20 Of The Best Rocky Mountain National Park Tours

Majestic snow-capped peaks, exciting scenic drives, and ample wildlife are a few of the many reasons this is one of the most visited parks in the United States.

Visiting the park for a few days and looking to join an exciting tour? Luckily, Rocky Mountain National park offers a variety of tours suitable for everyone from families to serious adventure-seekers.

I’ve visited RMNP more times than I can count and am always amazed by how much there is to do here. It’s really an incredible park!

Below I’ve included some of the park’s most popular tours from Estes Park, RMNP tours from Denver, and winter tours.

Read on for the top Rocky Mountain National Park tours.

Rocky Mountain National Park Tours

Wildlife Tours 

Rocky Mountain National Park sees an abundance of wildlife. There’s frequent sightings of elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mule deer in the vicinity. To experience the presence of these remarkable animals away from the bustling crowds, consider joining a private wildlife tour.

These tours are accessible throughout the year, catering to wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers looking to immerse themselves in the wonders of RMNP.

Check Pricing & Availability For RMNP Wildlife Tour

4×4 Tour Of Rocky Mountain National Park

4×4 tours in Rocky Mountain National Park offer a thrilling and adventurous way to explore the rugged terrain and natural beauty of the park. These tours typically involve riding in specially equipped 4×4 vehicles driven by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.

A jeep tour provides access to remote and less-visited areas of the park, which are otherwise challenging to reach. These off-road vehicles are designed to navigate rough terrains, including steep slopes, rocky paths, and uneven surfaces.

• Check Pricing & Availability For Wildside 4×4 Tours
• Check Pricing & Availability For Green Jeep Tours

Photography Tour

Novice photographers, consider a private photography tour in RMNP during your visit to Estes Park. You’ll work with an experienced photographer and guide to capture professional long-exposure waterfall shots, wildflower photography, and more.

Since this is a private tour, the itinerary can be adjusted based on your preferences and physical ability. This is a great way to get a unique perspective of Rocky Mountain National Park, especially for first time visitors.

Check Pricing & Availability For RMNP Photography Tour

Hiking Tours

Hiking in RMNP is a fun and rewarding experience. On the trails you can expect to find diverse terrain with sparkling lakes, alpine tundra, and towering, snow-capped peaks.

The park has ample trails to choose from, which vary in difficulty. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned pro, seeking a short hike or all day adventure, there’s a hiking trail for you.

Many of the park’s most popular trails are do-able alone — think, Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, Dream Lake, etc. However, for those seeking a challenge, or more comfortable with a guide, consider a hiking tour during your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park.

• Check Pricing & Availability For Colorado Wilderness Rides & Guides
• Check Pricing & Availability For Hiking Tour In RMNP (includes transportation to and from Denver)
• Check Pricing & Availability For Private Hiking Tour

Long Peak Tours

Speaking of hiking tours, advanced hikers up for a challenge, consider hiking Longs Peak. This is the highest peak in RMNP, reaching 14,259 feet above sea level.

Hiking Longs Peak is a strenuous, yet rewarding experience for adept outdoor enthusiasts. As the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park, its summit offers unmatched panoramic views, rugged alpine terrain, and a serious sense of accomplishment.

This trail requires physical fitness, endurance, and prior experience with high altitude hiking. There are numerous companies which offer guided hikes to the summit of Longs Peak. Below are a few of the most popular options:

• Check Pricing & Availability For Colorado Mountain School Longs Peak Hike
• Check Pricing & Availability For San Juan Mountain Guides Longs Peak Hike
• Check Pricing & Availability For KMAC Guides Longs Peak Hike

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado provides a unique way to experience the beauty and serenity of the state’s unique landscape. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, exploring the trails on horseback allows you to connect with nature, enjoy scenic views, and potentially encounter wildlife.

This is sure to be a great experience during your time in RMNP!

For horseback riding in Rocky Mountain National Park, check out these popular tour guides below: 

• Check Pricing & Availability For National Park Gateway Stables 
• Check Pricing & Availability For Jackson Stables

Rock Climbing

With its towering cliffs, breathtaking alpine landscapes, and a wide variety of climbing routes, the park attracts climbers from around the globe.

