Private Tours in Estes Park Colorado

So you are thinking about going to Estes Park in Colorado which is honestly one of the best choices you can make if you love mountains and nature and just seeing some really cool stuff. It is a super popular spot and for good reason because it is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and it has the Stanley Hotel and just a really cool vibe overall. But getting there and getting around can be kind of a hassle if you don’t know the area or if you just don’t want to deal with driving on mountain roads which can be pretty scary for some people especially in the winter.

That is where we come in at Winter Wagon. We offer these private tours of Estes Park and the surrounding areas and we can even pick you up in Denver or at the airport and bring you up there for the day or for your whole trip. It is way better than trying to rent a car and figure it out yourself because the traffic can be crazy and parking is a nightmare in the summer and then in the winter you have to worry about ice and snow and all that stuff.

Why You Should Book a Private Tour

When people think of tours they usually think of those big giant buses where your crammed in with like fifty other people and you can’t really see anything out the window because the person next to you is blocking the view. That is not what we do. Our private tours are just for you and your group so it is way more relaxed and personal. You can tell us what you want to see or we can give you suggestions based on what we know about the area since we are locals and we know all the cool spots that the big buses can’t even get to.

One of the biggest reasons to book a private tour is just the freedom of it. If you are on a big bus tour they have a strict schedule and they have to leave at a certain time and if you want to stay longer at a certain spot you can’t because the bus is leaving. With us you can take your time. If you see a herd of elk and you want to stop and take pictures for twenty minutes we can totally do that. If you want to grab some coffee at a local shop we can stop there too. It is your tour and we are just there to make it happen for you.

The Drive from Denver

A lot of our clients come from Denver or the Denver International Airport and the drive up to Estes Park is actually really pretty but it can also be kind of stressful if you are driving. You have to take US 36 or go through Lyons and the roads can get kind of twisty and turny as you get closer to the mountains. If you are driving you have to keep your eyes on the road the whole time so you miss out on seeing the scenery.

When you book a private tour with us we handle the driving so you can just sit back and relax and look out the window. You can see the foothills and the red rocks and then as you get higher you start to see the big snowy peaks of the continental divide. It is really beautiful and it is a shame to miss it because you are staring at the bumper of the car in front of you. Plus we know the best ways to go to avoid traffic if possible although sometimes in the summer it is just busy no matter what but at least your not the one dealing with the road rage.

Exploring Estes Park

Once we get to Estes Park there is so much to do and see. The town itself is really cute with all these little shops and restaraunts along Elkhorn Avenue. You can get some of that famous saltwater taffy or get some ice cream or just look at the souvenir shops. It is fun to just walk around and soak up the atmosphere.

But the real star of the show in Estes Park is the wildlife. You will almost definetly see elk walking right down the street or hanging out in the parks. They are huge animals and it is crazy to see them just chilling in town. Sometimes they even block traffic which is kind of funny but also something you have to be careful about. Our drivers know how to navigate around them safely and we can get you to good spots to see them without getting to close because you definetly don’t want to get to close to a wild elk.

The Stanley Hotel

You can’t talk about Estes Park without talking about the Stanley Hotel. It is that big white hotel on the hill that looks over the whole town. It is famous because it is where Stephen King stayed when he got the idea for The Shining. It is a really beautiful building and it has a lot of history.

On our private tour we can take you up there and you can walk around the grounds and see the lobby and maybe even get a drink at the whiskey bar. The views from the front porch are amazing and it is just a really cool place to visit even if your not into ghost stories. Although if you are into ghosts they have tours inside the hotel too that you can book separately but we can drop you off and pick you up whenever your done.

Rocky Mountain National Park

The main reason most people come to Estes Park is to go to Rocky Mountain National Park. It is one of the most popular national parks in the country and for good reason. The mountains are huge and the lakes are super blue and there is wildlife everywhere.

The thing about the park is that it is huge and it can be confusing to navigate if you don’t know where your going. Also in the summer they have this reservation system where you have to book a time slot to get in and if you don’t have one you can’t get in during the busy hours.

If you go on a tour with us we can help you navigate all that. We can take you to the best spots like Bear Lake or Sprague Lake which are really pretty alpine lakes that are easy to get to. Or we can drive up Trail Ridge Road which is the highest paved road in the national park system. It goes way up above the treeline and you feel like you are on top of the world. The air is thin up there so you might get a little winded just walking around but the views are totally worth it.

