Tours and Tickets
Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tours from Grand Lake provided by Lively Tours and Talks
Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tours from Grand Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tours from Grand Lake
5
Book in advance
from
$130.00
per adultReserve now & pay later: Save your spot free of charge with flexible booking.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Tour snapshot
Duration:
4h
Ticket type:
Mobile
Free cancellation
- Duration:4h
- Ticket type:Mobile
- Free cancellation
About
Chief Experience Officer and local historian, Dave Lively, will guide you beyond closed gates of Rocky Mountain National Park, leaving the pavement, parking lots and heavily used trails behind to reveal the stories of the region's history, people and wildlife.
He will shine light on the rich history of Rocky in a way that brings the adventures of the people of the past to life. With unique stories and one of a kind photos he will connect you to events and personal journeys from the past, transporting you back in time and allowing you to visualize this wilderness in a new light.
Dave is a resident and well-known historian in Grand Lake, and the only Certified Tour Guide in Grand County, Colorado. He lives less than ½ mile from Rocky Mountain National Park, his backyard. His family homesteaded what is now the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, giving him generations of unique detailed knowledge, personal stories and photographs.
Know before you go
- Duration: 4h
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Available languages
English
What to expect
Know before you go
- Duration: 4h
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
Available languages
English
Cancellation policy
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
What to expect
Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 148749P1
Important information
Inclusions
- Each passenger will receive a goody bag with bottled water, sunscreen, snacks and information about other activities and restaurants in the area.
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
Duration
4h
Departure details
- Grand Lake Center, 301 Marina Dr, Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA Meet historian Dave Lively in front of the flagpole at the Grand Lake Center, where you will climb into Dave's comfortable, four-door truck to begin your custom tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, located just minutes away from the starting point.
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Inclusions
- Each passenger will receive a goody bag with bottled water, sunscreen, snacks and information about other activities and restaurants in the area.
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
Departure details
- Grand Lake Center, 301 Marina Dr, Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA Meet historian Dave Lively in front of the flagpole at the Grand Lake Center, where you will climb into Dave's comfortable, four-door truck to begin your custom tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, located just minutes away from the starting point.
Duration
4h
Return details
- Returns to original departure point
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
17 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
195barbe
Wentzville9 contributions
Dave was very accommodating for our family. The tour is not designed for children, but we had a 7 year old with us and he agreed to include him. He was parroting back much of what Dave said when additional family members traveled that same road the next day. He understood and remembered much of what was said and loved the tour and narration. The adults also learned so much about the history, features, and culture of the park, as well as the fire from the previous fall. This experience made the park come alive with stories and history rather than being a series of gorgeous views. We returned to hike some trails, remember what was said, and look for the hidden gems he pointed out. At his suggestion we also visited the fire museum in Grand Lake and really enjoyed that depth of understanding.
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
livelytoursandtalks
Thank you for posting a great review and those kind words. I enjoyed the entire family and being able to share Rocky with all of you.
I'm so glad he remembered the highlights and could share them.
Written August 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jessica Vincent
1 contribution
Dave gave us an amazing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. He taught us history and helped us learn all about the beautiful scenery in the park. He gave insight and shared stories that will truly enhance our understanding and visits to the park. We appreciate all the time he took to answer our questions, take our pictures, and show us amazing scenery. We highly recommend his tours to anyone wanting to learn more about and enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park.
Written August 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
livelytoursandtalks
Thanks again Jessica. What a great tour to give you an introduction to the west side of Rocky.
You'll be back.
Written August 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cowslower
Lakewood, OH177 contributions
We wanted to learn about the history and backstory of Rocky Mountain National Park, and Dave had superb ratings - which proved to be dead on. He was fantastic, and brought the park’s past to life through stories, anecdotes, photos and historical details. He has a wealth of knowledge, but what was even better was his passion for the park (and Grand Lake). He made everything very easy, helped us see beyond what was obvious, and even managed to produce a couple moose:). We ended making about six or seven stops, went well up Trail Ridge road, and learned a lot about original homesteaders and the early days of RMNP. The damage to the park via the East Troublesome fire is absolutely jarring (and heartbreaking), and Dave talked both about the tragedies associated and also some of the rebirth taking place. This was a GREAT way for us to start our trip to the west side of the park, and could not more highly recommend Dave as an engaged, informative and fun guide.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
motherbored5
Massachusetts47 contributions
Had a wonderful tour with Dave despite lousy weather. He is a very knowledgeable guide and historian. His love of and enthusiasm about the Grand Lake/ west side of RMNP is contagious. We never could have learned the things he told us on our own. We highly recommend this experience.