Rocky Mountain National Park, however, isn’t the most beginner friendly. For this reason, climbing with a guide is a great idea for less experienced climbers. Guides will handle permitting and ensure a safe experience for everyone on the tour.

No doubt, rock climbing is one of the most unique ways to see Rocky Mountain National Park. 

• Check Pricing & Availability For American Alpine Institute
• Check Pricing & Availability For The Mountain Guides

Sunrise Tour 

Sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park is a spectacular sight to behold. As the sun begins to rise over the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains, it paints the sky with vibrant colors, casting a golden glow on the landscape.

On a sunrise tour, enjoy beautiful scenery and active wildlife no matter the time of year.

For those wishing to see the park in a relaxed setting, without all the crowds, a sunrise tour of Rocky Mountain National Park is for you!

Check Pricing & Availability For Sunrise Tour

Fly Fishing 

Fishing is among the most popular things to do in the Estes Park area thanks to pristine lakes and streams, and Rocky Mountain National Park is no exception!

Beautiful and remote alpine lakes, and high elevation rivers — like the Colorado River — make for many top-notch fishing destinations. These sources are home to numerous fish species, including various types of trout.

For those new to fishing, or wanting to learn about the area’s best spots, guided fishing tours are available. Best of all, these tours take you to remote locations, not often visited.

Check Pricing & Availability For Colorado Wilderness Rides & Guides Fishing Trip

Private Tour Of Rocky Mountain National Park From Estes Park

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the logistics of planning a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, this private tour from Estes Park is the perfect solution.

This tour mitigates stress and allows you to simply enjoy the experience of taking in the park’s abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery. Witness breathtaking mountain views, drive Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road — even cross the Continental Divide — and maximize your chances of encountering wildlife during this tour.

With this private tour, you have the flexibility to customize the route based on personal interests, and even make additional stops along the way. No doubt, this is one of the best ways to see Rocky Mountain National Park.

Check Pricing & Availability For Private RMNP Tour From Denver

Sunset & Night Photography

Night photography in Rocky Mountain National Park offers an incredible opportunity to capture the park’s natural beauty in a completely different setting. 

With its remote location, limited light pollution, and towering peaks, the park provides an excellent setting for astrophotography and capturing the beautiful night sky. When conditions are right you can even photograph the incredible Milky Way.

The tour linked below also includes sunset photography.

Check Pricing & Availability For Sunset & Night Photography Tour

GPS Self-Guided Tour

If you plan to drive the park on your own, I highly recommend a GPS based audio guide. Guide Along is an audio tour downloaded to your phone which will guide you through Rocky Mountain National Park. Not only does it supply tons of information about the park, but it also provides tips about where to pull over for the best viewpoints and easy, accessible trails worth stopping for.

The guided audio follows your GPS, therefore provides information in real time. Plus, it allows you to set the pace of the tour!

I’ve used Guide Along for many national parks, including Rocky Mountain, and couldn’t recommend it more!

The audio tour is only a few dollars. You can purchase it here: Guide Along Rocky Mountain National Park.

Tip: Be sure to download the tour before heading to the park, it’ll then work even when you no longer have cell service.

Rocky Mountain National Park Tours From Denver

Hiking Tour Of RMNP From Denver 

Experience the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park with a guided, full day tour. Enjoy the convenience of round trip transportation from Denver or Boulder. Plus, you don’t have to deal with park reservations, as they’re included in the package.

The tour is designed for those with some experience, managing a moderate pace while allowing time to soak in the breathtaking scenery.

Your tour will include a 4 mile hike, chance of spotting wildlife, an experienced and knowledgeable local guide, plus complimentary lunch.

This Rocky Mountain National Park tour is sure to be a memorable adventure!

Check Pricing & Availability For Rocky Mountain National Park Tour From Denver

Tour Of Rocky Mountain National Park From Denver

Explore the best of the Colorado Rockies without renting a car via this Rocky Mountain National Park tour from Denver.

This full day guided tour allows visitors to experience the best of RMNP without the hassles of park reservations and driving mountain passes.