Driving Trail Ridge Road yourself can be really scary for some people because there are big drop offs and no guard rails in some spots. Our drivers are used to it and they drive it all the time so you can just enjoy the view without having a panic attack. We can stop at the pullouts so you can take pictures and see the marmots running around on the rocks.

Winter in Estes Park

Most people come in the summer but honestly winter is one of my favorite times to be in Estes Park. It is way less crowded and the mountains look so cool with the snow on them. The town is really cozy and quiet and it feels like a real mountain getaway.

The problem with winter is the driving. The roads can be icy and snowy and if you have a rental car that doesn’t have good tires or four wheel drive you can get stuck or slide off the road. It happens all the time to tourists who aren’t used to winter driving.

At Winter Wagon all our vehicles are ready for the snow. We have winter tires and all wheel drive and our drivers know how to handle the slick roads. So you can come up and see the winter wonderland without worrying about sliding into a ditch. We can take you snowshoeing or just for a scenic drive to see the frozen lakes. It is really peaceful and beautiful in the winter.

Our Vehicles and Service

We take a lot of pride in our vehicles. We don’t use old beat up vans or anything like that. We have nice SUVs and vans that are comfortable and clean. We want you to feel like a VIP when you are riding with us. There is plenty of room for your legs and your luggage if you have any.

Our drivers are also really great. They are friendly and they know a lot about the area but they also know when to just be quiet and let you enjoy the ride. They aren’t going to talk your ear off if you don’t want them to but if you have questions they are happy to answer them. We hire locals who live in the area so they know the history and the best places to eat and all the secret spots that aren’t on the maps.

We also offer a lot of flexibility. If you want to start your tour really early to catch the sunrise we can do that. If you want to stay out late to see the stars we can do that too. Just let us know what you are looking for and we will do our best to make it happen. We are all about making your trip as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Customized Itineraries

One of the best things about a private tour is that we can customize the itinerary just for you. If you have kids we can plan stops that are fun for them like places where they can run around or see animals. If you are a couple looking for a romantic getaway we can take you to some quiet spots with nice views. If you are a photographer we can take you to the best photo spots at the right time of day to get the good light.

We don’t have a set script that we have to follow. We listen to what you want and we build the day around that. And if you change your mind halfway through the day that is totally fine too. That is the beauty of a private tour. You are the boss.

Comparing to Other Options

So you might be thinking why should I pay for a private tour when I can just drive myself or take a shuttle. well here is a little comparison table to help you see the difference.

As you can see going with a private tour is just a way better experience overall. It might cost a little more than driving yourself but when you factor in the gas and the rental car and the park entrance fees and the stress it is totally worth it. Plus you get a local guide who can show you things you would never find on your own.

The Wildlife of Estes Park

I mentioned the elk earlier but there is actually a lot of other wildlife in the area too. If you are lucky you might see bighorn sheep. They usually hang out in the rocky canyons on the way into town. They are really cool to see especially the rams with their big curved horns.

There are also moose in the area usually on the west side of the park but sometimes they come over to the east side. Seeing a moose is super exciting because they are massive. You have to be really careful around them though because they can be aggressive. Our drivers know how to spot them and keep a safe distance.

Then you have the smaller animals like marmots and pikas and chipmunks. The marmots are funny fat little guys that sunbathe on the rocks up high in the mountains. The pikas are tiny and they make this cute squeaking sound. If you are a bird watcher there are tons of birds to see too like eagles and hawks and hummingbirds.

Having a guide with you increases your chances of seeing wildlife because we know where they like to hang out and what time of day they are active. We can’t guarantee you will see everything but we definitely know the best spots to look.

Dining and Shopping

After a long day of exploring the park you are probably going to be hungry. Estes Park has some really good places to eat. There are steak houses and mexican places and pizza joints. There is also a place that sells yak burgers which are actually really good if you are feeling adventurous.

We can recommend some good places to eat based on what you like. And since we are driving you can have a drink or two with dinner and not worry about driving back to your hotel or down the mountain.

The shopping is also fun. Elkhorn Ave is the main street and it is lined with shops. You can buy t-shirts and hoodies and hiking gear and art. There are a lot of local artists in the area so you can find some really unique stuff. And like I said you have to try the taffy. There is a shop that has been there for like almost a hundred years and you can watch the machine pulling the taffy in the window. It is mesmerizing.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Our private tours are perfect for special occasions. If you are celebrating a birthday or an anniversary or a honeymoon what better way to do it than with a private tour of the Rockies. We can help make it special by arranging for flowers or champagne or a picnic lunch. Just let us know ahead of time and we can work with you to plan something memorable.

