Rocky Mountain National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
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Rocky Mountain National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Active
(93 reviews)
2h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Purchase only one tour per vehicle, not per person. Everyone listens together!

Take an unforgettable drive through Rocky Mountain National Park with this self-guided audio tour! These beautiful peaks are loaded with hiking trails and astonishing vistas, and this comprehensive tour will introduce you to all of them. Visit stunning lakes and mountain passes, hear the history of the remarkable women who helped create the park, and learn about the Ute tribe and their legends. And, of course, don’t forget to snap a few photos along the way!

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Available options

Rocky Mountain National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

What's included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

Detailed itinerary

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Up next are Beaver Ponds, featuring an easy boardwalk through secluded, very pretty wetlands.

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Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, also known as Rocky Mountain National Park Administration Building, is the park headquarters and principal visitors center of Rocky Mountain National Park in central northern Colorado.

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The first hiking trail you'll reach is the Deer Mountain Trailhead, which leads up 1,000 feet to some spectacular views from a mountainous summit.

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Welcome to Rocky Mountain National Park! This tour will take you through the most picturesque stretch of this majestic mountain range. Get ready for stunning vistas, lush meadows, and prime wildlife-spotting!

Note: The tour is over 40+ miles long, with more than 60+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

5

After that is Hidden Valley, a boreal forest with some of the hardiest flora in the country.

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You'll arrive next at the Many Parks Curve Overlook, which offers stunning views of not one or two but three gorgeous mountain meadows.

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The next overlook you'll reach is Rainbow Curve Overlook, which sits right at the altitude beyond which most trees can no longer grow. Suffice to say it boasts some pretty incredible views!

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At the next trail, the Ute Trailhead, you'll learn about the Ute tribe which once called the Rockies home.

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Continuing on, you'll come to the Forest Canyon Overlook, featuring a vista from 12,000 feet up. You'll also get some facts about the Arapaho tribe while taking in the views.

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Your route takes you next to the Lava Cliffs Overlook. You might not think "lava" when you think of the Rocky Mountains, but these 28 million year-old cliffs are sure to change your mind about that!

11

Next, you'll arrive at the Gore Range Overlook. This ominously-named range gets its name from the deep red coloring it takes on at certain times of the day, and you might just catch sight of that striking image while visiting!

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You'll pass the Alpine Visitor Center next. This isn't just a great place to stop for snacks and restrooms, it's also the highest-elevation visitor center in any US national park!

13

At the Medicine Bow Curve, up next, you won't want to leave your camera in the car! This vista is so high up you can see the state of Wyoming from it!

14

Ever seen an alpine lake? That's next, at Poudre Lake. This lake is so high up that it freezes all the way through, top to bottom, each winter.

15

Continuing on, you'll arrive at Fairview Curve Viewpoint, offering an excellent look at the Never Summer Mountain Range.

16

The next trail leads to some great views of the famous Colorado River. Here, you'll also learn some of that river's surprising history.

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The road you'll follow throughout the park wasn't built in a day, and your next stop, the Timber Creek Road Camp Barn, provides a glimpse into the ambitious construction project's past.

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More history waits ahead, at the Holzwarth Historic Site. Once the home of a small family, this became one of the nation's first dude ranches before the area was a national park.

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Up next is the Bowen/Baker Trailhead, marking the start of one of the park's longest trails. Experienced hikers looking for a challenge will definitely want to check this one out!

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The next trail, the Coyote Valley Trail, is a great choice for hikers looking for an easier, shorter journey. This trek also has opportunities for fishing!

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The Ute and the Arapaho weren't the only tribes to call the Rockies home. You'll learn about another, the Onahu, at the Onahu Trailhead up next.

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The main tour concludes in the town of Grand Lake, which has all the amenities you'll need after a long, rewarding day in the Rockies.

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If you chose to take the Bear Lake detour, you'll come first to the Moraine Park Amphitheater, which dates all the way back to the park's earliest days.

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At Moraine Park, up next, you'll have the opportunity for some seriously scenic horseback riding.

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After that you'll come to Cub Lake Trailhead, where you'll learn about the lasting damage caused by wildfires within the park.

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Beyond that is Fern Lake Trailhead, the perfect stop for hikers looking for a bit of peace and quiet away from the crowds.

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As you follow the route, you'll find it hard to miss Eagle Cliff Mountain, named for the golden eagles and bald eagles which can frequently be seen in this area.

