Our most recommended things to do in Estes Park

Estes Park: Rocky Mountain National Park Glass-Top Van Tour

1. Estes Park: Rocky Mountain National Park Glass-Top Van Tour

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park on a guided tour from Estes Park. Travel up above the trees in a glass-top convertible van. Take a short hike or two and see fast-flowing snow melt, waterfalls, and glaciers. Enjoy coffee, hot drinks, and a variety on board. Learn all about the science and history of the Rockies and its animals with your guide. Travel up the famous Old Fall River Road, which is the original high alpine road that opened in 1920 and is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Take a halfway break at the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest-altitude visitor center of any national park. Get free time to visit the cafeteria and gift shop, as well as soak in amazing “top of the world” tundra views. Upon leaving the Alpine Visitor Center, travel back towards Estes Park. Journeying across Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, reaching the highest point on the road at 12,183 feet. Get spectacular views from inside the panoramic van, and above the tree line. With a fully closable glass roof, stay protected from the chilly, hurricane-force winds produced in the alpine tundra. If Old Fall River Road is closed for the season, hit the Trail Ridge Road to go both up and down the mountain, with the highest point accessible being the turnaround point.

Estes Park: Rocky Mountain National Park Safari Tour

2. Estes Park: Rocky Mountain National Park Safari Tour

Your unforgettable tour will start in the historic downtown Estes Park at 7500 feet above sea level. It will take you through lowland meadows and aspen groves, along swift flowing rivers to mountain lakes and into the tundra above 12000 feet in elevation. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park as your professional guide narrates your journey along the way, ensuring an incredible experience. This tour will include going to the highest part of Trail Ridge Road, stopping at a waterfall, wildlife viewing, and the historic one-way road, Old Fall River Road, when open.

From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and Lunch

3. From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and Lunch

Explore the Rocky Mountain National Park on this day trip from Denver. See nature at its finest as you take in unspoiled views and magnificent peaks. Cruise down Trail Edge Road and through Estes Park in a comfortable and airconditioned van. Stop for a nice picnic in a stunning natural setting.  Meet your local guide at the Denver Union Station and climb aboard a spacious van with plenty of legroom. Sit back and relax on the drive to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Take in views of the city of Boulder on the drive.  Stop to see the iconic Flatirons red-rock formation. Admire views of this 300-million-year-old wonder that lies in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Feel as though you are on top of the world as you cruise down Trail Edge Road which offers plenty of opportunities for capturing breathtaking photos. Indulge in delicious picnic lunch as you enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains in the background. Visit the Stanley Hotel which was made famous as the shooting location for Stephen King's film 'The Shining.' Encounter marvelous views of the Rocky Mountains as you drive through Estes Park. Return to your meeting point in Denver at the end of your Rocky Mountain adventure. 

FullRide:Estes Park: PM RMNP Retractable Glass Top Tour

4. FullRide:Estes Park: PM RMNP Retractable Glass Top Tour

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the eastern side of the Rocky Mountain National Park while enjoying complimentary hot drinks and snacks on this guided tour from Estes Park. Hop aboard a luxurious minibus that has a retractable glass roof that allows you to take in the park’s spectacular views. Set off from the meeting point in Estes Park and enter the park during the most coveted timed-entry slot. Relax on a tour that allows you to soak up the views without any hiking. Stop at multiple viewpoints to admire the park’s natural wonders and take some photos to share with friends back home. Keep your energy up on the way with coffee, hot drinks, light refreshments and a variety of tasty snacks on the bus. Cross through scenic alpine tundra on the way to the Alpine Visitor Center where the bus will stop for a break. Have free time to visit the cafeteria and gift shop or take in some amazing “top of the world” views. Head back down the Trail Ridge Road and then venture into the Bear Lake Corridor. Explore Moraine Park (Meadow), and then venture up the road towards Bear Lake. NOTE: September through October this tour will feature the elk rut for the last portion of this tour. End with a stop at either Sprague Lake or Bear Lake(Unless Elk Rut is underway). Both of which are well noted for their ease of access, as well as their outstanding beauty. Return to your meeting point at the conclusion of your tour. Purple Mountain Tour Co Meeting location 165 Virginia Dr Estes Park CO City public paid parking lots (multiple within one block, $2/hr) are the best option for parking as there is no private onsite parking and street spaces directly in front of office is 3hr limit. The Estes Park Visitors Center also has a free parking garage and is located .5 mile from our office with a free seasonal shuttle dropping across the street from our office at Bond Park,

Estes Park: Bear Lake corridor Tour

5. Estes Park: Bear Lake corridor Tour

Enjoy this specialty tour, where professional guides will take you to exclusive photo spots to take the perfect photos. Your guide will help you capture the angles and reflections that'll give you a range of once-in-a-lifetime photos. Capture photos of breath-taking vistas, lakes, streams, waterfalls, and possibly intimate encounters with wildlife. Stops may include the Stanley Hotel, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, Moraine Park, Endo Valley, and other hidden locations.

Estes Park: Rocky Mountains Milky Way Tour Under the Stars

6. Estes Park: Rocky Mountains Milky Way Tour Under the Stars

For stargazers and night sky lovers, this tour takes you up to 12,500ft along the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountain National Park on trail ridge road, into the mountains by car with 3 incredible stops along the way. Learn how to take night photos with your own cellphone (iphone 11pro max or newer, galaxy S21 or newer) Alpine Lakes with starry reflections, valleys and meadows, and cliffs galore! We will see it all! (don’t forget elk and moose sightings happen often at night too!) You will have time to marvel at the glittery sky above you and search for shooting stars, far away from the light pollution of city lights. Perfect for taking long exposure photos and experiencing meteor showers at all hours of the night! And as a bonus, I am an expert night sky photographer, and provide a professional digital photo (like the ones in my gallery) from each stop we make (3-5 photos)! A digital link will be sent 2-3 weeks after your tour, you can download the images to your personal devices and print as you please. *you follow me in your own vehicle for this tour. *Due to unpredictable weather you must let me know 2 to 3 dates you can be flexible with! 3 days prior to your first date option we will select the best exact date due to hourly weather predictions! *Start time might change due to hourly weather predictions!!!!!! No refund is offered due to weather (why we select multiple days), a tour credit is given for you to come back anytime!