We also do tours for wedding parties. If you are getting married in Estes Park and you have guests coming in from out of town we can take them on a tour while you are getting ready or doing wedding stuff. It is a great way to entertain your guests and show them why you chose to get married in such a beautiful place.

How to Book

Booking a private tour with Winter Wagon is super easy. You can just go to our website and fill out the contact form or give us a call. We will talk to you about what you want to do and when you want to go and give you a quote. We recommend booking in advance especially in the summer because dates can fill up fast.

We are really flexible with pickup locations. We can pick you up at your hotel in Estes Park or at a vacation rental or even down in Denver or Boulder. Just tell us where you are and we will come get you.

Safety First

I know I talked about the scary roads and the wildlife and stuff but I want to emphasize that safety is our number one priority. All our vehicles are well maintained and inspected regularly. Our drivers are experienced and they have clean driving records. We carry all the necessary insurance and permits to operate in the park and on the public roads.

We also keep an eye on the weather. In the mountains the weather can change really fast. It can be sunny one minute and then hailing the next. Our drivers are used to this and they know how to handle it. If the weather gets too bad to go up high we can change the plan and go somewhere else that is safer. We want you to have fun but we also want you to be safe.

A Day in the Life of a Tour

So just to give you an idea of what a day might look like. We could pick you up at your hotel in Denver at say 8 am. We would drive up towards Estes Park maybe stopping in Lyons for a quick coffee break. Then we would head up the canyon looking for bighorn sheep along the way.

We would get to Estes Park around 9:30 or 10 and head straight into the national park. We could drive up to Bear Lake and take a walk around the lake which is really flat and easy. Then we could drive up Trail Ridge Road stopping at the overlooks to take pictures. We might see some elk or marmots up there.

Around lunch time we could head back down into town and grab some lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we could walk around town for a bit and check out the shops. Then maybe we drive over to the Stanley Hotel and walk around the grounds.

By mid afternoon we would head back down to Denver and have you back at your hotel by dinner time. It is a full day but it is not rushed and you get to see so much. And the best part is you didn’t have to drive a single mile.

Why We Love What We Do

We started Winter Wagon because we love Colorado and we love showing people around. There is nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up when they see a huge bull elk for the first time or when they see the view from the top of the mountain. It makes us happy to share this beautiful place with visitors.

We know that travel can be stressful sometimes especially when you are in a new place. Our goal is to take that stress away so you can just focus on having a good time. We want you to go home with great memories and maybe a few good stories to tell.

So if you are planning a trip to Estes Park or if you are already here and you want to see the area in style give us a call. We would love to take you on a private tour. Whether it is just you and your partner or a whole group of friends we can accommodate you.

What to Bring

If you are coming on a tour with us there are a few things you should bring. Definitely bring a camera or your phone because you are going to want to take a lot of pictures. Bring layers of clothing because the weather changes a lot. It can be hot in town and freezing up on the mountain so you want to be prepared.

Also bring some water and maybe some snacks although we can stop for food whenever you want. And don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen because the sun is really strong up here at high altitude. If you have binoculars bring them too because they are great for spotting wildlife.

If you are coming in the winter definitely bring a warm coat and gloves and a hat. You will want to get out of the car to take pictures and it can be really cold. But don’t worry the car will be nice and warm when you get back in.

Conclusion

Estes Park is a magical place and everyone should see it at least once. But don’t let the logistics of getting there and getting around ruin your trip. Let Winter Wagon handle the driving so you can handle the fun. Our private tours are the best way to see the park and the town without the hassle of driving yourself or dealing with crowds on a bus.

We offer comfortable vehicles local drivers and a totally customizable experience. It is luxury travel without the stuffy attitude. We are just real people who want to show you a good time in the mountains. So look us up and let’s plan your adventure. We can’t wait to meet you and show you around our backyard.

Some Final Thoughts on Accomodations

Before I wrap this up I should mention that staying in Estes Park is a great idea if you have the time. There are lots of cool cabins and lodges. Some of them are right on the river which is really nice. If you need help figuring out where to stay we can probably give you some recommendations too since we know the area pretty well.

But even if you are staying in Denver or Boulder a day trip is totally doable and we do it all the time. It is a nice escape from the city and you feel like you are a world away even though it is only like an hour and a half drive.

So yeah that is pretty much it. Winter Wagon is here for all your private tour needs in Estes Park. We are reliable and friendly and we have nice cars. What more could you ask for. We hope to see you soon!