Welcome to the Rocky Mountain National Park Tour
Take an unforgettable drive through Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) with this self-guided audio tour! These beautiful peaks are loaded with hiking trails and astonishing vistas, and this comprehensive tour will introduce you to all of them.
Visit stunning lakes and mountain passes, hear the history of the remarkable women who helped create the park, and learn about the Ute tribe and their legends. And, of course, don’t forget to snap a few photos along the way!
About the Tour
Your Rocky Mountain National Park Tour begins at the Estes Park entrance, the most popular and most accessible entrance to the national park. From here, you’ll have the opportunity to take a detour down toward Bear Lake if you want to.
Along the way, you’ll pass numerous splendid hiking trails to smaller lakes like Fern Lake and Bierstadt Lake before finally arriving at the huge, sparkling Bear Lake itself. There’s a reason this has become one of the park’s hottest attractions!
Continuing along the main route, the first hiking trail you’ll reach is Deer Mountain Trailhead, offering some great views from above if you’re willing to make the trek.
Then you’ll see Beaver Ponds, featuring a boardwalk through a unique wetland biome, followed by Hidden Valley, which bears more resemblance to the Canadian wilderness than anything in the US.
After that, you’ll arrive at the first of many overlooks: Many Parks Curve Overlook. This viewpoint offers excellent views of a whole bunch of lush glacial meadows. As you drive toward the next overlook, you’ll hear all about the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and the role they played in this park’s history.
Then, you’ll start uncovering the buried history of the Ute tribe who once occupied these mountains. You’ll also hear a retelling of the traditional Ute creation story about how a coyote helped create the world.
As you continue, you’ll pass the Roger Toll Memorial, dedicated to a photographer who helped spread the word about this one-of-a-kind landscape. After a few more stunning overlooks, you’ll arrive at Poudre Lake, which gets so cold during the winter it freezes all the way through!
On your way to the Colorado River Trailhead, which offers a look at an abandoned mining town, you’ll hear about the science behind the Rocky Mountains and Margaret Boos, a trailblazing geologist who fell in love with this park.
Up next are a couple of fascinating historical sites. First up is the Timber Creek Road Camp Barn, an artifact of the depression-era work projects which helped build the park’s roads and trails. Then there’s the Holzwarth Historic Site, one of the only remnants of the homesteads which could once be found all over the Rockies.
Up ahead, at Coyote Valley Trailhead, you’ll find an easy, paved trail with a popular fishing spot at the end. Then, on your way to the Green Mountain Trailhead, you’ll learn all about the bountiful wildlife that calls the Rocky Mountains home.
Finally, you’ll arrive at the lovely lakeside town of Grand Lake, the perfect place to make your return to civilization. The tour concludes here.
NOTE: For road closures & reservation fees, visit nps.com
2024 Updates:
- You must reserve a permit in advance to visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 24 to October 20, 2024.
- Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly entrance fee per vehicle.
- There are two different types of timed entry permits:
- Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear Lake, Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, and Sprague Lake). The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6
- Park Access: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park except for Bear Lake Road. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm.
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Tour Map
Where To Start?
Starting Point addresses
From Beaver Meadows Visitor Center: 1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
From Grand Lake: 14700 US-34, Grand Lake
We recommend starting the tour from either of the above addresses for the best experience.
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
What You'll See
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Welcome/Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
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Deer Mountain Trailhead
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Beaver Ponds
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Hidden Valley
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Many Parks Curve Overlook
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Rainbow Curve Overlook
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Ute Trailhead/Ute Tribe
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Forest Canyon Overlook/Arapaho in the Rockies
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Lava Cliffs Overlook
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Gore Range Overlook
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Alpine Visitor Center
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Medicine Bow Curve
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Elizabeth and Esther Burnell
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Poudre Lake/Forest Canyon Overlook
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Fairview Curve Viewpoint
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Colorado River Trailhead/Colorado River History
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Timber Creek Road Camp Barn/Building the Trail Ridge Road
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Holzwarth Historic Site
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Bowen/Baker Trailhead
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Coyote Valley Trailhead
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Onahu Trailhead
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Green Mountain & Trailhead
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Grand Lake/Conclusion
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Moraine Park Amphitheater
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Big Thompson River
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Moraine Park & Horseback Riding
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Cub Lake Trailhead
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Fern Lake Trailhead
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Eagle Cliff Mountain
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Hollowell Park & Mountain Lions
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Park and Ride
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Sprague Lake
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Bierstadt Lake Trailhead
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Quaking Aspens & Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead
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Bear Lake
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in the state of Colorado, USA. It’s nestled in the Rocky Mountains.
There are cool options like campgrounds, cabins, and hotels where you can crash while exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Rocky Mountains are famous for their epic views! Think towering peaks, lush meadows, and tons of wildlife.
You can set up camp at different campgrounds inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Get ready for some awesome outdoor vibes!
Keep your eyes peeled, my friend! You can spot wildlife all over Rocky Mountain National Park, but places like Moraine Park and the Kawuneeche Valley are known for some wild sightings.
You’ve got to check out Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake, and those breathtaking viewpoints along the scenic drives. They’re pure awesomeness!
Yeah, you can bring your furry buddies, but keep them on a leash! They’re welcome in certain areas and developed spots, but not everywhere.
The main road that goes through Rocky Mountain National Park is called Trail Ridge Road. Get ready for some mind-blowing views along that route.
One day is a good start, but honestly, you’ll want more time to soak in the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s worth exploring at a chill pace.
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours. Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email. Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase. Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators. At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace. Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction. Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems. 
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks. Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route. Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
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