviews now)
What you do on this tour is completely up to you, and the tour itinerary can be designed to be inclusive and accessible for most travelers.
This is the Rocky Mountain National Park tour for you if you want to make it your own personalized adventure!
| Pros | Cons |
| Private tour with customizable itinerary | Not a full day tour |
| National park entry fees & timed reservations included | |
| Professional photography provided | |
| Inclusive and accessible |
6. Private Driving or Hiking Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park (4 hrs)
⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (22 Reviews) Price: $149 per person Duration: 4 hours 📍Meeting Point: Pick up available Operator: Full Potential Wilderness Details: Read more on Viator Now!
If you have limited time, take a shorter private guided tour to explore the best of Rocky Mountain National Park.
You can still fit a lot into 4 hours, like a drive to some scenic overlooks on Trail Ridge Road, including the gorgeous Rainbow Curve.
Or you could choose to hike a short but stunning trail like the one to iconic Dream Lake.
“Great guide. very friendly and knowledgeable took us to great viewing areas great day and made us want to go back and visit the park again.”
Kristen (read more reviews now)
This tour is completely customizable to give you a Rocky Mountain National Park bucket list experience. Most travelers can participate since the tour can be designed to be inclusive for all ability levels.
| Pros | Cons |
| Private tour with customizable itinerary | Tour is only half a day |
| National park entry fees & timed reservations included | |
| Professional photography provided | |
| Inclusive and accessible |
Rocky Mountain National Park Self-Guided Tour
7. Rocky Mountain National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.0/5.0 (42 Reviews) Price: $14.99 per person Duration: 2-4 hours 📍Meeting Point: Varies Operator: Travel with Action Details: Read more on Viator now!
If you can’t book an actual guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, you can still get expert info to explore the park on your own with this Rocky Mountain National Park Self-Driving Tour.
You simply download an app on your phone (which works even if you’re out of cell service), and then follow the GPS to the top sights in RMNP.
“Very helpful. There is so much to see and do in Colorado! This was very helpful😎. This was the first road trip with just my daughter and I. It was nice being able to have background info while driving thru the park.”
Penny (read more reviews now)
While you drive, you can listen to info about the park and each point of interest that you visit.
This is a great way to spend one day in RMNP and check out the most popular destinations in the park, including hiking trails, RMNP lakes, mountain passes, and viewpoints.
| Pros | Cons |
| Completely flexible to work with your schedule | Not an actual guided tour |
| More economical option if you’re on a budget | Park entrance fees not included |
| Must make your own reservation to enter the park |
My pick 🏆 for one of the best Rocky Mountain National Park tours is this Rocky Mountain NP Glass-Top Guided Morning Tour. 😊 It’s well-reviewed, perfect if you’re short on time ⏰, offers stunning views, and even includes hot cocoa/snacks!
Additional Colorado Travel Resources
Looking for more adventures in the mountains of Colorado? Check out these local guides:
