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

June 7, 2021 Agatha Simes

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 Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver and Boulder

LoDo, Denver, CO 80202, USA Aspire Tours
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5.0 based on 32 reviews

Make the most of your time in Colorado and treat yourself to a fully customized private tour in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. This is the perfect tour for someone who simply wants ample time at each sight and a guide who treats them like family showing them all their favorite spots. Disconnect for a day and immerse yourself in the beauty and solitude of these majestic mountains in an upscale vehicle that offers extensive views of your surroundings. Feel small against the vast, all-encompassing, mountains surrounding you as you take in Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine. From Denver, drive along 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 Rocky Mountain National Park.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup, National Park fees, Bottled water, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Snacks, COVID-19 Prepared: masks, routine sanitizing, and more

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!!!

2. Rocky Mountain National Park Tour from Denver

Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202, USA Explorer Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

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: Professional Driver/Guide, Transportation, Lunch, Park Entrance Fees, Small Group Tour, Water refill - bring reusable bottle please

Exclusions: Gratuities (10-20% recommended)

Reviewed By Z6454WVjasmined

Everything was SOOOO beautiful!! Our guide Michelle was very knowledgeable & excited to tell us all about the area!!

3. 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.

4. Private Photo Safari Sunrise in RMNP | Estes Park - Opts: Landscape or Wildlife

Estes Park Visitors Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Yellow Wood Guiding
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Explore Rocky through your viewfinder on a 4 hour Photo Safari. Select from Landscape, Wildlife, or Instructional Photo Safari options to get the best experience you can. Our job is to get you to the right place at the right time, avoid the crowds, help you dial in the best settings and get the best compositions to get the best images to take home. This tour is highly customizable with many locations and subjects we can focus on, so everything is tailored to your interests. For the Landscape option we can shot Sunrise at an Subalpine Lake, on the Tundra, or along the river of a Mountain Meadow. Wildlife like Moose, Elk, Mule Deer, Marmots, Pika, and on lucky days Bighorn Sheep can be captured. We can also focus more on education so you can learn to get the most out of your camera, to get off of Auto and learn your f-stop, exposure, focus, and composition. All guests have access to our arsenal of Nikon pro cameras and lens like the D810 and 600mm lens.

Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, Private tour, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Professional photographer guide with 15 years of teaching experience, Local guide, Snacks, Bottled water

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Reviewed By juliaU3333VL

My guide for the evening tour was Jared. His knowledge of the wildlife and terrain in RMNP is rivaled only by his well-developed skill and delight in sharing it with his guests. He knew the time and locations at which we would likely see moose (and we saw two!). We stopped and observed elk, and I learned to see so many more revealing details than I had imagined (how to tell if females are pregnant, e.g.). He told us all about the habits of the Great Horned Owl, whose nest with three chicks we visited. The spotting scope brought me right into that nest. Then I asked if he knew about the geology, and, even though it's not his primary domain, he pointed out features of the granite that is in the whole Front Range. But the highlight of my tour was the very close-up visit to a wall of schist with petrified sandstone bubbles in concentric circles. Awesome and memorable. Oh, and the van was comfortable, with heated seats and a full roof skylight. Jared is accommodating and considerate of the kind of experience each guest wants. Highly recommended.

5. Metal Embossing Class in Estes Park

138 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Inspired Artisan Market & Studio
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This project is a fun introduction into the many different uses for metal as an art medium. It's an usual project, but a lot of fun!

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Reviewed By SeeeingTheWorld

This was a super fun activity! I was on a "girl's weekend" in Estes Park and all 4 of us thoroughly enjoyed it. The employee who taught and assisted us was patient and provided us good instructions. We all left happy with the piece of artwork we had made.

6. Private Sunset Photo Safari in RMNP - Estes Park - Opts: Landscape or Wildlife

Estes Park Visitors Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Yellow Wood Guiding
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Explore Rocky through your viewfinder on a 4 hour Photo Safari. Select from Landscape, Wildlife, or Instructional Photo Safari options to get the best experience you can. Our job is to get you to the right place at the right time, avoid the crowds, help you dial in the best settings and get the best compositions to get the best images to take home. This tour is highly customizable with many locations and subjects we can focus on, so everything is tailored to your interests. For the Landscape option we can shot Sunset at an Subalpine Lake, or on the Tundra. Wildlife like Moose, Elk, Mule Deer, Marmots, Pika, and on lucky days Bighorn Sheep can be captured. We can also focus more on education so you can learn to get the most out of your camera, to get off of Auto and learn your f-stop, exposure, focus, and composition. All guests have access to our arsenal of Nikon pro cameras and lens like the D810 and 600mm lens.

Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, Private tour, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Professional photographer guide with 15 years of teaching experience, Local guide, Snacks, Bottled water

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Reviewed By juliaU3333VL

My guide for the evening tour was Jared. His knowledge of the wildlife and terrain in RMNP is rivaled only by his well-developed skill and delight in sharing it with his guests. He knew the time and locations at which we would likely see moose (and we saw two!). We stopped and observed elk, and I learned to see so many more revealing details than I had imagined (how to tell if females are pregnant, e.g.). He told us all about the habits of the Great Horned Owl, whose nest with three chicks we visited. The spotting scope brought me right into that nest. Then I asked if he knew about the geology, and, even though it's not his primary domain, he pointed out features of the granite that is in the whole Front Range. But the highlight of my tour was the very close-up visit to a wall of schist with petrified sandstone bubbles in concentric circles. Awesome and memorable. Oh, and the van was comfortable, with heated seats and a full roof skylight. Jared is accommodating and considerate of the kind of experience each guest wants. Highly recommended.

7. Rocky Mountain National Park Tour - Winter In The Park - Estes Park Guided Tours

Estes Park Guided Tours
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5.0 based on 87 reviews

Experience the best of the Park during Winter months as we take you on a magical journey on a Winter Wonderland. The trees are usually dusted with snow, and we cover the most popular areas that are open in the Park. The mountain air is crisp, and the animals usually come out to play. Take the stress out of Winter and Reserve your seats today!

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, We provide National Park Pass, 3 Hr Tour

Exclusions: We do not provide any transportation. Customers will follow behind your guide to the location. , Gratuity

Reviewed By 542francesv

My children and I had a wonderful time at Hidden valley RM, CO our tour guide Jeremiah was fun and knowledgeable of all our surrounding.!???????? The snow was so much fun to sled on and my family pics were perfect to remember. Thank you !

8. Evening Private Wildlife Safari in RMNP | Estes Park

Estes Park Visitors Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Yellow Wood Guiding
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

Enjoy a  Evening Wildlife Safari leaving from Estes Park in RMNP. Each tour is limited to 4 guests and private so each trip is just for you and your group. We will pick you up outside the office of your Estes Park hotel at the time we confirm, usually 5pm  or later but adjusted depending on the exact date. Yellow Wood Guiding Wildlife Safaris are driving tours with many stops as we travel across Trail Ridge Road. Our tours are designed to both provide great views of wildlife, but also learn extraordinary information about these amazing animals and the wonderful Rocky Mountain ecosystem.  Nearly every Summer Safari we see Moose cows and sometimes bulls, Elk bulls and cow herds with calves, Mule Deer, Bighorn Sheep on the distant mountains through the spotting scope, Yellow-bellied Marmots, American Pika, and a number of small cute critters only found in the Rockies like Least Chipmunk, Ground Squirrels, many different birds and some hawk & eagles.

Inclusions: Local Professional Guide with 12 years experience and having lead 4000+ tours, Professional photographer guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Live commentary on board, Private tour, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: National Park Entrance fees

Reviewed By justmarried16

My husband and I took a snowshoe tour first thing in the morning. We met Jared at the Estes Park Visitor Center, as we were staying at a private condo. He drove us to Bear Lake, where we made the trek to Emerald Lake. He was very friendly and knowledgeable, giving us information and answering any random questions we had. He made sure to tailor the trip to what we wanted, giving us the views along with the fun aspect of snowshoeing. I highly recommend doing a guided tour with him!

9. Private Three Hour Afternoon Custom Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park

500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Tour Estes Park
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Custom tour designed for you and where your interests are. We are not on a schedule and can even adapt as we go depending upon what we find on your special day. I am a local historian and naturalist who has lived in the area for over 50 years. I consider myself an interpreter of nature adding color to the already stunning beauty you'll see. We'll concentrate on the myriad wildlife, the diverse biology, and incredible geology of the Rockies. We'll also get insight into what it might have been like for early pioneers and lodge keepers as well as indigenous people like the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute. My tours are completely flexible so if you want to hike for 3 or 4 miles, great! Or if you just want sit back and relax and enjoy the view that's fine too! Either way we'll stop often to photograph and talk about the amazing sights.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: National Park Pass

Reviewed By JeffDegner

Bruce was sooooo knowledgeable! We really enjoyed our three hour tour with him. He was personable and professional and entertaining, all at the same time.

10. Lower Valley Tour RMNP

500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Estes Park Guided Tours
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5.0 based on 38 reviews

This is a great tour if you are focused on wildlife and a little nervous about heights! We cover all the lower valley key areas such as Sheep lakes, Alluvial Fan Waterfall, Moraine Park, and either Sprague or Bear Lake. The views are amazing and this is typically where you will find most of the wildlife. All tours are interpretive and get you to areas most people drive past. We give you plenty of time at each stop for photos and to enjoy the beauty.

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!

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