Traverse the famous Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, and stop at the Alpine Visitor Center, which is the highest visitor center in the NPS system. Additionally, take in breathtaking views of the majestic mountains, and keep an eye out for the park’s ample wildlife.

The 10 hour tour is for small groups only, includes a picnic lunch, and stops in popular Estes Park.

Check Pricing & Availability For RMNP Tour From Denver

REI Adventures

REI Adventures offers guided outdoor trips and vacations, hosted by the popular outdoor retail company, REI.

REI hosts a number of camping and backpacking tours in Rocky Mountain National Park. These tours are for beginner and intermediate hikers who are up for multiple days immersed in wilderness.

There are a variety of tours including women-only backpacking trips, family-friendly trips, etc. You’re sure to have a wonderful time on these small group tours.

Check Pricing & Availability For REI Adventures: RMNP

Winter Tours Of Rocky Mountain National Park

Backcountry Skiing 

Rocky Mountain National Park doesn’t have any designated ski areas, however backcountry skiing is popular here. The park’s acres of untracked terrain are full of fresh powder, excellent for skiing.

Backcountry skiing is not easy here, and it’s imperative to be aware of conditions and avalanche danger within the park. For this reason, a professional guide is a safe bet.

There are a variety of tour packages available, check out more information below:

Check Pricing & Availability For Colorado Wilderness Rides & Guides Skiing Tours

Sledding 

Above I said RMNP doesn’t have any designated skiing areas, however that hasn’t always been the case. RMNP’s Hidden Valley Ski Area was in operation during the 1950’s.

While the resort’s long closed, the area is now extremely popular for something a little more low key, sledding.

The current sledding hill was formerly a ski bunny slope, meaning it has a gentle grade, perfect for sledding.

Join a guided tour to enjoy sledding in Rocky Mountain National Park, and see a few of the park’s highlights along the way.

This is definitely the most family-friendly tour Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer in winter. You’re sure to have a great time!

Check Pricing & Availability For RMNP Sledding Tour

Private Winter Tour Of Rocky Mountain National Park

Looking to see Rocky Mountain National Park’s highlights in winter or spring? Consider a private tour from Estes Park.

See beautiful frozen lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains during your half day adventure. Your knowledgeable guide will handle all the driving and logistics, as well as provide information about this fascinating park.

Check Pricing & Availability For Private Winter Tour RMNP

Snowshoeing 

Snowshoeing is an excellent way to see RMNP. Hikes which are normally congested with visitors come summer, free up considerably when snow covers the trails.

Explore winter trails, enjoy solitude, and appreciate the beauty of nature while snowshoeing. With the right equipment and preparation, snowshoeing can be a delightful and rewarding activity in the park’s winter wonderland.

This is easily one of my favorite things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park during winter.

• Check Pricing & Availability For Frozen Waterfall Snowshoe Hike
• Check Pricing & Availability For Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks (via National Park Service)

Ice Climbing 

With frozen waterfalls, glistening ice formations, and alpine landscapes, the park offers a variety of opportunities for ice climbing enthusiasts come winter. 

It’s a physically demanding and technically challenging activity which requires proper preparation, experience, and knowledge. All of this makes it a good idea to ice climb with a guide in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Check Pricing & Availability For Ice Climbing & Winter Mountaineering In RMNP

As you can see, there are so many great Rocky Mountain National Park tours to choose from. Whether you’re interested in a family-friendly day out or once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you’re sure to find it in Rocky Mountain National Park!

Any questions or additional ideas? Please leave a comment below. Have the best time in RMNP!

If you’d like to follow along with my travels in real time check out @seen.by.amy on Instagram or @seenbyamy on TikTok.

Looking for Estes Park tours? Check out The Best Things To Do In Estes Park for fun ideas.

Still need more ideas? Below are additional Colorado guides or head on over to Viator or NPS Rocky Mountain National Park.

More Information For Your Visit To Rocky Mountain National Park:

• One Day In Rocky Mountain National Park: What To Do
• West Side Of Rocky Mountain National Park: Top Things To Do
• Winter In Rocky Mountain National Park In Winter: Best Things To Do
• Fall In Rocky Mountain National Park: Best Things To Do

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• Colorado Travel Guide (everything to know for planning your trip!)
• All Colorado Guides