What to do and see in Estes Park, Colorado (CO): The Best Day Trips from

September 16, 2021 Ying Subia

Estes Park is located 7,522 feet above sea level, nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Shops, galleries and boutiques line the main street, which has a quaint, small-town ambiance. Exceptional outdoor adventures await both families and enthusiasts. Wildlife sightings, including elk and big horn sheep, are prevalent. Estes Park is the basecamp for adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, where world-class hiking, rock climbing, backcountry skiing and scenic drives abound.
Restaurants in Estes Park

1. Private day tour from Denver to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Adventiure Scenic Tours of Colorado
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This is a private custom tour in a luxury SUV. I am a history buff and have been a private guide for over 12 years. I am certified by the State of Colorado for private driving and guiding for all my tours. I will not only show you the beautiful sites of the Colorado Mountains but I will also give you some of the sordid and salacious details of Estes Park's past. In the Rocky Mountain National Park we can go on small hikes to the Alluvial Fan and other sites such as Spaque Lake or Bear Lake. There are many wild animals to see such as Mule Deer, Elk, Moose and more. Estes Park is a great place to souvenier shop and stop for a bite to eat from one lof the local establishment that specialize in the local game and food. If the clients would rather go to Grand Lake then I can customize and take that route. This is a full day where you will see some of the most beautiful majestic sites that exists. We will drive along the longest higest road in America where you will witness these sites.

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By cjma

Brad did a great job getting us to our destinations and had a lot of information along the way. There was a shield between the front and back seats for COVID safety. Would recommend Brad but would insist the vehicle be sanitized before the trip.

2. Private Hiking Tour to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver and Boulder

Aspire Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

This private hiking tour takes you on serene trails surrounded by vast Colorado mountains and alpine lakes. Disconnect for a day and immerse yourself in the beauty and solitude of these majestic mountains in an upscale vehicle that has panoramic views for miles. Experience the National Park with ease knowing the tours are designed to create an authentic experience for you. As you hike along the trails and take in Colorados 300 days of sunshine you will connect with nature. Itinerary From Denver, drive along the Front Range through Boulder with its famous Flatirons Rock Formations. Continue through canyons alive with wildlife up to Estes Park, the charming town at the entrance of the National Park. The guide will take you on a hike in the National Park geared towards your groups fitness level.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Snowshoes/YakTracks if needed - please add shoe size in comments section, Entrance Fees, Snacks, Water, Expert Hiking Guide, COVID-19 Prepared: masks, routine sanitizing, and more

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch - Guide will have recommendations

Reviewed By N9864LKfrankc

The Foothills Explorer Tour with Braelei was awesome!! She was a walking wealth of knowledge. Her educational background combined with her life experiences made the tour highly interesting. She knew the history regarding every site we visited. We also recognized how passionate she was when encountering the wildlife. The drive in between visiting landmarks was full of fun. I appreciated the way she captured everyone's attention. Her delivery was also on point. We learned so much during the short 4 hour tour. I could have definitely spent the entire day touring with Braelei. I'm looking forward to visiting Denver and booking another tour/s with her. After spending half a day with her, I realized that we had a similar interests as far as outdoor activities but yet also so different. It should be a requirement to tour with Braelei when visiting Denver. I appreciated every single thing about her especially her personality. My favorite tour guide of all time. She has set that bar on another level. THANK YOU Braelei!!!

3. Explore & Photograph Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park with a Pro

Estes Park Visitors Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Rock Light Photo Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We will explore and photograph the appropriately named Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park. We will hike along the North Saint Vrain Creek, and stop along the way to photograph several waterfalls (including Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls). Bring your tripod and a polarizer filter, and I will demonstrate my techniques for capturing waterfalls and other moving water in a variety of lighting conditions, and help you capture great silky water photographs. The full hike to Ouzel Falls is about 5.5 miles (9 km) round trip, with just under 1,000' elevation gain. For those not able to do the full hike, we will do a more leisurely hike to Calypso Cascades (about 3.6 miles round trip, and about 700' of elev. gain), which still takes you deep into a beautiful area, with multiple falls, and wildflowers and fall color in season. Don't have a RMNP entrance reservation? (new this year) No need! My commercial use permit means we don't need an advance permit!

Inclusions: Private transportation, Snacks, Park entrance reservation

Exclusions: Park entrance fees - bring a national park pass or receipt for entrance.

Reviewed By Linda J

It was such a pleasure to spend a few days with Colin in Moab. He knew all the best places to go and the right time to be there. I also appreciated that he was very flexible with the shooting locations. At the last minute we had to bring our dog with us so Collin arranged for photo shoots at some areas outside of the national parks where we could bring the dog. I would highly recommend this trip. If you are wanting to up your photography skills, Collin is definitely the one to help.

4. Alpine Visitors Center Tour RMNP

500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Estes Park Guided Tours
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5.0 based on 57 reviews

Alpine Visitors Centre Tour - This is a great tour if you wish to cover all 3 ecosystems. We start in the lower valley and get you right up to the Alpine Visitors Centre at 11,796 feet. You will encounter breathtaking views, but remember to layer up and bring warm clothes as there is usually snow at the top year round. We get you to the areas most people drive past and give you extra time at each stop for photos. Tours are interpretive and we leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, 2 way radios to communicate with your guide, National Park Entry Fee

Exclusions: Guests are responsible for own food and water, We do not provide any transportation. , Gratuity

Reviewed By NorthStar732517

Amazing time with Jeremiah, “JJ”, with the great fortune of a snowy day but roads perfectly clear. We had the extra bonus of seeing a moose and her calf with the pristine snow as the backdrop. Jeremiah gave the perfect amount of information without it feeling overwhelming. Highly recommend this tour. Great overview of the park with opportunity for short walks to breathe the fresh mountain air and experience the views. Thanks Jeremiah for a great start to our mini vacation!

5. Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver

Union Station, Denver, CO 80202, USA Aspire Tours
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4.9 based on 169 reviews

Escape into nature with our full-day adventure! As of the most popular National Parks in the country, RMNP has a thriving population of wildlife like elk, raptors and bighorn sheep. Throughout the moderate 4-mile hike, you'll have ample breaks to take in the stunning mountain views. Lunch is included! Immerse yourself in nature's solitude and we'll still have you back downtown in time for happy hour. Snowshoes provided in winter. Book your Rocky Mountain National Park adventure today!

Inclusions: Local expert hiking guide, Transportation, Tasty sandwich lunch - please add dietary restrictions in comments section, Water Refill - please bring a reusable bottle, Snowshoes/YakTracks if needed - please add shoe size in comments section, COVID-19 Prepared: reduced group sizes, masks, routine sanitizing, and more

Exclusions: Gratuities, Winter Clothes - Available for Rent

Reviewed By N9864LKfrankc

The Foothills Explorer Tour with Braelei was awesome!! She was a walking wealth of knowledge. Her educational background combined with her life experiences made the tour highly interesting. She knew the history regarding every site we visited. We also recognized how passionate she was when encountering the wildlife. The drive in between visiting landmarks was full of fun. I appreciated the way she captured everyone's attention. Her delivery was also on point. We learned so much during the short 4 hour tour. I could have definitely spent the entire day touring with Braelei. I'm looking forward to visiting Denver and booking another tour/s with her. After spending half a day with her, I realized that we had a similar interests as far as outdoor activities but yet also so different. It should be a requirement to tour with Braelei when visiting Denver. I appreciated every single thing about her especially her personality. My favorite tour guide of all time. She has set that bar on another level. THANK YOU Braelei!!!

6. Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver or Boulder

Denver, Denver, Colorado Aspire Tours
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4.9 based on 1,014 reviews

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the top National Parks to visit. Wildlife and grand views guarantee a unique experience. Disconnect for a day and immerse yourself in the beauty and solitude of these majestic mountains. This is the perfect tour for someone who simply wants time at each sight and a guide who treats them like family showing them all their favorite spots. Feel small against the vast, all-encompassing, mountains surrounding you as you take in Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine. Highlights - Small group tour - guarantees an intimate experience - Fantastic Views - Passionate guides - Comfortable and safe vans - Wildlife

Inclusions: Entrance Fees and Reservations, Water refill - please bring reusable bottle, Professional driver/guide, COVID-19 Prepared: reduced group sizes, masks, routine sanitizing, and more, Picnic lunch in the park

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By N9864LKfrankc

The Foothills Explorer Tour with Braelei was awesome!! She was a walking wealth of knowledge. Her educational background combined with her life experiences made the tour highly interesting. She knew the history regarding every site we visited. We also recognized how passionate she was when encountering the wildlife. The drive in between visiting landmarks was full of fun. I appreciated the way she captured everyone's attention. Her delivery was also on point. We learned so much during the short 4 hour tour. I could have definitely spent the entire day touring with Braelei. I'm looking forward to visiting Denver and booking another tour/s with her. After spending half a day with her, I realized that we had a similar interests as far as outdoor activities but yet also so different. It should be a requirement to tour with Braelei when visiting Denver. I appreciated every single thing about her especially her personality. My favorite tour guide of all time. She has set that bar on another level. THANK YOU Braelei!!!

7. Grand Lake Tour RMNP

500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Estes Park Guided Tours
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4.9 based on 45 reviews

This is the ultimate Rocky Mountain National Park Tour. We cover all 3 ecosystems, again stopping at the Alpine Visitors Centre, but continuing on to cross over the continental divide and finishing at Grand Lake. A short stop for lunch and stroll around town and then back through the west side of the park where there is the greatest opportunity of viewing moose.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, National Park Entry Fee, 2 Way Radios

Exclusions: Guests are responsible for own food and drinks, We do not provide any transportation. , Gratuity

Reviewed By NorthStar732517

Amazing time with Jeremiah, “JJ”, with the great fortune of a snowy day but roads perfectly clear. We had the extra bonus of seeing a moose and her calf with the pristine snow as the backdrop. Jeremiah gave the perfect amount of information without it feeling overwhelming. Highly recommend this tour. Great overview of the park with opportunity for short walks to breathe the fresh mountain air and experience the views. Thanks Jeremiah for a great start to our mini vacation!

8. Private Rocky Mountain National Park Tour from Denver

Explorer Tours

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the country's most visited parks. The region features breathtaking peaks in virtually every direction and an unspoiled, panoramic view of nature at its finest. Inside the Park, 110 peaks reach as high as 11,000 feet in altitude, including the celebrated Longs Peak, which boasts a height of 14,260 feet. The beautiful scenery in this area can be viewed by car or on foot. Trail Ridge Road is the most popular route among tourists and interestingly, it is North America's highest continuous paved roadway. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can also anticipate seeing a broad range of birds and animals in their natural habitat, as well as other unforgettable sites. On the way back we will stop by Stanley Hotel, famous for its inspiration of the book and movie “The Shining.

Inclusions: Park Entrance Fees, Professional Driver/Guide, Transportation, Water refill - bring reusable bottle please

Exclusions: Gratuities (10-20% recommended)

Reviewed By Shayan1516

Great experience with beautiful sights. Michelle, our guide, was patient and knowledgeable. Would definitely return to the Rockies

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