Our most recommended things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park: Rocky Mountain NP Glass-Top Guided Morning Tour

1. Estes Park: Rocky Mountain NP Glass-Top Guided Morning Tour

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park on a guided tour from Estes Park. Travel up above the trees in a glass-top convertible van. Take a short hike or two and see fast-flowing snow melt, waterfalls, and glaciers. Enjoy coffee, hot drinks, and a variety on board. Learn all about the science and history of the Rockies and its animals with your guide. Travel up the famous Old Fall River Road, which is the original high alpine road that opened in 1920 and is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Take a halfway break at the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest-altitude visitor center of any national park. Get free time to visit the cafeteria and gift shop, as well as soak in amazing “top of the world” tundra views. Upon leaving the Alpine Visitor Center, travel back towards Estes Park. Journeying across Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, reaching the highest point on the road at 12,183 feet. Get spectacular views from inside the panoramic van, and above the tree line. With a fully closable glass roof, stay protected from the chilly, hurricane-force winds produced in the alpine tundra. If Old Fall River Road is closed for the season, hit the Trail Ridge Road to go both up and down the mountain, with the highest point accessible being the turnaround point.

From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and Lunch

2. From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and Lunch

Explore the Rocky Mountain National Park on this day trip from Denver. See nature at its finest as you take in unspoiled views and magnificent peaks. Cruise down Trail Edge Road and through Estes Park in a comfortable and airconditioned van. Stop for a nice picnic in a stunning natural setting.  Meet your local guide at the Denver Union Station and climb aboard a spacious van with plenty of legroom. Sit back and relax on the drive to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Take in views of the city of Boulder on the drive.  Stop to see the iconic Flatirons red-rock formation. Admire views of this 300-million-year-old wonder that lies in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Feel as though you are on top of the world as you cruise down Trail Edge Road which offers plenty of opportunities for capturing breathtaking photos. Indulge in delicious picnic lunch as you enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains in the background. Visit the Stanley Hotel which was made famous as the shooting location for Stephen King's film 'The Shining.' Encounter marvelous views of the Rocky Mountains as you drive through Estes Park. Return to your meeting point in Denver at the end of your Rocky Mountain adventure. 

Rocky Mountain National Park: Driving Audio Tour App

3. Rocky Mountain National Park: Driving Audio Tour App

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 40+ miles-long tour covers the essentials of Rocky Mountain Park in 2-3 hours. Experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park with this audio tour that works offline. Use the live GPS to learn more about historical sites, natural landscapes, and the people who have lived in this area. Start at the Estes Park entrance and travel toward sparkling Bear Lake. Pass numerous hiking trails to smaller lakes like Fern Lake and Bierstadt Lake. Make as many stops or take as many detours as you like. Reach Deer Mountain Trailhead. Head to Beaver Ponds which has a boardwalk through a unique wetland biome. Travel to Hidden Valley and Marvel at the views of lush glacial meadows at Many Parks Curve Overlook. Hear about the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Uncover the buried history of the Ute tribe and listen to a Ute story. Go by the Roger Toll Memorial. Tour at your own pace and let your audio guide reveal all this and more as you drive along.

From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Fall/Winter Tour

4. From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Fall/Winter Tour

Get to know the wild side of Denver, with a tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Take the day to walk through the stunning mountain and valley scenes, spotting wildlife and touring around a glacier lake. Delight in a meal and shopping in Estes Park, then catchup on local history at the Stanley Hotel. Arrive at the Rocky Mountain National Park and allow yourself to explore the diverse natural beauty of Colorado. Walk the snowy paths, and catch sight of elk grazing on rich grasses in Moraine Park. Then, gaze at the mountains and park views at Many Parks Curve. Explore the nature-made Alluvial Fan in Horseshoe Park, and meander through the mountain village of Estes Park, admiring artwork, shops, and the leisurely pace of discovery. Grab some lunch in the village, and continue through the day to learn more about the power of Mother Nature. Make a visit to the Historic Stanley Hotel, and experience this manor-style hotel. Who knows, maybe you'll find it so inviting, you'll book a night or two in the glacial mountains.

Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Tour with Picnic Lunch

5. Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Tour with Picnic Lunch

Immerse yourself in the spectacular sights of Rocky Mountain National Park with a guided day trip from Denver. Hike the park trails while watching for local wildlife such as elk, eagles, and marmots. Savor a picnic lunch and discover alpine lakes and waterfalls. Begin your tour by meeting your guide at the designated pickup point and drive into Rocky Mountain National Park in an air-conditioned van. Admire incredible mountain views as you head deeper into the park, stopping at the scenic panoramic overlook at Many Parks Curve, a hairpin turn on Trail Ridge Road. Proceed to Horseshoe Park to discover a staggering alluvial fan, a naturally made deposit of water-transported material. Explore several short trails, watch for native wildlife such as elk and deer, traverse wide meadows, and wander by waterfalls, alpine lakes, and fragile alpine tundra. Take a break from hiking for a picnic lunch. Enjoy one last glance at the expansive forests, sprawling meadows, and towering mountains before driving back to your pickup location. Visit the village's art galleries and The Stanley Hotel, best known for inspiring the novel "The Shining" by Steven King.

Breckenridge: Ultimate Mountain Tour from Denver

6. Breckenridge: Ultimate Mountain Tour from Denver

Discover Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater and Clear Creek Canyon, get 360-degree views, check out an old western town, get lunch and go shopping, and then return to Denver through the Eisenhower Tunnel – the longest and highest passenger car tunnel in the world Explore Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. Travel up a rugged Canyon on your way up and over the Continental Divide while reaching an altitude of nearly 12,000 feet. Take a short walk on a beautiful trail for breathtaking views of 3 mountain ranges and the Dillon Reservoir. Visit Breckenridge, a historic mining town and ski resort. Stroll down Main Street and enjoy shopping and lunch on your own and/or take a gondola to the base of the ski area. Return to Denver full of wonderful new impressions.

Rocky Mountain: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

7. Rocky Mountain: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Don’t miss a thing as your favorite audio tour narrator guides you to not-to-be-missed places of interest, along with fascinating stories, tips and directions across Rocky Mountain National Park. Follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. Rocky Mountain National Park boasts the very best of what Colorado and the Rocky Mountains has to offer: unbelievably scenic mountains, awesome hiking and superb wildlife viewing. Major Highlights: Alpine Visitor Center Bear Lake Estes Park Grand Lake Holzwarth Historic Site Lava Cliffs Mushroom Rocks Old Fall River Road Overlooks: Many Parks, Rainbow Curve & Forest Canyon Sprague Lake The Stanley Trail Ridge Road Includes: Created with the driving visitor in mind, Rocky Mountain National Park has an outstanding and picturesque scenic drive, climbing above the tree-line to 12,000 feet, surrounded by towering Colorado peaks on the Trail Ridge and Old Falls Roads. Nowhere else in the country can you drive a scenic route that brings you above the treeline and into the alpine tundra for 11 miles, peaking at altitudes over 12,000 feet. There are many scenic viewpoints including Rainbow Curve Outlook and Mushroom Rocks overlooks along the driving route, and easy, accessible trails at Sprague and Bear Lakes. Or you may want to follow the historic route that the earliest visitors drove in their Stanley Steamers or Model T’s on the Old Fall River Road. Along the drive, you'll hear all about the “Father of Rocky Mountain National Park” and the other influential characters who fought and invested heavily to preserve this area. But many visitors are drawn by the excellent wildlife watching opportunities. Especially during the Fall rut when male bull elk and moose are fending off rivals vocally and physically. The audio tour will point out the best locations to keep watch and increase your chances. This is a truly unique experience that has thrilled drivers and passengers since the 1920s.

