Tours in Estes Park

Take a guided driving tour of Trail Ridge Road in with us in our 3-row Subaru Ascent! Drive through Rocky Mountain National Park on a 3 - 4 hour private tour with only your party & your guide! Our Highway to the Sky Tour takes you up the iconic roads on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park that are open for your visit (Trail Ridge Road: Jun - Sep, and off road on Old Fall River Road: Jul - Sep). You will see the land transition from valleys to the high alpine tundra with sweeping mountain views, and reach a peak elevation of 12,183 ft! Quick 10-minute stop at the Alpine Visitor Center for a bathroom break before you drive down Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. This guided drive is NOT a walking tour and has little time outside of the vehicle, it's the perfect mountain cruise. We're only able to offer pickup for guests staying in Estes Park. If you're staying outside of Estes Park, we can meet you at the free parking garage for the Estes Park Visitor Center for pickup.

We are the only unguided Jeep rental service in Estes Park. In your opinion, this is the best experience. You go at your pace and create you're own adventure. If you want to take it easy, you can do that. If you want to crank it up and test your skills, you have that option. You're not forced onto one specific trail. You get to choose (Backbone Adventures help with that) a trail best suited for you.

We will explore and photograph the appropriately named Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park. We will hike along the North Saint Vrain Creek, and stop along the way to photograph several waterfalls (including Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls). Bring your tripod and a polarizer filter, and I will demonstrate my techniques for capturing waterfalls and other moving water in a variety of lighting conditions, and help you capture great silky water photographs. The full hike to Ouzel Falls is about 5.5 miles (9 km) round trip, with just under 1,000' elevation gain. For those not able to do the full hike, we will do a more leisurely hike to Calypso Cascades (about 3.6 miles round trip, and about 700' of elev. gain), which still takes you deep into a beautiful area, with multiple falls, and wildflowers and fall color in season. Don't have a RMNP timed entry reservation? No need! My commercial use permit means we don't need an advance permit!

On this tour your guide will take you to hotspots in Rocky Mountain National Park to witness the elk rut or mating season. With around 3,000 elk in RMNP during this time of year you will get to witness large herds, massive bugling bulls, and maybe even a fight or two. Your guide will explain all about the elk and their migratory and mating habits, you will also be able to learn other information about Rocky and its other animal inhabitants. This tour takes place right around sunrise and sunset as those are the peak times for mating rituals and activity. Optics will be supplied as well as complimentary snacks and beverages. This is the best way and by far the best vehicle to see the elk rut!

In this class you will learn the the basics of creating amazing fused glass pieces while also make a beautiful necklace all your own! Experience cutting glass into different shapes, layering different types of glass, and firing your unique piece. You will also get to design and string a custom beaded necklace using our a huge variety of beads that your finished fused glass pendant will prominently display on. Due to the firing process, you will not be able to take your finished pieces home right away. Classes that are available for booking at 11:00 can be pick up their finished necklaces at the end of the day (7:00 in the summer season) and classes that are available for booking at later times will need to be picked up the next day. If it will not work for you to pick up your pieces the next day, we can ship your finished piece to you for a small fee ($5.00)

This day hiking adventure is for women ages 18 years and older and takes us to Ouzel Falls which is a stunning 40-foot waterfall in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park. We'll start in the remote Wild Basin and travel through dense pine forest while following a mountain stream and passing multiple waterfalls up to our main destination Ouzel Falls. If you love glacier-fed mountain streams, waterfalls, wild flowers, and wild life, you'll love this hike.

This awesome throw-back art form is sure to bring out the kid in everyone! Participants leave with a t-shirt, longsleeve, or apron that is dyed and ready to be washed out and worn. The shirt comes with wash & care instructions. Create a shirt as unique as you are!

A Slingshot in Rocky Mountain National Park or the surrounding canyon roads is one of the most exhilerating experiences you can get in Estes Park. The open air experience puts you up close and personal to the views and wildlife encounters. Not to mention it's an absolute blast. Come see us at Backbone Adventures so you can experience the best vacation ever.

Inktense Blocks are a fun, vibrant new art medium that are very easy to use and incredibly versatile! In this class, you will learn how to apply them to a cotton reusable tote bag to make them color fast, as well as learn how to layer and blend the tints and shades to create depth and visual interest to your painting. We provide Colorado inspired stencils and tracing materials for you to layer in a variety of ways to create a bag as colorful and unique as you are! All tools, materials, and instruction are provided. Drop-In or Book ahead

Unleash your creativity in our Embossed Alcohol Ink Tile Wall Hanging workshop! Choose your tile style from a classic subway or a modern square. With guidance from our knowledgeable instructors, you'll create a stunning scene using vibrant alcohol inks and embossing powders. Select from a wide range of colors to personalize your wall hanging, matching it perfectly to your style and home décor. Explore the unique properties of alcohol inks and discover their captivating effects. Take pride in your finished piece, a beautiful and one-of-a-kind wall hanging that will add a touch of artistic elegance to your living space.

