Family-Friendly Educational Bus Tours
From the comfort of our new 14-passenger buses, we offer guided tours throughout Rocky Mountain National Park to areas including Trail Ridge Road, the alpine tundra, Alpine Visitor Center, and picturesque meadows showcasing the elk rut in the fall. Each tour is led by one of our talented naturalist guides and includes plenty of time for photos throughout the park.
Entrance fees and timed entry permits for Rocky Mountain National Park are included in tour fees.
Interested in a personalized experience? We can create a custom tour for you and your group.
Scheduled Scenic Ecology Tours
Choose the route and season that fit your visit. Dates, duration, pricing, accessibility, and ticket links stay visible; expand each tour for meeting details, preparation guidance, and the full itinerary.
Trail Ridge Road & the Alpine Visitor Center Scenic Ecology Tour
Season: June–August
Duration: 5–6 hours
Accessibility: A wheelchair lift and ADA accessible seating are available upon request.
One of the premier attractions of Rocky Mountain National Park is Trail Ridge Road, the nation’s highest continuous paved highway. Trail Ridge Road meanders through various life zones on its way through the park, and over one of the largest, most pristine stretches of alpine tundra in the lower 48 states.
Participants receive a unique overview of the park’s history, wildlife, native plants, and geology while viewing the landscapes from the comfort of our 14-passenger bus, with opportunities for short walks and taking pictures at many stops along the way.
What to bring: Wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers as it will be cool and windy at the Alpine Visitor Center. Bring a bag lunch and plenty of water for everyone in your group. Don’t forget your camera, and binoculars can be nice to have, too.
Old Fall River Road Scenic Ecology Tour
Season: July and August
Duration: 5–6 hours
Accessibility: Participants need to be able to step up and into the van. This vehicle is not wheelchair accessible. This tour includes short walks over rough, uneven ground.
Join us for a mountain adventure up Old Fall River Road! This scenic drive features hairpin turns, dramatic mountain vistas, serene forests, and the chance to see wildlife up close. Participants receive a unique overview of the park’s history, wildlife, native plants, and geology while viewing the landscapes from the comfort of our 12-passenger van. We’ll return to Estes Park via Trail Ridge Road, which offers panoramic views of the alpine tundra and ample opportunities for photos.
What to bring: Wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers as it will be cool and windy at the Alpine Visitor Center. Bring a bag lunch and plenty of water for everyone in your group. Don’t forget your camera, and binoculars can be nice to have, too.
Fall Color Elk Ecology Tours
Season: September and October
Duration: 2.5 hours
Accessibility: A wheelchair lift and ADA accessible seating are available upon request.
It’s impossible to ignore the magic of fall in the Rockies! The fall rut is a spectacular display of elk mating behavior featuring bugling, posturing, and herding by the bulls. You’re invited to witness this extraordinary event along with the spectacular reds and golds of the fall foliage.
This tour is staffed by a professional educational guide who will discuss elk ecology, interpret elk behavior for guests, and have elk artifacts such as antlers and hides for participants to see and touch.
What to bring: Wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers. Bring plenty of water and don’t forget your camera. Binoculars can be nice to have, too.
Looking for a tour on a specific date?
Private and custom programs are available for families and groups. Tell us what you’re hoping to experience, when you’ll be visiting, and what your group needs.
Become a Rocky Mountain Conservancy member and save!
Members save on all Field Institute classes. Join or renew today and carry that connection to Rocky into every season.