Estes Park: Rocky Mountain Retractable Glass-Top Guided Tour

8. Estes Park: Rocky Mountain Retractable Glass-Top Guided Tour

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the eastern side of the Rocky Mountain National Park while enjoying complimentary hot drinks and snacks on this guided tour from Estes Park. Hop aboard a luxurious minibus that has a retractable glass roof that allows you to take in the park’s spectacular views. Set off from the meeting point in Estes Park and enter the park during the most coveted timed-entry slot. Relax on a tour that allows you to soak up the views without any hiking. Stop at multiple viewpoints to admire the park’s natural wonders and take some photos to share with friends back home. Keep your energy up on the way with coffee, hot drinks, light refreshments and a variety of tasty snacks on the bus. Cross through scenic alpine tundra on the way to the Alpine Visitor Center where the bus will stop for a break. Have free time to visit the cafeteria and gift shop or take in some amazing “top of the world” views. Head back down the Trail Ridge Road and then venture into the Bear Lake Corridor. Explore Moraine Park (Meadow), and then venture up the road towards Bear Lake. NOTE: September through October this tour will feature the elk rut for the last portion of this tour. End with a stop at either Sprague Lake or Bear Lake(Unless Elk Rut is underway). Both of which are well noted for their ease of access, as well as their outstanding beauty. Return to your meeting point at the conclusion of your tour. Purple Mountain Tour Co Meeting location 165 Virginia Dr Estes Park CO City public paid parking lots (multiple within one block, $2/hr) are the best option for parking as there is no private onsite parking and street spaces directly in front of office is 3hr limit. The Estes Park Visitors Center also has a free parking garage and is located .5 mile from our office with a free seasonal shuttle dropping across the street from our office at Bond Park,

25+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle

9. 25+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle

Start any of these tours by downloading the app that will function as your guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: In this bundle, each tour is 35+ miles long and takes 2-3 hours to complete. This bundle includes: • Grand Canyon • Yellowstone • Grand Teton • Rocky Mountain • Shenandoah • Acadia • Sequoia & Kings Canyon • Joshua Tree • Arches • Bryce • Canyonlands • Capitol Reef • Zion • Grand Staircase • Monument Valley • Great Smokies • Death Valley • Olympic • Badlands • Glacier • Yosemite • Everglades • Saguaro • Petrified • Red Rock Canyon • Mt Rainier Tour • Mesa Verde Marvel at a mile-deep crack in the earth at the Grand Canyon. Tour the rim, hike eye-popping trails, and learn how this awe-inspiring landscape formed. Watch Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone, but don’t stop there! See Grand Prismatic, observe the nation’s largest bison herd, get the truth about the Yellowstone supervolcano, and more! Travel to new heights in the Grand Teton mountain range, offering unbelievable vistas, dramatic mountain passes, and tons of history. Explore Colorado’s dramatic Rockies, from gorgeous vistas to the enormous Bear Lake. Plus, learn how this park exists thanks to some competent women. Discover why Great Smoky is the most-visited national park. Find sparkling waterfalls, verdant hiking trails, and a rich Cherokee heritage. Plus, explore little-known Civil War history at Cades Cove. Cruise through tree-filled mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive, both offering perfect wilderness sights and plentiful wildlife and legends. Get in touch with nature at Acadia, one of the greenest places in the country. Or visit in the fall for a truly unforgettable display of autumn foliage! Visit living giants in Sequoia, home to the largest trees on Earth. Then go beyond those groves to Kings Canyon, boasting dramatic vistas for those seeking the perfect photo op. Cruise through Joshua Tree, where two deserts meet. See great desert hikes, wacky Dr. Seuss-like trees, and some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. Discover the gravity-defying wonder of Arches, named for impossible rock formations millions of years in the making. Hear how they formed and what they meant to the tribes here. Marvel at the towering hoodoos that dot Bryce Canyon. Dive into the legends behind them, including the harrowing tale of giants turned to stone. Visit the staggering beauty of Canyonlands, home to the stunning red desert and more canyons than you can shake a stick at. Stand atop breathtaking vistas, find a piece of history at Aztec Butte, and much more. See why Mormon pioneers thought Zion was heaven on earth! Visit natural wonders from towering rock temples to emerald pools and a hiking trail. Visit the spot where Forrest Gump ended his famous run at Monument Valley! Explore this valley’s jaw-dropping mesas and spires, which made Hollywood famous.