Ruttin' around Elk tour

7. Ruttin' around Elk tour

Fall in the Rockies is a truly magical time of year. As the weather cools and the Aspen trees begin to change colors, the bull elk begin to strut around in the hopes of mating, also referred to as the “Elk Rut”. Enjoy the magical sunset, and mystical mating ritual of the elk during a sunset Green Jeep excursion. The “Ruttin’ Around” tour showcases the elk rut in beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. In addition to the spectacular scenery, you will also have the benefit of an experienced, knowledgeable guide.

Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Tour with Picnic Lunch

8. Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Tour with Picnic Lunch

Immerse yourself in the spectacular sights of Rocky Mountain National Park with a guided day trip from Denver. Hike the park trails while watching for local wildlife such as elk, eagles, and marmots. Savor a picnic lunch and discover alpine lakes and waterfalls. Begin your tour by meeting your guide at the designated pickup point and drive into Rocky Mountain National Park in an air-conditioned van. Admire incredible mountain views as you head deeper into the park, stopping at the scenic panoramic overlook at Many Parks Curve, a hairpin turn on Trail Ridge Road. Proceed to Horseshoe Park to discover a staggering alluvial fan, a naturally made deposit of water-transported material. Explore several short trails, watch for native wildlife such as elk and deer, traverse wide meadows, and wander by waterfalls, alpine lakes, and fragile alpine tundra. Take a break from hiking for a picnic lunch. Enjoy one last glance at the expansive forests, sprawling meadows, and towering mountains before driving back to your pickup location. Visit the village's art galleries and The Stanley Hotel, best known for inspiring the novel "The Shining" by Steven King.

Rocky Mountain National Park: Scenic Airplane Flight

9. Rocky Mountain National Park: Scenic Airplane Flight

On this 30-minute private flight, you’ll experience the Front Range of Colorado from a bird’s-eye view, with your pilot acting as your guide. Enjoy your window seat as you soar over landmarks such as the Big Thompson River Canyon and savor incredible views of the Rocky Mountain National Park.   Departing from Longmont, your pilot will provide headsets for you to don as you glide over the beautiful nature of Colorado. Experience the view over the expansive Carter Lake and Big Thompson Canyon before glimpsing Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park.  Gain perspective on the Cameron Peak burn scar and learn other interesting facts about the land as your pilot narrates along the flight route. Be sure to bring a camera to relive this unique and unforgettable perspective of charming northern Colorado. 

Rocky Mountain | Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

10. Rocky Mountain | Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Rocky Mountain National Park boasts the very best of what Colorado and the Rocky Mountains has to offer: unbelievably scenic mountains, awesome hiking and superb wildlife viewing. Flexible Tour: Follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. Major Highlights: Alpine Visitor Center Bear Lake Estes Park Grand Lake Holzwarth Historic Site Lava Cliffs Mushroom Rocks Old Fall River Road Overlooks: Many Parks, Rainbow Curve & Forest Canyon Sprague Lake The Stanley Trail Ridge Road Includes: Rocky Mountain National Park Created with the driving visitor in mind, Rocky Mountain National Park has an outstanding and picturesque scenic drive, climbing above the tree-line to 12,000 feet, surrounded by towering Colorado peaks on the Trail Ridge and Old Falls Roads. Nowhere else in the country can you drive a scenic route that brings you above the treeline and into the alpine tundra for 11 miles, peaking at altitudes over 12,000 feet. There are many scenic viewpoints including Rainbow Curve Outlook and Mushroom Rocks overlooks along the driving route, and easy, accessible trails at Sprague and Bear Lakes. Or you may want to follow the historic route that the earliest visitors drove in their Stanley Steamers or Model T’s on the Old Fall River Road. Along the drive, you'll hear all about the “Father of Rocky Mountain National Park” and the other influential characters who fought and invested heavily to preserve this area. But many visitors are drawn by the excellent wildlife watching opportunities. Especially during the Fall rut when male bull elk and moose are fending off rivals vocally and physically. The audio tour will point out the best locations to keep watch and increase your chances. This is a truly unique experience that has thrilled drivers and passengers since the 1920s.

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What people are saying about Estes Park

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 220 reviews

Don’t even hesitate - this is one of the best tours I’ve ever taken! The Rocky Mountains are truly stunning in winter. Emily our tour guide was wonderful, had so many interesting facts to share and had boundless energy. The stop at the Stanley Hotel was a cool extra addition!

Execelente atención, un ser humano muy valioso, profesional muy puntual. Un viaje fuera de lo común. Pocas veces disfrutamos del paraíso donde nos encontramos , pero haya arriba en el aire todo es más que una fantasía . Super recomendado el tour. No se arrepentirán .

I enjoyed seeing Rocky Mountain National Park and all of the cute towns that surround it. Our guide Will was very knowledgeable and had plenty of great stories to tell us.

this was a great way to learn more about the park, it's history, and geology. it was just the right amount of information, easy to use, stop, restart

Brian was great. The views were amazing. The only thing that could have helped was telling people to met at the flag pole. Worth the money!!!!!!