Wildlife Tours are high on the list for many Estes Park guests. On a Wildlife Tour we will focus on the various large and small mammals as well as birds of Rocky Mountain National Park including Elk, Moose, Marmots, Pikas, Chipmunks, Ground Squirrels, and if we are lucky Coyotes and Big Horn Sheep. Our record for one day is finding 14 species on an 8 hour tour.

Wildlife Tours involve a good bit of driving throughout the park and generally less than a half mile of hiking as we explore the park for animals. When we find wildlife, we will generally park the vehicle and get out if its safe. Throughout the tour we will be sure to talk about all the great and amazing stories each one of these creatures have.

We will search out and find the animals, but beyond that you'll learn about these animals, how they live, what they eat, and more. We won't just look at animals, we'll talk about what these animals lives are like, learn about funny and meaningful body langauge they use, and some great random facts you will love. We have two species discovered by Lewis and Clark, find out which ones those are. Learn why coyotes wag their tails and what it means, why ground squirrels are so important to the meadows, learn why most animals can't see the color red, and be amazed at how much elk eat everyday. If you like Discovery Channel or BBC nature specials you will absolutely love a Wildlife Tour.

See your chances of seeing wildlife on a tour

May - August trips should start BEFORE 7:00am for a morning trip, generally the earlier the better. Or in the afternoon 6 hour tours should start around 2:30pm, and 4 hour trips around 4pm. All of our rare sightings happen close to dusk or dawn.

Spring and Fall, same rules apply but different times.

Notes: Moose are one of the exciting animals we can look for in the park mornings and evenings in the summer months. 4 Hour Tours only offer us a short 10 minute chance to look for moose from an overlook about 2 miles away through the spotting scope. If you want to look for Moose, and potentially get a closer look you should book a 6 Hour or 8 Hour tour.

Tour Details: All tours are private, only the people you invite will come along. Groups are limited to four people to ensure each person has a quality experience with our naturalist. Binoculars are available for each person as well as use of a spotting scope to really bring those distant creatures into view. Our vehicle also has a thermal imaging camera installed to help find animals. There are a number of stops where we can use the park restrooms. Sunscreen, eco-friendly and optics friendly bug spray, water and  healthy snacks are provided for all guests.  *Not included: Park entrance fees are $10 per person or $40 for an annual pass.

Summer Rates: April 15th - October

Fees: 1 - 4 Guests     

4 Hour Tour $150 first guest + $35 per additional guest*

6 Hour Tour $210 first guest + $55 per additional guest*
(Best time frame if you want to find Moose)

8 Hour Tour $295 first guest + $65 per additional guest*
(Best if you want to look for wildlife and do some hiking)