Rocky Mountain National Park guided hiking tour kids free

The park spans the Continental Divide, and you hike across it on trails built for your fitness level.

A guided hiking tour of Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado with a live English-speaking guide, lasting three to four hours. The tour includes hiking gear such as headlamps and trekking poles, snacks, coffee or tea, and timed entry to the park. Children 16 and under hike free. You choose the trail based on your group's experience level, from alpine lake hikes to scenic loops around Bear Lake with views of the peaks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided hiking and wildlife photography

• Meet guide in Estes Park
• Hike scenic mountain trails
• Photograph wildlife and landscapes
• Explore Bear Lake trail views

The experience

Rocky Mountain National Park spans the Continental Divide in northern Colorado, protecting mountains, forests and alpine tundra across the park's full width. Your guide builds the day around your group's fitness level, so whether you're climbing toward an alpine lake, walking the Bear Lake loop with its peak views, or tackling steeper terrain, the route matches what you can handle. The park's known for Trail Ridge Road and the Old Fall River Road, drives that pass aspen trees and rivers, but the hiking trails let you move through the landscape on foot instead of staying in a vehicle.

Gear comes with you: headlamps, trekking poles and whatever else the guide brings for the terrain you're covering. Snacks and coffee or tea are included, so you're not stopping to buy them in town. The timed entry fee to the park is built in, which means the guide handles the logistics and you walk straight to the trailhead. Your guide speaks English and knows the wildlife and the routes, so questions about what you're seeing get answered as you go.

A three- to four-hour tour leaves the rest of your day open for other stops in Estes Park or the surrounding area. Kids 16 and under hike free, so families with younger children pay only for the adults in the group. You'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the terrain, and the hike isn't recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns that would make sustained hiking difficult.

What’s included

• Hiking gear including headlamps and trekking poles.
• snacks.
• coffee and tea.
• timed entry fee to Rocky Mountain National Park.
• live guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and WednesdayDepartures at 07:00 and 16:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Youth (under 17): free

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Estes Park Tour Guides

Is this one for you?The three- to four-hour commitment leaves room for other activities in Estes Park the same day, so you can combine this hike with a drive along Trail Ridge Road or time in town without losing the whole afternoon to one stop. Choose this tour if you want a guide who knows the trails and can match the pace to your group's fitness, rather than following a fixed route at a set speed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (under 17): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What trails does the guide choose for the group?

The guide builds the hike around your group's experience level and fitness, so the route might be an alpine lake hike, the Bear Lake loop with peak views, or steeper terrain depending on what your group can handle. The park spans the Continental Divide with protected mountains, forests and alpine tundra, so the trail changes based on conditions and your abilities.

What's included in the tour and what do I need to bring?

Hiking gear such as headlamps and trekking poles come with you, along with snacks and coffee or tea. The timed entry fee to Rocky Mountain National Park is included. You should bring water, wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes, and dress in layers since the park's elevation and weather can shift quickly.

How long does the tour take and will I have time for other activities that day?

The tour runs three to four hours, which leaves the rest of your day open for other stops in Estes Park or nearby areas. The timing depends on the trail your guide chooses and your group's pace.

Is transportation to the park included?

Transportation is not provided, so you'll need to arrange your own way to the trailhead. The guide meets you at the park entrance or the trailhead your group chooses.