Rocky Mountain National Park Tour: Trail Ridge Road Drive

Stanley Hotel history, a waterfall hike, and the highest paved road in America

This guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park departs from Estes Park and climbs Trail Ridge Road to 12,000 feet, passing through three distinct ecosystems and stopping at the Alpine Visitor Center. The route includes a short waterfall hike, a pass by Sheep's Lake for bighorn sheep viewing, and multiple overlook stops on the descent. National Park entry, bottled water, snacks and an air-conditioned vehicle are included; the tour runs 3.5 hours and suits all fitness levels, with children welcome from age 4.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rocky Mountain National Park tour

• Start the adventure
• Stop at historic Stanley Hotel
• Visit spiritual energy vortex site
• Pass by 10,000ft mountain peak
• Enter Rocky Mountain National Park
• Pass by scenic waterfall
• Drive 9-mile dirt road uphill
• Hike to beautiful waterfall
• Continue 8 miles up road
• Pass emergency restroom break
• Stop at Alpine Visitor Center
• Descend on Trail Ridge Road
• Stop at overlooks to stretch
• Pass aerial views of parks
• Pass by high mountain peak
• Exit Rocky Mountain National Park
• Drive through Estes Park
• Conclude the tour

The Experience

The tour starts with a stop at the historic Stanley Hotel to learn its story, then heads toward Sheep's Lake where bighorn sheep often gather. A short walk leads to a waterfall where the guide points out details about the landscape and wildlife — keep an eye out for American Dipper birds along the water. From there, the vehicle climbs Old Fall River Road, a one-way dirt road open July through early October, gaining elevation steadily over 9 miles with views of waterfalls and switchbacks.

At 11,796 feet, the Alpine Visitor Center marks the highest National Park Service facility in the country. You'll spend 20 to 30 minutes here — time to walk around the building, browse the gift shop, use the restrooms, and take photos of the year-round glacial cirque and surrounding 12,000-foot peaks. The descent follows Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the USA, with stops at overlooks that vary based on group interests and guide discretion. Wildlife sightings along the route commonly include moose, elk, deer, bighorn sheep and birds.

The guide shares the history and significance of the landscape as you pass landmarks like Horseshoe Park and Deer Mountain, then loops back through Estes Park with commentary on the town's history and local spots worth visiting. The entire experience is contained in a single morning, leaving the rest of your day open.

What’s included

• National Park entry and air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• bottled water and snacks.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• stops at the Stanley Hotel, Sheep's Lake, a waterfall, and the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,796 feet.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by WildSide 4x4 Tours

Is this one for you?At 3.5 hours, this tour fits into a morning or early afternoon and leaves the rest of your day free for other activities in Estes Park or the surrounding area. The fixed itinerary and included park entry mean you skip the planning and entrance logistics, so the time on the road stays focused on the drive, the stops, and the guide's commentary.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

476 verified traveler reviews

5 ★460

4 ★13

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What wildlife might I see on this Rocky Mountain National Park tour?

Moose, elk, deer, bighorn sheep and a variety of birds are commonly spotted along Trail Ridge Road and at Sheep's Lake, though sightings depend on the season and time of day.

Is the waterfall hike difficult or long?

The waterfall walk is described as a short stroll and the tour suits all fitness levels, so it is accessible for most visitors; the main elevation gain happens in the vehicle.

What happens at the Alpine Visitor Center?

You'll have 20 to 30 minutes at the 11,796-foot visitor center to hike around the building, shop, use restrooms, and photograph the glacial cirque and surrounding peaks.

When is Old Fall River Road open?

Old Fall River Road operates from approximately July 1st through October 1st; outside those months, the route follows Trail Ridge Road instead.

Does the tour include the Stanley Hotel?

Yes, the tour stops briefly at the historic Stanley Hotel at the start so the guide can share its history before heading into the park.

What's included in the price?

National Park entry, bottled water, snacks, all fees and taxes, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle are included; customers with a valid National Park Pass can request a $10 discount by booking directly with Wildside 4x4 Tours.