Self Guided Rocky Mountain National Park Driving Tour

2 Reviews3.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Estes Park, USA
Bear Lake
Self Guided Rocky Mountain National Park Driving Tour Image 2
Medicine Bow Curve
Rocky Mountain Map
Self Guided Rocky Mountain National Park Driving Tour Image 5
Alpine Ridge
Timberline Falls

Loading Options

10 hours (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

Explore the stunning beauty of the Rocky Mountains like never before on our guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park!

This self-guided audio tour will take you on a journey through the park's iconic peaks, and stunning alpine lakes, with views of breathtaking wildlife.

Turn your phone into a personal guide as we share fascinating insights into the park's geology, ecology, and history.

With stops at multiple viewpoints and scenic overlooks, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the park's stunning vistas and capture unforgettable photos.

The tour provides directions, stories, music, and travel tips - all in the comfort of your own vehicle.

It's like having a tour guide along for the ride. We've done all the planning, so you don't have to!

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

What's Included

  • Tours NEVER expire
  • Offline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
  • Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
  • Private transportation
  • Meals and refreshment
  • Parking Fees
  • Entrance Fees
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Estes Park, CO 80517, USA

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Recommended Start Time: Before 8:00 a.m.*A Timed Entry Reservation is needed to enter Rocky Mountain National Park May through October. Check out the tour FAQs for more information.*

End point

Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA

Start Time

Opening Hours

  • 4/19/2024 - 2/10/2026

    Monday - Sunday | 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM

What To Expect

Estes Park

This beautiful town is a the place to stop before your trip. There’s one seasonal cafe and no gas in Rocky Mountain National Park, so make sure to stock up on all the supplies you need before you get there. There’s numerous picnic areas in the park, so keep that in mind when shopping. Estes Park has plenty of shops and gas stations, and if you’re coming from farther away, you’ll have even more options.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Beaver Meadows Visitor Center

Here’s a perfect place to pick up a trail map. It’s chock full of information that’ll help you decide which trails are right before you. It also has park maps, bathrooms, gifts and souvenirs.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Moraine Park Discovery Center

This is a wonderful place to learn about the park’s geology and history. In fact, the building itself has quite the historical significance. It’s the last standing building that was part of the Moraine Park Lodge, a place popular with tourists when the park was a popular vacation destination.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bear Lake Trail

At the Bear Lake Trailhead you’ll have the option to hike several different trails. The quickest, and most popular, is the Bear Lake Trail which takes around 15 minutes. But there’s others that range from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead

Like most trailheads in the park, this one also offers access to several different trails. Many are long though! If you’re up for an easy, just over three-hour hike, we recommend the Glacier Gorge Trail. It’s popular for birding and camping.
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1 hour 45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bierstadt Lake

Just over three miles long, this trail is popular for snowshoeing, horseback riding, and of course, a gorgeous lake.
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1 hour 45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Horseshoe Park

What gives this valley its name is the glacial melt that carved it into the shape of a horseshoe millions of years ago. Today, it’s home to spacious meadows that attract wildlife.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sheep Lakes

As the name suggests, here you’ll find park information and exhibits. It’s located right by the four beautiful Sheep Lakes. It’s also a popular spot for bighorn sheep and elk.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Alluvial Fan Trail

What’s an alluvial fan, you ask? Well, it’s where water cascades over boulders moved there by a massive flood in 1982. A sort of waterfall, really. This easy trail passes right by it.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Beaver Ponds

Here you can take a five-minute walk along a boardwalk through wetlands created by beavers. Long ago beavers built a dam and organic material gathered behind it. Once it collapsed, that soil flowed out, creating the wetlands there today.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hidden Valley Trail

At this peaceful stop, you’ll find an easy, half-mile nature trail, picnic tables, and flush toilets. It’s a lovely place to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Many Parks Curve Overlook

From this one you’ll see Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park, and Beaver Meadows. There are viewing platforms around the entire curve for different perspectives.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Rainbow Curve Overlook

And another! This stop is a viewpoint above the treeline. You’ll see unobstructed views of nearby peaks and valleys.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Forest Canyon Overlook

A short walk through the tundra at the overlook affords visitors a view down into a river flowing through a canyon. You’ll see Hayden Gorge and Gorge Lakes.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Tundra Communities Trail

This one-mile trail features interpretive signs about the flora and fauna that live in the tundra. You’ll also get to see the Mushroom Rocks, boulders that are over a billion years old and they look like, well, you can imagine.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lava Cliffs Overlook

The cliffs you’ll see from here are made of the only volcanic rock in the park. They’re part of the Never Summer Mountain Range and are actually the park’s youngest.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Gore Range Overlook

Here you’ll see awesome views of Gore Range, the Never Summer Mountains, and the flat-top of Longs Peak.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Alpine Visitor Center

At the highest elevation visitor center in any national park, you’ll find a seasonal cafe and the usual offerings from a place like this. This is the only place where you can grab a bite to eat in the park. There are also epic views from the nearby Alpine Ridge Trail.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Medicine Bow Curve

From this gorgeous overlook, you’ll see the Medicine Bow Mountains, La Poudre River, and Wyoming on a clear day. Keep an eye out for wild life too.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Milner Pass

You’ll stand right on the Continental Divide here. It’s also home to the Ute Trailhead and views of Poudre Lake.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Irene Picnic Area

This is home to a half-mile loop around Lake Irene. Across the street from there is Sheep Rock, where bighorn sheep like to sunbathe.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Farview Curve Overlook

This overlook lies at 10,000 feet elevation! It offers views of Kawuneeche Valley, the Colorado River, the Never Summer Range, and Jackstraw Mountain.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Colorado River Trailhead

As usual, there are several trails here to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous. We recommend the Colorado River trail.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Beaver Creek Picnic Area

During fall, it’s common to see elk run here. It has tables, toilets, and fire grates.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Beaver Ponds Picnic Area

Another picnic area! You’ll find it offers great bird watching, two ponds, tables, and toilets.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Holzwarth Historic Site

Originally homesteaded by early settlers, this now offers a 1.5 miles stroll around the land. Some original structures are still standing.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bowen Mountain

As the name suggests, this roadside overlook offers views of Bowen Mountain and the Colorado River.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bowen-Baker Trailhead

Trailheads of different levels can be found here. Even if you don’t hike, it’s a wonderful place to spend some time. There’s a gorgeous meadow, picnic tables, and bathrooms.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Coyote Valley Trailhead

This is an easy, riverside, one-mile trail that’s wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bowen Gulch Trail

Since this trail is 15-miles long, the attraction is really walking along the river and exploring this beautiful area. Take a stroll along part of it and turn back when you’re done enjoying the beautiful scenery.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Harbison Meadows Picnic Site

Originally homesteaded by two sisters, today this area is a gorgeous meadow with picnic tables. It’s also a popular place with wildlife.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kawuneeche Visitor Center

What’s unique about this visitor center is it has a Rocky Mountain Conservancy Bookstore. So if you saw or heard about something today you want to learn more about, here’s an opportunity.$10-$20 for souvenirs
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Grand Lake

Food ranges from simple to high-end, and there’s even a museum and historical society. Of course, there’s also that beautiful lake! So be sure to explore at least a little more before leaving town.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
  • Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
  • Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help.
Live Chat, Text, Call, or Email our friendly customer support with your questions.

Activity code: C-102020P49

Reviews

3.00
2 reviews

Average 3.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
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0
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
1

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