Rocky Mountain Journeys
Wildlife Photo
Tours
Highlights
- If you enjoy scenic mountain views, breathtaking night skies, and amazing wildlife, Rocky Mountain National Park has over 350 miles of hiking trails, ranging from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain climbs. During the summer season, we have the ability to drive over Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the country. This wildlife tour may include easy to moderate hiking. We’ll show you our favorite wildlife hangouts!
- The Wildlife Tour is only offered from mid-May to Late October. This increases the likelihood to view wildlife during baby season and the rut season.
- Let our guides know in advance what kind of wildlife you would like to see. We will customize the tour to give you a better opportunity to achieve your goals. For example, would you like to see moose or elk? Due to the nature of wildlife, we can not guarantee sightings but will work hard to make sure you achieve your goal.
- Join our caravan to catch wildlife at their favorite hangout spots!
- You also receive instruction on photographing wildlife.
- This tour includes access to a digital album of the photos your guide has selected. You will also have the option to order professionally processed prints, up to 24 x 36, at a discounted rate for taking our tour.
- Your guide will have a small gift for you as a token of our appreciation.
Tour Details
Price
Tour: $159 per person. Children 12 and under $75.
Tour Length
Our tours last approximately 3 hours.
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 temperatures and snow are always a possibility at higher altitudes
- High winds
- Thunderstorms & Flash Floods
Please be prepared.
What to Wear
We advise dressing in layers. It may get cold.
- Bring a jacket
- Long pants
- Hat
- Gloves
- If rain or snow is anticipated, pack a rain jacket
- Bug repellent is optional, but it may come in handy
- 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 and throughout other areas of the Park.
Group Size
Maximum of 10 people to go on the tour. Larger groups may be possible (call for info).
Camera Gear
Our tours guides are experts in photography, however it is important to note that we may not be familiar with every specific camara model. To fully benefit from the tour, we suggest using a digital SLR camera or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, a camera that has the ability to control ISO, aperture and shutter speed independently, and to be able to access those features on your camera. Tele-photo lenses are particularly beneficial for wildlife photography. Tripods are essential, especially during low-light situations like sunrise or sunset. Additionally, remember to bring extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.