Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

   As the audio guides play commentary based on your gps location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route(s) to match your interests and schedule. Or you can use our trip planners for our suggestions on half, full or multi day itineraries. Some of the many highlights are listed below;

   480 minutes here

2. Trail Ridge Road

   Most definitely the star of Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road is a scenic drive like no other in the country. Starting from either Estes Park or Grand Lake, the road climbs to heights above the treeline, topping at over 12,000 feet. There are many scenic overlooks along the way and the views to some of Colorado's most spectacular mountains is simply superb from this elevated vantage point. Not to be missed on any visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, driving the Trail Ridge Road is a must-do.

   Pass by without stopping

3. Estes Park

   Charming mountain town that has managed to keep a small town feel, despite being the gateway for the popular Rocky Mountain National Park. You can still rub elbows with famous mountain explorers, or just enjoy the galleries, eating fudge or shopping for fresh fruit and vegetables at the summertime Farmers Market.

   60 minutes here

4. Bear Lake

   The Bear Lake area is the starting point for many of the most popular and scenic hikes in the Park. It's a leisurely stroll to go around the lake and catch fantastic mountain peaks views in all directions. Keep watch for wildlife as you drive towards Bear Lake, especially elk, who love this area.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

5. Many Parks Curve Overlook

   The Many Parks Curve Overlook is one of the best turnouts in Rocky Mountain National Park. From the hairpin turn, pull into the carpark. The curved boardwalk has memorable views to various mountains including Longs Peak, at over 14,000 feet. The terrain we peer into from the view is the result of glaciers bulldozing their way through.

   20 minutes here · Admission not included

6. Tundra Communities Trail

   You're high above the treeline in the alpine tundra here. Hike roughly 1 mile from the Tundra Communities Trailhead and you'll reach some really unique rock formations - the Mushroom Rocks. At 12,000+ feet you may feel you need to stop and take short rests to catch your breath. Some wildlife thrive in these conditions and you may see marmots basking on flat rocks and hear pikas squeaking warning calls.

   60 minutes here · Admission not included

7. Old Fall River Road

   Before Trail Ridge Road was constructed, the original road that was built to allow visitors to drive into the high alpine was what we know as the Old Fall River Road. The road is unpaved, but very well maintained, and over 11 miles, climbs its way to the Alpine Visitor Centre at over 11,500 feet. It's a slow and memorable drive that is driven as a one-way journey - uphill!

   Pass by without stopping

8. Sprague Lake

   Located along the Bear Lake Road, Sprague Lake offers an easy mostly flat, but busy, 0.8 mile loop trail. There are some boardwalks and bridges along the way. The setting is idyllic for this lake that was created by a pioneer who thought his guests might like to fish. Fingers crossed, you might see moose in the late afternoons.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

9. Chrysalis At the Stanley Hotel

   Famous for its inspiration as the Overlook Hotel in author Stephen King's horror novel "The Shining". Motoring buffs will have other interests to enter the hotel, there is a Stanley Steamer (steam powered car) on display. The hotel was constructed by wealthy industrialist and also conservationist, FO Stanley, who wanted the fledgling town to have a 1st-class hotel, to attract early wealthy travelers.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

10. Holzwarth Historical Site

    Some people had to be tough in the old days. Imagine leaving home at age 14 for another country. Seeing your chosen profession in a brewery shutdown when prohibition came into law. Moving your wife and 5 young children to start anew in the Kawuneeche Valley, and eventually building and running a dude ranch with fishing, horseback riding and rodeos. The Holzwarth family were immigrants from Germany and hardy pioneers. Find out more at the historic site and from on-site staff.

    30 minutes here · Admission not included

11. Alpine Visitor Center

    Nowhere else can you drive on paved roads to an elevation of 12,000 feet! The mountain top scenery is stunning of course, and the picture windows inside the Alpine Visitor Center provide an amazing oasis if the wind is blowing, or the temperature is dropping. Catch your breath and hike the 0.7 mile Alpine Ridge Trail, also known as Huffers Hill, that rises another 147 feet and provides 360 degree views.

    30 minutes here · Admission not included

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide)

Know before you go

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
• Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
• Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
• Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
• Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
• Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
• Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
• Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
• Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
• Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
• Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
• The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
• Please Note: National Park fees may apply for international visitors. If applicable, this fee is collected in-destination and not at the time of booking.

Photos

Traveler reviews

84 verified traveler reviews for Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.