Rocky Mountain National Park Private Large Group Hiking Tour

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest-elevation national parks in the United States, straddling the Continental Divide across more than 265,000 acres of pristine wilderness. The park contains 76 peaks above 10,000 ft (3,048 m) — including the famous 14,259 ft (4,346 m) Longs Peak — and over 350 miles of trails spanning four distinct ecosystems: montane forest, subalpine meadows, alpine tundra, and riparian zones. The park is world-famous for its exceptional wildlife, including large herds of elk, moose, mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, marmots, and pika. With your own certified local guide leading the way, you'll go beyond what most visitors see and experience the park's history, geology, and natural wonders in depth.

RMNP is open year-round, with each season offering a distinct experience. Summer (June–September) is peak season — wildflowers bloom, most trails are snow-free, and Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in the US at 12,183 ft / 3,713 m) is open. Fall (late September–October) is spectacular for golden aspen foliage and the famous elk rut, when bull elk bugle across the meadows in one of the great wildlife spectacles of Colorado. Winter offers snowshoeing and uncrowded trails, and spring brings wildflowers and returning wildlife as the snow melts. Your guide will help you time your outing and choose the best route for the season.

Wildlife sightings are a highlight of nearly every tour. Common sightings include:

• Elk — the park's most iconic animal, especially visible during the fall rut (September–October) in meadows like Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park
• Moose — often spotted near water sources, willows, and the west side of the park; moose are actually more likely to cause a dangerous encounter than bears, so guides maintain safe distances
• Mule deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears
• Yellow-bellied marmots and American pika — found at higher elevations along rocky slopes
• Birds including Steller's Jays, Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and various hawks and songbirds

Your guide uses binoculars provided on every tour and knows exactly where to look based on the season and conditions. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but we prioritize routes with the highest likelihood of wildlife encounters.

Moose and elk cause more dangerous encounters than bears in RMNP. Moose can charge with no warning, especially if a dog is present or if they feel threatened. Elk become highly aggressive during the fall rut. Always keep your distance, never approach calves, and give wildlife the right of way — your guide will direct the group appropriately. Ticks can be present in grassy and brushy areas, especially in spring and early summer. Check for ticks after the hike. Mosquitoes are common near wet meadows and in early summer. Afternoon lightning storms are the most serious hazard in the park — your guide will plan departure times and routes to minimize exposure, and the tour runs rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe.

No prior experience is required! One of the core strengths we have is our ability to customize every tour to the fitness level and experience of the group. First-timers, families with young children, seasoned hikers, and everyone in between are welcome. After booking, your guide will discuss the group's abilities and tailor the trail selection accordingly. That said, please be aware that even 'easy' trails in RMNP involve high-altitude hiking starting at 7,630 ft (2,326 m), and the thin air affects everyone differently. Arriving a day early to acclimate is always a good idea if you're flying in from sea level.

The hike difficulty is entirely customizable based on your group. We intentionally avoid the most crowded areas of the park (like Emerald Lake) and design routes that match your group's goals. Options range from easy, flat walks around alpine lakes (like Sprague Lake or Bear Lake) with minimal elevation gain, to moderate hikes to destinations like Alberta Falls or Bierstadt Lake, to more strenuous summit or backcountry routes for fit, experienced groups. All guests should be able to walk on uneven terrain for the expected duration of the tour. Guests with mobility limitations or health conditions should discuss this before booking so the guide can plan appropriately.

The timed entry permit required to access Rocky Mountain National Park from May through October is fully included in the cost of your group hike. Your guide handles the reservation and permit logistics — you don't need to secure your own pass. This is one of the most stressful parts of visiting RMNP independently (the permits sell out quickly), so having this handled for you is a significant benefit of booking a guided tour.

We run tours on time in rain, shine, snow, or sleet. Rain ponchos are included in the tour kit. However, if you're concerned about weather and want to reschedule, please call at least 24 hours in advance — a full refund or reschedule can be arranged. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice result in a gift card or reschedule. Guides plan departure times and routes to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are the most common weather concern in the park during summer months.

Trail selection is entirely based on your group's goals and fitness, and it's one of the first things you'll discuss with your guide after booking. Common beginner and family-friendly destinations include Sprague Lake (flat, ADA-accessible loop), Bear Lake (0.7 mi / 1.1 km easy loop with stunning views), and Alberta Falls (moderate, 1.6 mi / 2.6 km round trip with a beautiful waterfall). For more active groups, options might include Bierstadt Lake, Dream Lake, Sky Pond, and for those seeking a challenge, summit routes or backcountry destinations. Guides intentionally avoid the most overcrowded trailheads and know the quieter, hidden gems that give groups a more intimate park experience.

Yes — We are a Leave No Trace partner. Guides follow and teach LNT principles throughout every tour: staying on designated trails, packing out all waste, leaving the environment as found, and respecting wildlife by observing from a safe distance without feeding or approaching animals.

The default meeting point is the Estes Park Visitor Center North Entrance at 500 Big Thompson Avenue. Parking is available at the Visitor Center. From there, your group follows the guide in your own vehicles into RMNP. Parking at trailheads within the park during peak season (May–October) can fill early — your guide will advise on the best strategy based on your departure time and chosen trail. Note that there is no additional parking fee beyond the park entrance fee (which is included in your tour price).

We take safety seriously. Every tour includes a certified guide with CPR and First Aid certification, a medical kit, a satellite communication device for emergencies, and walkie-talkies. Guides are trained on wilderness safety, RMNP regulations, and wildlife awareness. They plan routes and departure times to avoid the most common hazards (afternoon thunderstorms, icy conditions, overexertion at altitude) and will adjust the plan in real time if conditions change.

Yes, we are also insured and have all required business permits within Estes Park, State of Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park.

A guide from our team will personally reach out to you via phone, text or email. We do this to outline our initial plans, and it allows us to get to know your expectations on our adventures. Each excursion is custom, so our plans are developed based on our discussion.

Yes, in several ways!

• Commercial insurance coverage is required to obtain a RMNP Tour Guide Pass & Photography Portrait permits
• All of our Guides are CPR + First Aid certified and natural history buffs
• Licensed in the town of Estes Park and State of Colorado
• Licensed in Larimer County for photography permits in/around Estes Park, and all the way to Fort Collins, and Loveland