Low cost private wildlife safari from Estes Park in Colorado

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Private Wildlife Safari In Rocky Mountain National Park

Explore the beautiful forests and meadows to view native wildlife in the Rocky Mountain National Park.  This 4 hour Early Morning Wildlife Safari will leave from Estes Park, Colorado.  It’s a private tour for you and 3 of your family or friends.  

Itinerary

Complimentary hotel pick up will be between 4:30 and 5:00am.  Many animals are at their most active at the beginning and end of each day.  Starting the safari this early will increase your chances of seeing native wildlife in the park.

You will have access to top-quality gear including binoculars, spotting scopes, hiking poles and hand warmers.

The goal of the tour is for you to see as much wildlife as possible, observe their behaviors and learn about the animals.  You’ll drive through the park making many stops.  With the binoculars and spotting scope, you and your naturalist guide can find wildlife that you probably would have missed on your own.  You will see more animals and learn more about them and the Rocky Mountain ecosystem than you ever would if you went through the park on your own.

Animals

Frequently spotted animals on these safaris include mule deer, moose cows and sometimes bulls, elk bulls and cow herds with calves, pikas and yellow bellied marmots.  Black bears, coyotes and cougars are in the park but sightings are rare.  Other native wildlife you might see include

  • Beaver
  • Snowshoe hare
  • Wolverine
  • Ermine
  • Pronghorn antelope
  • Gray fox
  • Red fox
  • White-tailed deer
  • Lynx
  • Bobcat
  • River otter
  • Western spotted skunk
  • Striped skunk
  • Marten
  • Southern red-backed vole
  • Mink
  • Long-tailed weasel
  • Badger
  • Raccoon
  • Porcupine
  • Pygmy shrew
  • Silver-haired bat
  • White-tailed jackrabbits
  • Golden eagle
  • Western jumping mouse
  • Wyoming ground squirrel
  • Ruddy duck
  • Northern pocket gopher
  • Turkey vulture
  • Colorado chipmunk
  • Sharp-shinned hawk

Upon finding wildlife, the vehicle will be parked and, if it’s safe, you can get out and take pictures.  Some sightings will be close, while others are far away and can only be seen through the spotting scope.  During the tour, your guide will be passing along stories about these great creatures.

Safari Details

Every safari is different.  On one safari, they went around a curve and there was a mountain lion in the middle of the road.  They were able to tape it as the large cat leisurely made it exit.  Your knowledgeable naturalist can tell you about the history of the park and the habits of the animals.  He also knows when and where the animals are most likely to be found.  Rare sightings happen close to dawn or dusk.

Safaris are as much about learning about the animals as much as it is seeing them.  Your naturalist guide can tell you why coyotes wag their tails and why most animals cannot see the color red.  You’ll be amazed to learn how much elk eat each day.

Sunrise in the Rocky Mountains is breathtaking.  Be sure to get photos of the sun’s first strikes on the mountains.  There will be lots of stops for pictures of beautiful landscapes, stunning views and animals.  And you can share these spectacular photos with family and friends on social media.

Each tour is private and limited to your group.  It can also be customized for you.  Just let your guide know what you most want to see.

This safari is a fantastic nature adventure and this will be a morning you’ll never forget!

Book this through Viator to get the best available price.