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
livelytoursandtalks
Thank you for those kind words. We spent more time in the vehicle than out and about but still had a great tour. Hope you still remember the definition of Onahu.
Written June 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bobby B
2 contributions
As a private tour guide myself, I try to create lifelong memories for my guests. Dave absolutely created such memories on our tour last week. His cornucopia of knowledge about "Rocky" is amazing, educational as well as entertaining. We were also very impressed with his care for the local community in Grand Lake as well as his relations with park staff. Dave is truly a treasure of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shauna K
7 contributions
Couples
Dave was incredibly knowledgeable about the Granby-Grand Lake-RMNP area. He is the oldest living relative of a homestead family from the area (circa 1890’s). We enjoyed learning about the history of the early settlers and their interactions with the Native Americans. We also saw an abundance of moose (rare), elk and deer! We had a great time!
Written June 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
livelytoursandtalks
Thank you for those kind words. It was wonderful to have you and Tom on the tour. You'll need to come back to see so much more.
Written June 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chrystyna P
Grand Junction, CO3 contributions
Couples
My husband Michael and I are so happy we booked a tour with Lively Tours as first timers to Rocky Mountain National Park. Dave is extremely knowledgeable with the park’s history and presents it in a fun, engaging manner. We had plenty of time at each site to fully embrace the scenery. Dave truly loves to share Rocky’s beauty and history and it showed in every detail of our tour. He one of the best tour guides we’ve ever experienced...and YES, we’ll be back!
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
livelytoursandtalks
Thank you Chrystyna for those kind words and your wonderful review. It was fun to have you and Michael on the tour. I'm glad you'll be back to visit my backyard again.
Written August 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kevin K
Thomaston, Connecticut1 contribution
I wish we could post some of our amazing pictures here. Dave Lively is an incredible tour guide who has a keen knowledge of the history surrounding the park and also a unique family connection. Be sure to book this tour in 2020 if you can.
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
livelytoursandtalks
Thank you Kevin. You and Jill will have to come back sooner than later for another tour or visit.
Written October 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
khhomes
Florence, KY3 contributions
This tour can’t be duplicated or compared to others. Not only is Mr Lively a historian, he’s the third generation to live in the area. Mr Lively doesn’t just know the stories and history, he’s lived it!!! Besides the awesome tour make time to visit the town of Grand Lake.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
livelytoursandtalks
Thank you for those kind words Tom. I was pleased you and Debra had such a good time and learned so much. I know you'll be back.
Written August 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bearseeshawks
Monongahela, PA73 contributions
Outstanding tour from Mr. Lively, I am the history nut but my wife also was sold from this tour. Dave from my opinion is the expert how this park came to be the family’s hardships, the ongoing battles with governments and where the places are for the views none have been to. Also will allow any photos you wish to take. Very professional and courteous gentleman was honored to go on a tour with him. Do yourself a favor and book him made our day shine.
Thank You Dave
Mick & Connie
Thank You Dave
Mick & Connie
Written September 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
By: Lively Tours and Talks
twebbmd
00Rocky Mountain National Park guided tour.
Dave gives an excellent tour of RMNP, with emphasis on local history. He has a wealth of knowledge on the history …
Powwow75
00Morning Tour with Dave
We had a great morning with Dave Lively today. His knowledge of the history of Rocky Mountain National Park is firs…
TomDeBoalt
00Great Tour of West RMNP With Dave of Lively Tours and Talks
My wife and I took a private tour of western RMNP last week with Dave of Lively Tours and Talks. We had heard good …
BreyHarris
00Great story teller
My wife and I went on a 3hour trip on the Grand Lake side. Dave is a great story teller and know not only the Gran…
Frequently Asked Questions about Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tours from Grand Lake
- Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tours from Grand Lake price starts from $130.00. Discover and book Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tours from Grand Lake on Tripadvisor
- Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tours from Grand Lake cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tours from Grand Lake on Tripadvisor
- Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tours from Grand Lake is hosted by Lively Tours and Talks. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Lively Tours and Talks on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tours from Grand Lake on Tripadvisor
- On average, this experience will take approximately 4h. Discover and book Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tours from Grand Lake on Tripadvisor