Join us for a captivating and enjoyable class where you can create a beautiful batik tapestry. Batik is a resist painting technique where melted wax is used to draw designs on fabric, followed by vibrant colorful dyes. In this introductory class, you'll learn fundamental techniques and effects while working with traditional tools of this unique art medium. At the end of the class, you'll be able to take your finished tapestry home.

This tour for women includes snowshoes, trekking poles, and a knowledgeable and experienced guide who will show you how to use the gear and provide an unforgettable snowshoeing experience. We’ll visit 4 mountain lakes each with their unique charm and beauty. Along the trail, there will be stunning views of the iconic Long’s Peak at 14,156 ft above sea level. While at Emerald Lake we'll take in the breathtaking views of Hallett Peak (over 12,000 ft) and Tyndall Glacier. Even though we’ll return to the trailhead the same way we came, we'll get a different perspective of the trail and it will be equally as inspiring as the way we came.

This project is a fun introduction into the many different uses for metal as an art medium. It's an usual project, but a lot of fun!

Learn how to sculpt simple shapes from core wool, and then add bright embellishing colors to bring these sweet little creatures to life. Every participant will leave with at least one finished piece they are proud of and is ready to be hung in their home (if there is time we can create a second hummingbird). Create a beautiful reminder of spring that you can have year round! All materials and tools required for the class are provided.

This trip's physical activity is rated Low. Everyone should be capable of walking between 1-2 miles carrying a water bottle or backpack weighing less than 5lbs. Enjoy a peaceful night hike with headlamps, cozy sleeping pads, blankets, and freshly brewed refreshments for stargazing. This unforgettable experience offers everything you need for a safe and enjoyable adventure under the stars.

This Make & Take class is so colorful and relaxing. If you manage to stop by Patterson Glass Gallery before you come to the class, you can get one of their glass pebbles and add it to your frame! Each participant leaves with a piece that is uniquely theirs and is a great project that makes a wonderful souvenir of Colorado! The Inspired Art Kits include all of the instructions and materials needed to create your one of a kind piece, and can be created either in the studio or the kit can be taken with and created where ever and whenever the participant would like to create!

The Printmaking Pennant Flags Art Kit is a unique opportunity for students to explore the art of printmaking while creating meaningful and colorful pennant flags. In this class, students will learn the techniques of printmaking onto fabric, while also creating a souvenir to remind them of moments from the favorite parts of their trip.

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour bundle to make the most of your road trips to the best Northern US national parks and scenic drives. This collection of iconic destinations includes Beartooth Highway, Big Sky Drive, the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Glacier, Grand Teton, Olympic, Rocky Mountain, Theodore Roosevelt, and Yellowstone National Parks. Along the drive, hear stories play automatically as you explore geysers, mountains, and wildlife, ensuring a memorable adventure to these incredible locations. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry, and free updates Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one bundle per vehicle.

Participants will use 4 colors of thread to create decorative tassels that hang down from the dream catcher as well as learn how to add beads and feathers to their finished project. The Inspired Art Kits include all of the instructions and materials needed to create your one of a kind piece, and can be created either in the studio or the kit can be taken with and created where ever and whenever the participant would like to create!

This class is perfect for any skill level, with impressive results for every participant! The instructors take the basic art concepts of value and shade and use them in a unique and approachable way that allow participants to really feel like artists as they construct their own, unique art piece. The class offers a wide variety of colors and patterns of paper for participants to choose from so that no two projects look the same, and the art pieces is as unique as the person who make it! Every participant leaves with a finished piece that is framed and ready to be hung. This class allows participants to make their own souvenir from Colorado!

Unleash your creativity and find solace in the therapeutic art of Neurography. Rooted in the belief that art can heal, this kit invites you to transform negative thoughts into stunning visual masterpieces inspired by nature. Let the free-flowing lines guide your hand as you discover hidden shapes and colors, creating a unique work of art that reflects your inner journey. The kit includes all the essential materials you need to get started, including high-quality watercolor paints, brushes, and a 5x7 frame to showcase your finished artwork. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner seeking a relaxing and therapeutic activity, this kit is perfect for expressing yourself through art

Experience the calming art of weaving in-the-round to craft a sturdy, multi-functional pouch. Choose from our pre-cut fabric strips in various colors to personalize your bag. The finished product is ideal for storing snacks, hiking supplies, or even art supplies for outdoor activities. Our bags include two clips for versatile carrying options: attach them to belt loops, backpacks, satchels, or wear them like purses with an attached strap. Easy-to-follow instructions and high-quality materials ensure a delightful end result. Join us at Inspired Art Market for a fulfilling crafting experience!

Take ax throwing outdoors with the only outdoor ax throwing area in Estes Park. You will be surrounded by the mountain views that the Estes valley provides.

Estes Park is a mecca of Rock Climbing, and our guides live here. Let our Guides literally "show you the ropes" and give your crew an experience that they'll be bragging about for years to come.