U.S. Southwest: 27-Tour Bundle on Self-Guided Driving App

10. U.S. Southwest: 27-Tour Bundle on Self-Guided Driving App

Become a modern pioneer with an audio-guided app tour of the U.S. Southwest. Pick your starting location then follow the GPS map and visit the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, the Rockies, and many other national parks in your own time. Decide where you want to go. Tour the sights of Arizona, including Sedona and Red Rock, the Grand Canyon, and the Colorado River meander at Horseshoe Bend. Travel the west coast of California along 17-Mile drive accompanied by a virtual tour guide. Visit some famous movie locations in LA. Explore the rugged beauty of Colorado and see the Rocky Mountains and Million Dollar Highway. Witness the best national parks in Utah, such as Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Bryce National Park. Watch the famous Old Faithful geyser erupt in Yellowstone National Park. Here are the tours that are part of the bundle: Arizona 1. Grand Canyon 2. Sedona & Red Rock 3. Horseshoe Bend & Page 4. Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas California 1. Big Sur 2. Silicon Valley 3. Pacific Coast Highway (both ways) 4. 17 Mile Drive 5. La Jolla 6. San Francisco 7. Lake Tahoe 8. LA Filming Locations 9. Hollywood Celeb Homes 10. Joshua Tree 11. Sequoia & Kings Canyon 12. Death Valley 13. Yosemite Colorado 1. Million Dollar Highway 2. Rocky Mountain Texas 1. Houston Utah 1. Arches National Park 2. Canyonlands National Park 3. Bryce National Park 4. Capitol Reef 5. Zion National Park 6. Monument Valley 7. Grand Staircase – Escalante Wyoming 1. Grand Teton 2. Yellowstone

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Things to do in
Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park
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What people are saying about Rocky Mountain National Park

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 257 reviews

The birding man adventures with Dr. Ryan Dibala was an incredible experience. Yes he has a PhD! Imagine taking an 8 hour jeep tour of the Rocky Mountains with an encyclopedia of the forest. Dr. Ryan has an incredible amount of knowledge of the area, the wildlife and its history. He picked us up from our hotel and we had the best experience on a mountain excursion we ever had. We have been to the mountains many times before but not like this. He is very friendly and caring. He even stopped at Estes Park and the Stanley hotel for a quick tour. He truly wants to teach you on your trip. he goes out of his way to make sure you see the wildlife. We saw, elk, sheep and lots of birds. His wife Angie also prepared a picnic lunch for us that was amazing. Dr. Ryan led us on an easy hike up some trails where we had a lunch overlooking majestic views of the mountains and wildlife. This would definitely be on my bucket list! We are planning on booking a camping trip with him this summer!

This was an amazing experience! I'm new to the mountains and didn't really know where to go. This tour was excellent at showing us the incredible beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Ryan's vast knowledge of the area and wildlife taught us many things. I highly recommend this tour if you're not sure where to go to get your nature fix or if you want to learn more about Colorado wildlife!

Don’t even hesitate - this is one of the best tours I’ve ever taken! The Rocky Mountains are truly stunning in winter. Emily our tour guide was wonderful, had so many interesting facts to share and had boundless energy. The stop at the Stanley Hotel was a cool extra addition!

I enjoyed seeing Rocky Mountain National Park and all of the cute towns that surround it. Our guide Will was very knowledgeable and had plenty of great stories to tell us.

Will is an excellent guide, he has so much information to share I had a wonderful hike with a small group Lunch sandwich was excellent as well!