Rocky Mountain Journeys
Star Tours
Highlights
- This tour includes easy walking up to 200 yards. We’ll show you some of our favorite night time spots!
- Instruction on how to use your cell phone for night photography.
- This tour includes 3 digital photos of you under the stars! These will be sent to you by your guide approximately 2-3 weeks after the tour.
- You will also have the option to order professionally processed prints, up to 24 x 36, at a discounted rate for taking our tour.
- You will have approximately 2 hours on location.
Tour Details
Tour Price
Tour only: w/instruction using cell phone for night photography $159 per person. Children 12 and under $75.
Tour w/camera photography instruction: $275 per person.
Tour w/ instruction and 2-hour classroom time: $495 per person. Call for booking.
Tour Length
Our tours last approximately 3 hours, with 2 hours on location.
Tour Departure
The tours depart from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. From there you follow us in your vehicle. You will need a pass to get into Rocky Mountain National Park, but you will not need a reservation as part of our tour. Once the tour has completed you are free to visit the Park on your own. During the summer while the reservation system is in effect, you will not be able to re-enter an area that requires a reservation once you have left.
FOR EXAMPLE: If we do a wildlife tour along the Bear Lake Corridor and you exit past the kiosk, you can not re-enter if you do not have a timed entry reservation.
Weather Conditions
Our trips span throughout Rocky Mountain National Park with several microclimates surrounding the area. It’s important to be aware of environmental conditions:
- Altitude sickness
- Freezing temps/snow are always a possibility at high altitudes
- High winds
- Thunderstorms & Flash Floods
Please be prepared.
Schedule
| Dates | Times |
|---|---|
| May 1-12 | 12 – 3 am |
| May 13-14 | 1 – 4 am |
| May 30 – Jun10 | 11 pm to 2 am |
| Jun 11-13 | 12 – 3 am |
| Jun 28 – Jul 9 | 10 pm – 1 am |
| Jul 10 | 10:30 pm – 1:30 am |
|
Jul 27 – Aug. 8 Aug 9-10 |
9:00 pm – 12:00am
9:30 pm – 12:30 am |
| Aug 25-31 | 8:30 – 11:30 pm |
| Sep 1-8 | 7:30 – 10:30 pm |
| Sep 23-30 | 7:15 – 10:15 pm |
| Oct 1-5 | 7 – 10 pm |
What to Wear
Temperatures will drop after sunset. We advise dressing in layers. It will get cold.
- Bring a jacket
- Long pants
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- If rain or snow is anticipated, pack a rain jacket
- We also recommend wearing sturdy footwear
Food / Water
Food is not provided during our tours. All participants should bring their own food and water to sustain them throughout the tour. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed as per National Park policy. As a side note, Rocky Mountain National Park is Federal property and not technically part of Colorado. Marijuana use is illegal in all National Parks.
Note on altitude sickness: It is crucial to stay well-hydrated as everyone’s body reacts differently to low oxygen at high altitude. We encourage everyone to drink lots of water as your body adjusts to the Colorado climate.
Restrooms
Beaver Meadows Visitors Center has restrooms. The National Park has vault restrooms at the beginning of Bear Lake Trailhead.
Group Size
Maximum of 10 people. Larger groups may be possible (call for information).
Night Photography
Join us in our Star Tour to capture some of the most breathtaking photographs of the Rocky Mountain night sky.
Camera Gear
Our tour guides are experts in photography, however it is important to note that we may not be familiar with your specific camera model. Please inform us of your camera model so we can get familiar with your camera. You need a digital SLR camera or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, the ability to control ISO, aperture, focus, and shutter speed independently. You will need to be able to access those features on your camera. Wide-angle lenses are particularly beneficial for night photography. Tripods are essential during low-light situations. Additionally, remember to bring extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.