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Looking for a picturesque picnic spot? You'll find it next, at Hollowell Park.

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A relaxing destination with many picnic tables and excellent views of Mill Creek Basin below Longs Peak.

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Continuing on, you'll come to Sprague Lake, one of the best spots in the entire park to catch the sunrise. If you can get here early enough, it's highly recommended!

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After that is the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead. This lake is every bit as beautiful as Sprague Lake, and tends to have fewer visitors, so be sure to stop by if you want to enjoy a bit of wilderness solitude.

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The next trail, at Glacier Gorge Junction, offers a great trek through the park's famous quaking aspens. These iconic aspens are among the hardiest trees around!

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Finally, you'll arrive at Bear Lake. This immense lake is a phenomenal spot to end your journey, get a few final photos, and bask in the pristine beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

What's not included

Park Passes

Available languages

Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.1
25 reviews
5★
12
4★
7
3★
3
2★
3
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.3
68 reviews
5★
43
4★
13
3★
5
2★
4
1★
3

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
Timed-entry permits are required at Rocky Mountain National Park from May 23 to Oct 13, 2025 (9 AM–2 PM), with Bear Lake Corridor access needed through Oct 19 (5 AM–6 PM). Permits open monthly (1st day of each month); day‑of slots drop each night at 7 PM MDT. Booking at least one month ahead during peak season is highly recommended, as spots fill fast.
Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
Important Note: Due to a winter storm, Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is temporarily closed to thru travel. The road is closed on the east side at Rainbow Curve and on the west side at Colorado River Trailhead. Old Fall River Road is also closed. Please check current conditions before your visit.

Meeting point

Start near the Grand Lake Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Rd, Grand Lake, CO. If approaching northbound, the Visitor Center will be on your right. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with the Visitor Center. Audio plays automatically—check your email/text for details.

Important notes

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for "Action Tour Guide"
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have WiFi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem

2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don't wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.

3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• For the best audio experience, connect to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or AUX, or listen through your phone's speaker.
• CarPlay and Android Auto aren't supported yet.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!

4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-435-288-0560
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com

⚠️ Important Note:
You must reserve a permit in advance to visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 24 to October 20, 2025.

Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle plus the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly entrance fee per vehicle.

About Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a stunning national park located in northern Colorado. It is known for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. The park is home to over 100 peaks above 10,000 feet, including the iconic Longs Peak.

Top Attractions

Trail Ridge Road

This iconic road is one of the highest continuous paved roads in the United States, offering stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and alpine tundra.

Scenic Drive 2-3 hours to drive Free

Bear Lake

A popular alpine lake known for its clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop. It's a great spot for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Longs Peak

The park's highest peak at 14,259 feet, offering a challenging hike for experienced climbers. The views from the summit are breathtaking.

Adventure 10-12 hours round trip Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rocky Mountain Oysters

A local delicacy made from deep-fried calf or sheep testicles, often served with a side of dipping sauce.

Appetizer Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Bison Burger

A burger made from lean bison meat, often topped with local cheeses and vegetables.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian or vegan with plant-based alternatives

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Mountain biking Picnicking Wildlife viewing Scenic drives Visiting historic sites Attending local events

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the best time to visit for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the park's alpine scenery. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, and most trails and facilities are open.

15-30°C 60-85°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rocky Mountain National Park is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as wildlife encounters, altitude sickness, and sudden weather changes.

Important Precautions:
  • • Carry bear spray when hiking
  • • Stay on marked trails
  • • Be prepared for sudden weather changes

Getting there

By air
  • Denver International Airport • 75 miles (120 km)
By bus

Denver Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The shuttle service is available during peak season and offers convenient transportation to various trailheads and attractions within the park.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Estes Park Grand Lake

Day trips

Indian Peaks Wilderness
30 miles (48 km) • Half day to full day

A beautiful wilderness area with stunning alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and abundant wildlife.

Garden of the Gods
70 miles (113 km) • Full day

A stunning public park with unique red rock formations, scenic views, and numerous hiking trails.

Festivals

Estes Park Winter Festival • February Wildlife Week • September

Pro tips

  • Arrive early to secure parking at popular trailheads and attractions
  • Check the park's website for up-to-date information on road closures, weather conditions, and trail conditions
  • Pack layers and be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially at higher elevations
  • Carry bear spray and know how to use it when hiking in bear country
  • Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing or provoking animals
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 4
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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