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

Active
(70 reviews)
8h - 16h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Don't miss a thing as the GuideAlong Audio Driving Tour takes you on an incredible journey through one of the most visited US national parks. Along the way you'll be guided to all of the area's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including a scenic route that travels above the treeline and into the alpine tundra and superb wildlife viewing.

This self-guided audio tour helps you discover more on your road trip with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions that plays automatically along the drive.

Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace so you can spend more time at places that interest you, and bypass any that don’t.

✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location
✅ Travel at your own pace
✅ Tours work offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed
✅ Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use
✅ Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates

Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Available options

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park

What's included

Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 135 Points
Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates
Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own

Detailed itinerary

1

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;

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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!

8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

11

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.

What's not included

Timed Entry Fee & Reservations
National Park Passes

Available languages

Audio guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5
47 reviews
5★
40
4★
1
3★
1
2★
1
1★
4
Tripadvisor 4.6
23 reviews
5★
19
4★
2
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2

Important information

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.
You must reserve a permit in advance to visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 23 to mid October, 2025. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website.

Meeting point

Start at (Park Entrances near Estes Park or Grand Lake) or join anywhere along the tour route. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour" and follow the instructions to download now over Wi-Fi/cell service. Then, preview the start location/s and tour route in the app.

Important notes

STEPS TO GET YOUR GUIDEALONG AUDIO TOUR:

1. SIGN IN + REDEEM your VOUCHER CODE: https://store.guidealong.com/voucher
2. DOWNLOAD the GuideAlong App
3. SIGN IN to the GuideAlong app with the same Apple or Google account as Step 1
4. DOWNLOAD the Audio Tour NOW

FIND YOUR VOUCHER CODE AND INSTRUCTIONS
- Email: Search your inbox for “Your Tour Operator Sent You A Message” and “Instructions for GuideAlong Audio Tour.” Check All Mail and your junk/spam folder.
- Text: Check for a text message from +17817732638.
- This Ticket: Find the voucher code at the top under the QR code and redeem at Step 1.
- Viator App: Open your booking and select Contact Support > Contact Tour Operator.
- TripAdvisor App: Open your Account and select Messages.
- Need help? Call GuideAlong toll-free on 1866-477-1791.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDEALONG APP & TOUR NOW
You must pre-download both the GuideAlong app and audio tour to your phone over reliable wifi or cellular data before you drive out of signal. If you can OPEN your tour and see the START TOURING button, your tour is downloaded. No service is required while touring.

FLEXIBLE TRAVEL DATE
There’s no expiry, date or time limit for your tour, so download the GuideAlong app and audio tour now. If your plans change to a different day there’s no need to change your travel date.

CHARGING & SOUND
We don’t recommend connecting your phone to the vehicle's USB port. Instead, use a USB/C car charger adapter in the auxiliary power outlet (cigarette lighter) to prevent an automatic secondary pairing and keep your phone charged. CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported, so listen to the tour through your phone’s speaker or pair it to your car stereo via Bluetooth: guidealong.com/travel-tips-bluetooth/.

HELP & SUPPORT

- FAQs: Check the offline Help menu in the GuideAlong app or online FAQs at guidealong.com/faq.
- Contact GuideAlong Support: Call toll-free 1866-477-1791, chat online at guidealong.com, or email info@guidealong.com.

About Estes Park

Estes Park, Colorado, is a charming mountain town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, serving as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and quaint downtown area, Estes Park offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Top Attractions

Rocky Mountain National Park

One of the most visited national parks in the U.S., offering stunning landscapes, wildlife, and numerous hiking trails.

Nature Half day to multiple days $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass

Estes Park Aerial Tramway

An aerial tramway offering panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and Estes Valley.

Adventure 1-2 hours $20 for adults, $10 for children

Downtown Estes Park

A charming downtown area with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

Cultural A few hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rocky Mountain Oysters

Deep-fried bull testicles, a local delicacy.

Appetizer Not vegetarian or vegan

Bison Burger

A burger made with bison meat, often served with local toppings.

Main Course Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Mountain biking Scenic drives Picnicking Wildlife watching Visiting art galleries Attending local events

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm days, cool nights, and all activities and attractions fully operational.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

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

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Estes Park is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of wildlife, weather conditions, and potential hazards in the national park.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of wildlife
  • • Check weather conditions before hiking
  • • Stay on marked trails

Getting there

By air
  • Denver International Airport • 105 km (65 miles)
By bus

Estes Park Visitor Center

Getting around

Public transport

The shuttle service is convenient but has limited routes and schedules.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Estes Park Marys Lake Road

Day trips

Grand Lake
40 km (25 miles) • Half day to full day

A picturesque lake town with beautiful views, hiking trails, and water activities.

Boulder
72 km (45 miles) • Full day

A vibrant college town with a mix of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and a thriving food scene.

Festivals

Estes Park Winter Festival • February Estes Park Jazz Fest • July

Pro tips

  • Visit Rocky Mountain National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking.
  • Book accommodations and popular activities in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  • Pack layers of clothing to accommodate changing weather conditions.
  • Use the Estes Park Shuttle for convenient and affordable transportation to the national park.
  • Try local specialties like Rocky Mountain oysters and bison burgers.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 8
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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