All the Nitty-Gritty Details

Tundra Tours operates year-round.  We offer hikes in the summer, fall, winter, and spring.  During any of those seasons you may encounter dry, wet, snowy, or muddy conditions.  Typically, even if we encounter some snow on a summer or fall hike, you will be hiking in your regular "summer" hiking boots.  Winter hikes are considered "snowshoe" hikes and you will typically hike with your winter boots strapped into snowshoes.  Since winter trails can be in variable conditions, we will also bring and possibly use "micro-spikes" to hike on snow-packed or icy trails.  "Micro-spikes" are a piece of gear that easily slips over your winter boots.      

Tundra Tours is based in Estes Park, Colorado and is insured and permitted to guide professionally certified hikes and snowshoe trips in Rocky Mountain National Park *(hike specific location will be determined by guides based on trip length/time, weather, objectives, and group dynamics).

Estes Park, CO is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and is mere minutes from the east entrance of "The Park".  Here in Estes Park we are proud to be "Home of the Rockies!"     

We have broken our trips down into two main category levels; 1.0 trips and 2.0 trips.

All trip are round-trip and include check-in, driving to/from trailhead, breaks, and actual hiking time, which is less than your actual trip length.  

1.0 trips are traditionally known as "family-friendly" hikes and are shorter hikes on easier or more "flat" terrain, also known as "1/2-day hikes", and are approximately 4-5.5 hours.  1.0 hikes are also great for:

• People with limited time/other schedule obligations
• Older adults
• People who are going through injury recovery
• People with disabilities
• People new to elevation and need to get acclimated
• People with mobility issues
• Parents with babies, toddlers, and small children
• Grandparents

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We have broken our trips down into two main category levels; 1.0 trips and 2.0 trips.

All trip are round-trip and include check-in, driving to/from trailhead, breaks, and actual hiking time, which is less than your actual trip length.  

2.0 trips are traditionally longer day hikes with more variable terrain "ups and downs" and are harder, and are also known as "3/4-day hikes", which are approximately 6-8 hours long or "full-day hikes", which are approximately 8-10 hours long.  2.0 hikes are great for:

• Adults who are healthy
• Older children and teens who are healthy
• People more comfortable hiking longer distances in the mountains
• People who have some understanding of the mountains
• People who are acclimated to the mountains
• People who stay active and fit
• Older adults who are active and fit
• People who have the time and want to hike all day

Ages

Please see each individual trip description for your hikes' specific minimum age requirement.

***A legal parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18 years old.

Even though we offer hikes from ages 0 to forever, please note not all 1.0 hikes have the same age requirements, nor do 2.0 hikes.  If you are unsure of what hike is right for your party, please call, 970-231-1321 and we are happy to help find the hike that is best suited for your party's group needs and wants. 

Group Size

Our group sizes is based on the regulations set forth by Rocky Mountain National Park and the use of 1-certified guide on your trip.  

Spring/Summer/Fall Hikes:

1 minimum/9 maximum

Winter Snowshoe Hikes:

1 minimum/5 maximum

   Tundra Tours is a start-up company.  *All trips (except Hiking for Beers) are considered, "Custom-Private" trips, and are booked for your party only.  (See next column for what is all included)!  

 Hiking & 

Snowshoe Costs

"Short-day" (approx. 3-3.5hrs)

• 1-person:  $149
• 2-9 people:  $99/each

"1/2-day" (4-5.5hrs):

• 1-person:  $199
• 2-9 people:  $149/each

"3/4-day" (6-8hrs):

• 1-person:  $249
• 2-9 people:  $199/each

"Full-day" (8-10hrs)

• 1-person:  $299
• 2-9 people:  $249/ea

A "Custom-Private" trip is a booked trip just for those in your party.  And, don't worry....we will cater to your group by designing a hike that is just right for you and your group with our trained, certified, professional, outgoing and engaging guide(s)!  

 Do you have someone afraid of heights?  No problem!  Unlike some "pay for trip itinerary's" that might send you to an uncomfortable cliff edge, we will make sure to keep you safe and avoid that cliff edge, allowing you to have fun, enjoy your experience, and want to come back for more.   We will also cater to your group in a lot of other ways including providing, but not limited too *(some options vary depending on the type of hike you have booked):

•  A timed-entry permit and reservation for everyone in your group (no need to reserve your own timed-entry into the Park and miss out)
•  Transportation for up to 4 people to and from your location
• Snacks and/or lunch (depending on trip)
• Trekking poles
• Probable wildlife sightings
• Scenic views
• Lots of photo ops for FB and IG
• Binoculars and/or spotting scope to use on trip

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•  Field journal and pencil *(varies)
• Tundra Tours sticker *(varies)
• Headlamp *(Night Hike only)
• Hot coca and s'mores *(Night Hike only)
• Morning donuts *(varies)
• Hand and/or toe warmers *(snowshoe hikes)
• An awesome guide!
• The best time of your life!
• No cell phone service!  (We see this as a positive)
• Professional, friendly, engaging, and Wilderness First Aid/CPR certified guide
• Education about the surrounding mountains, geology, history, wildlife, flowers/trees, water, and more!
• Fun games and activities for the kids (and adults)!
• Extra clothing and packs available
• Snowshoes *(winter only)
• Micro-spikes *(winter only)

Your guide will provide transportation for up to 4 people, which will include pick-up and drop-off at your location.  For groups larger than 4, the group will need to carpool.  Your guide will communicate directly with you about the best options for the group.   

• Entrance-fee or Park Pass to enter the Park for our hike (see below for more details)
• Extra snacks or lunch 
• Hiking gear *(see our FAQ at the top of the page for a list of what gear you must bring)
• Gratuity for guides *(Guiding is considered part of the service-industry and tips for our guides is highly encouraged.  The industry-standard is 20%.  Please plan accordingly to support our guides with providing you an experience to last a lifetime)

As we enter Rocky Mountain National Park, each group within a vehicle must show a valid Park Pass with proper ID or pay for an entrance fee.  However, since you are with a guided trip you are NOT required to have a "timed-entry permit".  *Cash is NOT accepted at the Park entrance.  You must have credit/debit ONLY.  Entry fees may be purchased online ahead of time through Rocky Mountain National Park.  A 7-day vehicle pass is $35 (other fee options available).  To learn more about Rocky Mountain National Park entry fees and passes that are accepted, please see our "Park Passes/Permits" page.