Wildside 4x4 Tours — Attraction in Estes Park

We had a great time on the Winter Wonderland tour with Wes in the first week of Jan, my husband, my 5 year old daughter, and myself. We really wanted to see the park in winter, and we also enjoy doing the Junior Ranger program at National Parks with our daughter. I don't love, though, taking rental cars into less than ideal driving conditions because I just don't have much confidence in their maintenance of their fleet. Also, although hubs has several years experience living in a very snowy climate, it's been a while. [Note to say that RMNP does a great job of maintaining their park roads, and we did return on our own the next day to spend some additional time.] Hence, we thought Wildside would be a great opportunity for us to relax, enjoy the views, hear a bit about the park, and get to enjoy the confidence that we were in a properly outfitted vehicle with an experienced local driver. That's exactly what we got. Wes was FANTASTIC. He really made the tour. The park is gorgeous, and he made intentional stops at points of photographic interest and kindly took fam photos for everyone in the small group. Being winter, Trail Ridge Rd. was closed at Many Parks Curve, but we still saw several points of interest- Horseshoe Park, Horseshoe Falls, Hidden Valley for a sledding break, and up to the point of closure for a beautiful view from Many Parks Curve, including Longs Peak, just to name a few highlights. He discussed the geology and ecology of the park in a way that was both interesting to adults and comprehensible to our young daughter. He shared about spots outside of the NP, too, and shared some great recs and local lore. The afternoon following our tour with Wes, we worked on the RMNP Junior Ranger program workbook with our 5 year old, reviewing the info that Wes had shared, and she really had learned a lot. She also thinks that he's hilarious. She's asked us multiple times since, just a couple of days, to go do the tour with him again. This is a big deal, because the morning before our tour, she was fussing about going on "another boooring tour', lol, but Wes' guidance totally turned it around for her. We all agree that our time spent with Wes on the tour was a highlight of our winter week here in Estes Park, and we emphatically recommend Wildside. We'll be back in summertime, no doubt, and we'll be doing another tour. It's nice to get a broad lay of the land and ask questions before venturing out on our own, even under ideal conditions. Hoping to see Wes again then. Finally, since I couldn't remember my one and only dad joke at the time, I'll leave it here: Q. What do you call a line of people waiting to get a haircut? A. A barber...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS – Wild Ride, Wild Vibes, and the Best Guide Ever!

If you’re even thinking about booking the Wild Ride Jeep Tour through Rocky Mountain National Park, just stop what you’re doing and go for it. Seriously. Cancel your brunch plans, reschedule your dentist, do whatever it takes—this tour is worth it.

Our guide, Alexis, was the MVP of the day. Alexis isn’t just a guide—she’s like the cool cousin who aced Earth Science, took improv classes, and genuinely loves people. She’s the kind of person you’d want narrating your life: friendly, relatable, funny, and ridiculously knowledgeable. She didn’t just spit out facts—she told stories that made the mountains feel alive. We learned about how the land was shaped over time, the secret life of trees (spoiler alert: they’re kind of petty), and the park’s rich history with such flair, it was like National Geographic meets stand-up comedy.

And the cherry on top? Her impeccable, themed playlist. Yes, Alexis doesn’t just guide—she curates a vibe. One minute we’re cruising to John Denver, the next we’re jamming to classic rock that perfectly matched the scenery like it was made for a slow-motion movie montage. Honestly, I half-expected a bald eagle to fly by in slow motion.

She was also incredibly accommodating with our little ones. She adjusted the pace to our family’s needs without skipping a beat, checked in often, and somehow managed to keep both the kids and adults engaged (a miracle in itself).

From jaw-dropping views to laugh-out-loud moments, this tour delivered. We left with a new appreciation for the Rockies, a phone full of pics, and a toddler who now thinks she’s a junior park ranger.

Would absolutely do it again—and will 100% be requesting Alexis when we do. Thanks for the unforgettable ride, the laughs, and the best forest-themed soundtrack this side of the Continental...

We had a truly wonderful experience! The sign on the building and the vehicle in the parking lot caught our attention, so we decided to step inside and learn more. After a friendly conversation at the front desk and a look through a brochure, we were intrigued—but also a bit hesitant. Giving up 3.5 hours of our vacation (and the cost) felt like a big commitment. So, we sat down with a cold beverage and considered our options.

Ultimately, we decided to take a leap of faith and signed up for the Top of the World tour—and we’re so glad we did. It was, without question, one of the most incredible things we've ever done. The experience was a breathtaking mix of stunning scenery, a thrilling ride up the mountain, and incredible wildlife encounters (we saw elk, moose, and more). It was not only exhilarating but also deeply educational—an unforgettable adventure. I personally learned more in that 3.5 hours than I could have any other way.

Our guide, CJ, was exceptional. He had complete command of the vehicle and an impressive depth of knowledge about the area. He was patient, engaging, and entertaining, sharing insights into animal behavior, topography, weather, and local history that truly enriched the journey. Thanks to his expertise, we visited special spots we likely wouldn’t have found on our own. We always felt safe, allowing us to fully enjoy the views without worry.

Our group of ten included teens to retirees. They even provided snacks, water, and blankets! I know this review sounds like a commercial, but it's just that great, and we honestly cannot wait to do it again. You shouldn't hesitate either...