Sunrise Tours
Mostly Driving: Sunrise tours are designed specifically to start before sunrise. Dawn is probably the best time for wildlife viewing. We can and will view the sunrise from several opportune vantages knowing that every day is unique and changing. Typically, driving sunrise tours are shorter. We get up early to get to the perfect spot in plenty of time and then we take our time finding our way home. If you are up for a longer adventure, we can find a great breakfast place and then add a couple more hours onto the trip and enjoy the cool morning in the mountains.
Mostly Hiking: Hiking experts all agree on one thing…start early. Due to rapidly changing weather patterns in the afternoon, it is important to get up and get going early. Hitting the trail at dawn is a great opportunity to enjoy the sun rising over the area. It will be very chilly so dressing in layers is important. As you would expect, there are a wide variety of hiking options. My hiking tours are mostly on the shorter side and less vigorous as many people are not accustomed to hiking at this altitude.
Combo: Most people enjoy a little variety and that is what this tour provides. We start out early driving to the trail head and then exploring the area by foot. This can also be a nice opportunity to view wildlife. Taking several different, shorter hikes in different areas is very popular as people get to experience a wider variety of the Estes Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park. We can drive to multiple spots depending on your interest and take in as much as we can. These tours can run any length of time.
Sunset Tours
Mostly Driving: Sunsets in the Rocky Mountains can be some of the most spectacular on the planet. A driving tour allows us to find the ideal viewing spot at any time of year.
As dusk settles in the opportunity to view wildlife increases making this a great time to view animals. These tours can also be shorter if you have already had long day hiking or can be combined with other tours to make a day of it!
Mostly Hiking: Hiking in the afternoon we can run into rain storms. Weather can change quickly and we don’t want to be on the mountain when a storm moves in. We can anticipate that and find an alternate course.
Combo: For those looking to experience a short hike we’ll find a special place and still see the most we can before before the sun goes down.
summer tours
Driving: Summer in Estes Park is hard to beat. Flowers are in bloom while the mountains still try to hang on to the snow. Spending your time on a driving tour allows you to view so many wonderful things. While summer day temperatures don’t usually get too high, it feels very warm so driving tours are ideal for any time of the day. Summer driving tours can be any length of time. Because we tour by car, we can start and end whenever you like. All trips include a stop at the historic Stanley Hotel. Visiting areas in and around Rocky Mountain Park give you a true appreciation for the entire area.
Hiking: As with all hikes, it is recommended we start early so we can finish early. Yes, it will be chilly when we start, but it is important to get down from the trails before it gets too hot or a summer storm moves in unexpectedly. My hiking tours are typically shorter in duration and not quite as vigorous so they are great for all ages.
Combo: Spending a little time in the car and a little time exploring on foot is always a favorite. We can see and experience so much with this type of tour. Your tour can include as much or as little “hiking” as you like. Some want to stop and stroll in many places and some want to drive less and hike more…it’s all up to you. These tours can be any length and can start and stop based on your schedule. If you are looking for more hiking experience, I do suggest we start earlier than later.
Grand Lake Tour
Grand Lake: If you are looking for a full-day adventure, a trip to the other side of the mountain takes us to another hidden gem in Grand Lake. Travel to the remote west side of Rocky Mountain National Park and the headwaters of the mighty Colorado River. Can include a lunch stop at the historic Grand Lake Lodge. This tour is really one of my favorites and it will be one you will ever forget.
If you schedule online, please book both the morning and afternoon tours.
Fall Tours
Combo: Spending a little time in the car and a little time exploring on foot is always a favorite. We can see and experience so much with this type of tour. Your tour can include as much or as little “hiking” as you like. Some want to stop and stroll in many places and some want to drive less and hike more…it’s all up to you. These tours can be any length and can start and stop based on your schedule. If you are looking for more hiking experience, I do suggest we start earlier than later.
Hiking: As with all hikes, it is recommended we start early so we can finish early. We don’t want to be up on the side of a mountain when a fall storm moves in unexpectedly. My hiking tours are typically shorter in duration and not quite as vigorous so they are great for everyone of all ages.
Winter Tours
Driving: Winter in this area is a special kind of beautiful. While access to certain areas can be limited due to road closures, winter tours are still available. Shorter trips are much more common and usually best in the middle day.
Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is very popular and a lot of fun. This is a strenuous activity and these types of trips are usually shorter in length. Snowshoeing is usually combined with a driving tour so that you get the most of the winter experience.
Spring Tours
Driving: Spring in Estes is so beautiful. Flowers are in bloom while the mountains show off their snow. Mornings are cool (or outright cold) and then the day gradually warms nicely. Spending your time on a driving tour allows you to view so many wonderful things. We can visit areas where you see signs of spring everywhere and areas where you would think it was still the middle of winter…all in one day and on one tour. Spring driving tours can be any length of time. Because we tour by car, we can start and end whenever you like. Visiting areas in and around Rocky Mountain Park give you a true appreciation for the entire area and don’t forget that all tours stop at the historic Stanley Hotel.
Hiking: Hiking in the spring depends a lot on the weather. Early spring could see tremendous amounts of snow still in the area, but later in the spring could lead to some breathtaking scenery. As with all hikes, it is recommended we start early so we can finish early. Yes, it will be cold when we start, but it is important to get down from the trails before the weather decides to bring in a spring storm. My hiking tours are typically shorter in duration and not quite as vigorous so they are great for everyone.
Combo: Spending a little time in the car and a little time exploring on foot is always a favorite. We can see and experience so much with this type of tour. Your tour can include as much or as little “hiking” as you like. Some want to stop and stroll in many places and some want to drive less and hike more…it’s all up to you. These tours can be any length and can start and stop based on your schedule. If you are looking for more hiking experience, I do suggest we start earlier than later.
Snowshoeing Tours
Snowshoeing is very popular and a lot of fun. It allows us to view the winter scenery while enjoying the wilderness. This is a strenuous activity and these trips are usually shorter in length. If you are in good physical condition, we can lengthen the tour.
This tour is usually combined with a driving tour so that you get the most of the winter experience. Adding snowshoeing to a tour allows you to get the best of both tours.
This is a beginner to intermediate tour. Due to the strenuous nature of snowshoeing, no children under the age of 12 are allowed on this tour.
Beyond Estes Park
Rocky Mountain National Park: A trip to Estes Park wouldn’t be complete without venturing into Rocky Mountain National Park. Park fees are not included in my fee and I strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of what the park has to offer. Whether you’re looking for lakes, streams, fields, wildlife, flowers…Rocky Mountain National Park has it all. Elk, Bighorn, Mule Deer, and other wildlife call the park home and make the park one of the country’s top wildlife viewing destinations.
Scenic driving doesn’t get any better than in Rocky Mountain National Park and you can experience the tremendous scenery while leaving the driving to me. Just sit back and take in the breathtaking views while I share the history of the area. Trail Ridge Road is one of America’s most scenic roads and leaves you feeling like you are on top of the world.