Custom Learning Experiences

Our schedule doesn’t always line up with your schedule, and that’s ok!

We can arrange custom tours and other educational programs for your group.

Our dedicated educators and guides love sharing their knowledge of Rocky with guests of all ages. We can arrange custom bus tours, send a naturalist along with your group as a step-on tour guide, or work with one of our specialist Field Institute instructors to set up a private educational experience.

Custom programs must be confirmed at least 30 days before the requested date. Email us at education@RMConservancy.org or call 970-586-3262 to get started!

For more information or to schedule a custom learning experience, please contact the Field Institute at (970) 586-3262 or email education@rmconservancy.org

Custom Wildlife & Ecology Tours

Custom Wildlife Tour bus

If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park doesn’t line up with one of our regularly scheduled programs, we can schedule a private program to fit your schedule! We will work with you to plan a customized trip that brings your family or group into the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park with multiple stops for educational outings and/or short hikes. Our experienced guides will help plan a route tailored to your interests, whether that’s tundra ecology, geology and glacial features, the history of Rocky Mountain National Park, or something else entirely. Itineraries can include short strolls along a lake shore or more challenging short hikes as desired.

Group Size: up to 14 people

Prices include all required park entry fees and timed entry permits.

3-4 hours: $600 (Welcome to Rocky!, Elk Ecology, Women of Rocky)

4-6 hours: $800 (Trail Ridge Road, Journey Over the Divide)

6-8 hours: $1,000 (extended Journey Over the Divide)

You choose the time and date, subject to staff availability, May through October. Requests must be made at least 30 days in advance and are subject to availability. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate requests for custom programs during periods of high visitation.

Private Guided Hikes

If you’re interested in making the most of your time in Rocky Mountain National Park, our custom guided hikes are a great way to maximize your visit. Our naturalist guides will work with you to find a date, time, and trail that suits your group, and then spend the morning or full day exploring the trail with you. These private hikes will give you a real insider’s perspective on the park, with your guide sharing information on ecology, geology, park history, and other fun facts along the way. Custom guided hikes include transportation into Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park, as well as all required park entry fees and permits. Your guide will also send you a customized itinerary and gear list ahead of your hike.

Group size: up to 12 people

Half day (3-4 hours): $250 for 1-4 people, $50 per additional person

Click here for available dates in April and May: 1/2 Day Hikes

Full day (6-8 hours): $500 for 1-4 people, $75 per additional person

Click here for available dates in April and May: Full Day Hikes

Email education@RMConservancy.org to request a private guided hike in June – September.

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer custom programs out of Grand Lake in 2024.

 

Motor Coach Step-on Tour Guides

People on a hike

The Field Institute will provide a step-on naturalist guide to meet your coach at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center or the Fall River Visitor Center. Using information that you provide about your group, we will tailor a program for a custom tour of Rocky Mountain National Park from the comfort of your vehicle. Please note that step-on tours must depart from and return to the same location.

Group Size: 15 or more people

Price: $300 for up to 4 hours,  $500 for 4 to 8 hours

*Price for a Step-on Tour Guide does not include transportation or entrance fees to Rocky Mountain National Park. Your group is responsible for paying the entrance fees based on the capacity of your vehicle.

**You will NOT need to secure a timed entry permit for your step-on tour program.

Custom Field Institute Courses

Older couple looking at plants

Is there a specific topic that you and your group are interested in diving into? By requesting a custom course, we will match you with an expert instructor on that topic and bring you a unique hands-on learning experience. These tailored opportunities include transportation into Rocky Mountain National Park or other public lands, as well as instruction from one of our Field Institute.

Group Size: up to 12 people per course, with a minimum of 4

Prices start at $700 for half-day courses and $1200 for full-day courses, including park fees and transportation.

Custom Field Institute courses depend on specialist instructor availability, so please reach out early for the best chance of finding a time that works for everyone!