Roosevelt National Forest 4x4 Rock Crawl & S'mores

Crawl over boulders, then recline up a private mountain to views that stretch to Denver.

A 3-hour winter 4x4 off-road tour in Roosevelt National Forest near Estes Park, where you rock-crawl over boulders, drive through an aspen grove, and ride up a steep private hill to Wildside's exclusive viewing tower with panoramic views of Long's Peak and Denver. The tour includes a stop at a private pavilion with s'mores, hot cocoa, bottled water and snacks. You choose between a thrilling natural roller-coaster descent or a scenic high road on the way back. Wildside is the only company in Estes Park with a permit for guided tours in the Roosevelt National Forest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Winter 4x4 tour in Roosevelt Forest

• Leave store and drive highway
• Rock crawl over boulders
• Ride through aspen grove
• Stop for guide's vegetation talk
• Drive higher in elevation
• Pass locked gate to steep hill
• Arrive at private viewing tower
• Relax at pavilion with snacks
• Descend steep hill recliner
• Choose thrill or chill route
• Travel down boulder field
• Drive back with scenic views
• Finish tour at storefront

The experience

Roosevelt National Forest sits less than 10 minutes from the Wildside storefront, and the tour spends over two and a half hours inside it. You'll start with a 10-minute rock crawl over boulders with views opening up around you, then move into a majestic drive through one of the largest living organisms in the world: an aspen grove that stretches across the landscape. Your guide stops for 15 to 20 minutes to explain the aspens and the other vegetation you're surrounded by, then the jeep climbs higher in elevation through the forest before reaching the steep part: a 10-minute recliner-style ascent up a natural hill that only a 4x4 vehicle can handle, hands-free as your guide drives.

The viewing tower sits at the top, and you'll spend up to 30 minutes there taking in the panorama: Long's Peak, the Mommy Range, the Stanley Hotel, Old Man Mountain, many 12,000-foot peaks, Denver and Pikes Peak all visible on a clear day. Then you descend to the private pavilion for up to 30 minutes with a fire pit, s'mores, hot cocoa, bottled water and snacks. The descent takes 10 minutes, and then comes the choice: a 20-minute thrill ride through natural water bars where the terrain has you flying out of your seat as you weave through aspen trees, or a chill option that meanders through the forest on a new high road lined with aspens. Either way, you spend 10 minutes working back down the boulder field with fresh views of Estes Park and the peaks, then 10 minutes returning to the storefront past Lake Estes, Lumpy Ridge and downtown.

The vehicle is open, so bundle up for winter conditions: Wildside uses the highest quality winter tires and operates year-round. Groups stay under 50 people, and children from age 4 are welcome. An English-speaking guide leads every tour, and the company offers both private and public departures.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• snacks.
• hot cocoa and s'mores at the pavilion.
• an English-speaking guide.
• use of the private viewing tower and pavilion with fire pit.
• access to the highest quality winter tires for year-round operation.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:45 and 13:45Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 to 61 years) · Senior (62 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 50

Live 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 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by WildSide 4x4 Tours

Is this one for you?Groups up to 50 people work well here, and the mix of rock-crawling, steep climbing and a choice between thrill or chill on the descent means families with kids from 4 up, couples seeking adventure, and groups wanting variety all fit the same tour. The open vehicle and winter tires mean you're bundled and ready for cold weather, so this works year-round when other forest roads close.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

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 is the rock crawl like on this Roosevelt National Forest tour?

The rock crawl lasts 10 minutes and takes you over boulders in the Roosevelt National Forest with views all around. It's the opening section after you leave the storefront and enter the forest.

Can I see Denver from the viewing tower?

Yes. The viewing tower sits at elevation and offers views of Denver, Long's Peak, the Mommy Range, Pikes Peak, many 12,000-foot peaks, the Stanley Hotel and Old Man Mountain on a clear day.

What do I get at the pavilion?

You spend up to 30 minutes at the private pavilion with a fire pit, s'mores, hot cocoa, bottled water and snacks. A restroom is available there.

Can I choose between a thrilling ride and a relaxed one on the way back?

Yes. The descent includes a 20-minute section where you pick between a thrill ride through natural water bars with aspen trees around you, or a chill option that meanders through the Roosevelt National Forest on a scenic high road.

Is this tour safe in winter?

Wildside operates year-round and equips all vehicles with the highest quality winter tires. Snow does not stop the tour, and the company is the only outfit in Estes Park with a permit to run guided tours in the Roosevelt National Forest.