Rocky Mountain Audio Tour: Self-Guided Scenic Drive
4.7
29 Ratings
Estes Park
Embark on a self-guided scenic drive through Rocky Mountain National Park with the GuideAlong Audio Driving Tour. Discover famous highlights, hidden gems, and wildlife viewing with fascinating stories and local tips.
Duration: 16 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 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;

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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
  • One-Time Purchase: No time or date use limit or expiry
  • Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
What's Not Included
  • Timed Entry Fee & Reservations
  • National Park Passes
Additional Information

Don’t miss out on the extraordinary adventure provided by GuideAlong Audio Driving Tour as it navigates you through one of the most frequented US national parks. Along this journey, it points out both popular and hidden attractions, including a picturesque route through the treeline into the alpine tundra and places for excellent wildlife spotting.

This audio tour is user-guided and adds value to your road trip by offering captivating stories, local advice and automated directional support throughout the drive.

Savour the liberty to discover at your leisure, meaning you can spend more time at locations you find intriguing, and skip the ones less appealing.

✅ Geo-located stories, advice and directions
✅ Personalised travel speed
✅ Connectivity-free tours using GPS, no cellular network or WiFi required
✅ Propose itineraries for half-day, full-day or multiple days
✅ No expiry or time limit, free updates included

Please note, only one tour can be purchased per vehicle.

Location
Estes Park
Start at one of the official tour introduction points (Park Entrances near Estes Park or Grand Lake) or join anywhere along the route and pick up the commentary at the next audio point. Open the GuideAlong app to preview the tour route and browse the suggested itineraries and trip planner.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(29 Ratings)
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Road30485840412
Jun 13, 2024
Great RMNP trip with Guide Along - The Guide Along App is great. We have been to RMNP several times but bought the tour for this trip. We learned many new and interesting things that we didn’t know from previous trips without the app.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stefan_k
Jun 10, 2024
Great - The info was very informative and we really enjoyed it. Nice that it knows where you are and starts talking about the different locations at the right time.
Review provided by Viator
Mary_r
May 19, 2024
Invaluable - I didn’t miss a thing and learned a few things! Thank you for showing me the way and educating me along the way.
Review provided by Viator
Roslyn
Nov 11, 2023
MUST TRY! - This is a must purchase! If you are on the fence, give it a try. Was a perfect self paced event for 2-4+ hours. Better than a guided group tour, in my opinion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniel_d
Oct 13, 2023
Must get this audio guide for Rocky Mountain National Park - Well worth it! The narration provided lots of great tips for viewing and exploring areas of the park that we might have otherwise missed. Stanched up perfectly with our drive!
Review provided by Viator
Lewerdt
Oct 9, 2023
Family Vacation - The most memorable park was being navigated through the park with no stress and not missing anything!
Review provided by Viator
Tonia_m
Sep 29, 2023
First trip to the Rockies - Was a wonderful guide as we drove through the Rocky Mountains! Highly recommend using this service. Gave plenty of advance notice of what to watch for. We had a Fabulous time
Review provided by Viator
Anita_z
Sep 16, 2023
Great way to learn about Rocky Mountain National Park as you drive thru. - Loved sharing the history behind the the Trail Ridge Road as I was driving it. It was not only interesting, but it broke up the drive. Perfectly synced to the location I was in.
Review provided by Viator
Sarah_b
Aug 23, 2023
awesome app / self-directed trip made easy - great app to use. it is easy and you are able to go on your own pace. it directly connects to your phone and gives you direction how to proceed. love this app. you wont be sorry.
Review provided by Viator
Paige_s
Oct 17, 2023
Wouldn't download - Couldn't get it to download, so couldn't use it. Couldn't get it to download, no matter what I did....
Review provided by Viator
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