Rocky Mountain National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Embark on a self-guided audio tour through Rocky Mountain National Park. Explore stunning vistas, learn about the park’s history, and discover the legends of the Ute tribe.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Rocky Mountain National Park - 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: This 40+ miles-long tour covers the essentials of Rocky Mountain Park in 2-3 hours.

  • Beaver Meadows Visitor Center - 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.
  • Deer Mountain - 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.
  • Beaver Ponds - Up next are Beaver Ponds, featuring an easy boardwalk through secluded, very pretty wetlands.
  • Hidden Valley - After that is Hidden Valley, a boreal forest with some of the hardiest flora in the country.
  • Many Parks Curve Overlook - You’ll arrive next at the Many Parks Curve Overlook, which offers stunning views of not one or two but three gorgeous mountain meadows.
  • Rainbow Curve Overlook - 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!
  • Ute Trail - At the next trail, the Ute Trailhead, you’ll learn about the Ute tribe which once called the Rockies home.
  • Forest Canyon Overlook - 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.
  • Lava Cliffs Overlook - 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!
  • Gore Range Overlook - 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!
  • Alpine Visitor Center - 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!
  • Medicine Bow Curve - 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!
  • Forest Canyon Overlook - 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.
  • Farview Curve Viewpoint - Continuing on, you’ll arrive at Fairview Curve Viewpoint, offering an excellent look at the Never Summer Mountain Range.
  • Colorado River Trail - 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.
  • Timber Creek Road Camp Barn - 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.
  • Holzwarth Historic Site - 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.
  • Bowen-Baker Trailhead - 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!
  • Coyote Valley Trailhead - 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!
  • Onahu Trailhead - 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.
  • Grand Lake - 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.
  • Moraine Park Museum - 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.
  • Moraine Park Museum - At Moraine Park, up next, you’ll have the opportunity for some seriously scenic horseback riding.
  • Bear Lake Trailhead - After that you’ll come to Cub Lake Trailhead, where you’ll learn about the lasting damage caused by wildfires within the park.
  • Fern Lake - Beyond that is Fern Lake Trailhead, the perfect stop for hikers looking for a bit of peace and quiet away from the crowds.
  • Odessa Lake-Flattop Mountain Junc. - 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.
  • Eagle Cliff Mountain - Looking for a picturesque picnic spot? You’ll find it next, at Hollowell Park.
  • Hollowell Park - A relaxing destination with many picnic tables and excellent views of Mill Creek Basin below Longs Peak.
  • Sprague Lake - 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!
  • Bierstadt Lake Trailhead - 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.
  • Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead - 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!
  • Bear Lake - 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 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!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

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 to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

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

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: 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. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Location
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
U.S. 36
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.2
(58 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Nabil
Aug 29, 2024
A wonderful Adventure - Beautiful scenery , breathtaking Nature Great Memories . That Tops all my Hikes In Europe and North Africa. I highly recommend it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karol
Aug 17, 2024
It was great! - Learned things we would never have and made it more meaningful. It was easy to follow and download.I would use these tours again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeffd944
Aug 8, 2024
Information we were looking for - We choose the Self Guided Audio Tour so we could go at our own pace. It was just what we were looking for. Amazing information in an easy to understand format. It gave us lessons on History, Geology, Ecology, Science, Native American Indians, and more. It was amazing to hear of all the strong women who helped shape the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marykathryne2021
Aug 4, 2024
Very Helpful - The audio tour was so helpful! It added a lot to our experience and we really enjoyed the facts and stories it provided. It was also helpful to know where to park and when to stop for photos. Definitely worth purchasing; we will buy another one the next time we take a family vacation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leisa
Jul 23, 2024
Independent touring with a bit of guidance! - This app worked great! Since it was downloaded, we knew where we were at all times in RMNP, and we got a little preview of what was coming up and a description of the next stop, including hiking/walking opportunities. The map also gave us a heads up on hairpin turns, etc. Fun way to take in a great national park!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharonbu9894wr
Jul 15, 2024
Spectacular! - The self guided tour was perfect. The map was great to look ahead. The audio was very informative and enjoyable. The trip really wouldn't have been the same without the guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Toolittleltravel
Jun 25, 2024
Worked flawlessly (read the directions!), nice assortment of types of info, very pleasant narration voice - This self-guided audio tour of RMNP was great. Worked for us flawlessly, but caveat, I am that person who follows directions. So it was easy, as the directions are easy to follow. I will say that if you have any hardcore misogynist types in your group, they won't appreciate this audio tour because it gives some really interesting history of a few women who were kinda founding mothers of the park and who were up against the standard sexist mores of the time. We loved it. But we could think of a couple dense cavemen we know who would've taken issue with it. 😂 We loved it, nice job! P.S. We also enjoyed the inclusion of the first nations lore, that was appreciated.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nipa_s
Jun 23, 2024
Happy with the purchase - Very informative and helpful. As per the directions we downloaded the maps that was very helpful since there was no network in the mountains and the regular gps was not working. Voice quality was very clear.
Review provided by Viator
Docd752
Jul 31, 2024
Driving tour was excellent - sign up process needs an overhaul. - I would have given 5 however the sign up experience was a bit clunky. Eliminate the email and do the sign up at the time the payment is made. Otherwise the experience was great ... we learned a lot during our driving tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vishal_p
Aug 22, 2024
Amazing guide app, entry tickets did not work. - The self driving tour app was amazing and the way in which it was done was great. However the tickets i purchase from Viator for entry to the park did not work and i would like a refund for the entry tickets
Review provided by Viator
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