Let’s face it, one of the best ways to see Rocky Mountain National Park is with a guided tour. Sure, you can visit the park on your own but why not let the experts guide you along the way. With knowledgeable guides offering their own insight into what makes RMNP so special, they can offer a unique experience and often access to places that aren’t open to the general public. From photography tours to jeep tours, here are the different types of guided tours to take in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Wildlife tours
One of the main attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park is the wildlife. From herds of elk to the alpine pikas, both large and small, there is plenty of wildlife to see! But knowing where to spot them and what is the best time for viewing can be tricky. So, why not let a knowledgeable guide show you the way? Of course, no matter what guided tour you take, you most likely will see some sort of wildlife. But wildlife tours specifically focus on bringing you close to all the action.
Wildlife tours
- Yellow Wood Guiding
- Estes Park Guided Tours
Jeep tours
Green Jeep Tours. Photo by Green Jeep Tours Facebook.
One of the more popular ways to discover the scenic landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park is with a jeep tour. Many of the roads and mountain passes require a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance. If this kind of vehicle is not available to you, take a jeep tour. Jeeps can haul up the rocky slopes and roads all while you can sit back and enjoy the view.
Jeep tours
- Green Jeep Tours, based out of Estes Park
- Wild Side 4×4 tours, voted #1 in Estes Park
Photography tours
Both professional and amateur photographers come from all over to capture the beautiful landscape that makes up Rocky Mountain National Park. But knowing where to go to get “the shot” can be tricky, especially if it is your first time to the park. There are several guides in town that offer photography tours that take you to the best places in RMNP.
Even if you are an experienced photographer, guided tours will take you to places you’ve never even thought of. Plus, for those not so experienced, a guide can also help you with your camera settings and lighting for the best photo possible.
Photography tours
- Estes Park guided tours – take their Wildlife Landscape Photography Workshop
- Yellow Wood Guiding – sign up for the private photo safari sunset tour
- Thomas Mangan Photography – offers custom and private tours
Hiking and backpacking tours
Explore RMNP on foot with a hiking or backpacking tour. If you are new to hiking and only have a short amount of time to explore, a day hike tour is for you! Or if you are looking to explore the backcountry and have a few days to spare but don’t want to go it alone, a backpacking trip is just what you need.
Hiking and backpacking tours
- Wildland Trekking – a guide service partner with Estes Park Mountain Shop, offers both day hike tours and multiday hikes – with all necessary camping equipment provided.
- Kirks Mountain Adventures – they offer day hike tours, tours to the summit of Longs Peak, backpacking trips, and Llama pack trips.
Stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts
Outside Elk Ridge Retreat
Find the perfect place to rest and relax after your guided tours in Rocky Mountain National Park at Rocky Mountain Resorts. Located just a few miles from the entrance to RMNP, Rocky Mountain Resorts offer the perfect accommodations for your mountain adventures. Enjoy an authentic Rocky Mountain experience with a cozy cabin by the river, a cottage nestled on the mountainside, or a large vacation home you can rent for your family vacation. Either way, you will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the proximity to the park.
Be sure to check out our monthly specials for an even better rate for your vacation!
