
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
Schedule: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from mid-June to mid-August (Please note: There is no tour on July 4)
Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours; departs at 10:00am
Price: Adults & teens: $100; children 12 and under: $50
Accessibility: A wheelchair lift and ADA accessible seating are available.
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.
The tour is approximately 5 to 6 hours in length and includes time for participants to eat lunch at the Alpine Visitor Center or Hidden Valley. Bring a picnic lunch along or purchase light fare at the Trail Ridge Cafe. All required park entry fees and permits are included in the ticket price. A wheelchair lift and ADA accessible seating are available.
When: Tours depart at 10:00am. Approximate return time is between 3:00pm and 4:00pm. Our return may be delayed due to weather or traffic conditions.
Where: Meet your guide and board the bus at the Fall River Visitor Center, 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park. Look for the marked Rocky Mountain Conservancy vehicle in the parking lot. Your guide will meet you at the vehicle. Please note that you do NOT need to print paper tickets. We will use the name on your reservation to check you in when you arrive.
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.
Who: This tour is suitable for all ages and abilities. If you would like to request this vehicle for your program, please select the ADA Accessible Wheelchair ticket during checkout!

Old Fall River Road Scenic Ecology Tour
Dates: July 9, 18, 22, and 31, and August 4, 2026
Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours; departs at 10:00am
Price: Adults & teens: $100; children 12 and under: $50
Accessibility: Participants need to be able to step up and into the van. This vehicle is not wheelchair accessible.
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.
The tour is approximately 5 to 6 hours in length and includes time for participants to eat lunch at the Alpine Visitor Center. Bring a picnic lunch along or purchase light fare at the Trail Ridge Cafe. All required park entry fees and permits are included in the ticket price.
When: Select dates in July and August, departing at 10:00am. Approximate return time is between 3:00pm and 4:00pm. Our return may be delayed due to traffic or weather conditions in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Where: Meet your guide and board the bus at the Fall River Visitor Center, 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park. Look for a white van with our name and logo.
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.
Who: This tour is suitable for all ages. Plan to supply your own car seat for small children. Participants need to be able to step up and into the van. This vehicle is not wheelchair accessible.

Fall Scenic Ecology Elk Tours
Season: Select Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons, September–October
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Price: Adults: $50; children 12 and under: $25
Accessibility: An ADA accessible bus with a wheelchair lift is available by selecting the “ADA transport” option during checkout.
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.
This tour is approximately 2.5 hours in length.
Thanks to a generous donation, we purchased an ADA accessible bus with a wheelchair lift in late 2024. If you would like to request this vehicle for your program, please select the “ADA transport” option during checkout!
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.
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Members save on all Field Institute classes. Join or renew today and carry that connection to Rocky into every season.

