• Reviews have made RMNPhotographer a five star guided experience.
• Guides have extensive RMNP experience, are experienced photographers, and are gifted storytellers.
• Guides connect you and your camera with history, beauty, and wildlife.
• The tour is in the comfort & safety of your own vehicle.
• RMNPhotographer Tours is insured and takes pride in our service.
• Guides are certified in First Aid and CPR and operate under all required permits of RMNP and the state of Colorado.
• RMNPhotographer is authorized by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, to conduct services in Rocky Mountain National Park.

All tours are private and customized for your family and invited guests. You determine who will be on the tour with you.

For the security of all, Acknowledgement of Risk, Waiver, Vehicle Insurance Verification, and a Photography Release are provided as a part of the electronic registration. 

RMNP/RMNPhotographer Tours Participant 

Acknowledgment of Risk and Waiver Form

In consideration of the services of officers, agents, employees, contractors, and stockholders, and all other persons or entities associated with those businesses (hereafter collectively referred to as “RMNPhotographer”) I agree as follows: 

Although RMNPhotographer has taken reasonable steps to provide the Participant, family and/or guests participants, with appropriate equipment and skilled guides so I can enjoy an activity for which I may not be skilled, RMNPhotographer has informed me this activity is not without risk. Certain risks are inherent in each activity and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the activity. These inherent risks are some of the same elements that contribute to the unique character of this activity and can be the cause of loss or damage to my equipment, or accidental injury, illness, or in extreme cases, permanent trauma or death. 

RMNPhotographer does not want to frighten me or reduce my enthusiasm for this activity, but believes it is important for me, my family and/or guests participants to know in advance what to expect and to be informed of the inherent risks. The following describes some, but not all, of those risks. 

The use of any equipment provided by RMNPhotographer;

Any fall or injury that may occur while participating in the tour;

Any fall or injury caused due to wildlife encounters;

Any negligent acts or conduct of the RMNPhotographer guide, owners, directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents, assigns, and legal representatives.

I am aware that entails risks of injury or death to any participant. I understand the description of these inherent risks is not complete and that other unknown or unanticipated inherent risks may result in injury or death. 

On behalf of myself, family, and guest participants, I agree to assume and accept full responsibility for the inherent risks identified herein and those inherent risks not specifically identified. My participation along with that of my family and/or guest participants in this activity is purely voluntary; no one is forcing us to participate, and we elect to participate in spite of and with full knowledge of the inherent risks.

I acknowledge that engaging in this activity may require a degree of skill and knowledge different from other activities, and that I,  my family and/or guests participants have responsibilities as participants. I acknowledge that the staff of RMNPhotographer has been available to more fully explain to me the nature and physical demands of this activity and the inherent risks, hazards, and dangers associated with this activity. 

I certify that I, my family and/or guests participants are fully capable of participating in this activity and have no physical or mental condition that precludes our group participants from participating in the RMNPhotographer Tour. 

Therefore, I assume and accept full responsibility for myself and our group participants including all minor children in our care, custody, and control, for bodily injury, death, or loss of personal property and expenses as a result of those inherent risks and dangers identified herein and those inherent risks and dangers not specifically identified, and as a result of any negligence in participating in this activity. 

I, and all participants in my tour group, have carefully read, clearly understood, and accept the terms and conditions stated herein and acknowledge that this agreement shall be effective and binding upon me, my family and/or guests participants, my heirs, assigns, personal representative, and estate and for all members of my family, including minor children. 

Request for Guide to Drive & Insurance Verification: I hereby verify that I have personal liability and collision coverage on the vehicle, and the RMNPhotographer Guide is covered by my personal liability and collision insurance. I release RMNPhotographer from any and all liability, vehicle damage, and/or injuries to others including family/group participants being transported in my private/borrowed/rental vehicle.  As owner/borrower/renter of the transporting private vehicle, the Participant, family and/or guest participants, acknowledge that any vehicle damage or liability is the sole responsibility of the participant, family and/or guest participants. I hereby release RMNPhotographer, its owners, directors, officers, employees, contractors, guides, agents, assigns, legal representatives, and successors from all liability, vehicle damage and/or injuries to others including participants arising from being transported in my private/borrowed/rental vehicle.

Activity Waiver: The Participant, family and/or guest participants, will be participating in a vehicle and walking tour in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) provided by the RMNPhotographer. 

Being of lawful age and in consideration of being permitted to participate in the tour of RMNP, the Participant, on behalf of themself, family and/or guest participants, releases and forever discharges RMNPhotographer, its owners, directors, officers, employees, contractors, guides, agents, assigns, legal representatives, and successors from all manner of actions, causes of action, debts, accounts, bonds, contracts, claims, and demands for or by reason of any injury to person or property, including injury resulting in the death of the Participant and family and/or guest participants, which has been or may be sustained as a consequence of the Participants and family and/or guest participants, participation in the RMNP tour, and notwithstanding that such damage, loss, or injury may have been caused solely or partly by the negligence of RMNPhotographer, its owner, employees, and/or contracted tour guides. The Participant understands that the Participant and their family and/or guest participants would not be permitted to participate in the RMNP tour unless the Participant signs this waiver on behalf of themselves and their family and/or guest participants. The Participant acknowledges that the additional family and/or guest participants have been given sufficient time to carefully read this Waiver and authorized the Participant to sign the Waiver on their behalf.

The Participant acknowledges that this Waiver is given with the express intention of effecting the extinguishment of certain obligations owed to the Participant, family and/or guest participants, by RMNPhotographer, and with the intention of binding the Participant's spouse, heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, and assigns.

The Participant acknowledges to RMNPhotographer that the participant, family and/or guest participants, do not have any physical limitations, medical ailments, or physical or mental disabilities that would limit or prevent the participants from participating in the RMNP tour. If required, the Participant(s) will obtain a medical examination and clearance. The Participant acknowledges that all activities on the tour of RMNP are optional, and the participant, family and/or guest participants, may opt out (have the right to withdraw or exclude oneself from participating) in any aspect of the RMNPhotographer Tour.

The Participant, family and/or guest participants, acknowledges and agrees with RMNPhotographer that: 

(1) RMNPhotographer has given the Participant, family and/or guest participants, sufficient time to carefully read 

the Acknowledgement of Risk and Waiver. 

(2) The Participant, family and/or guest participants, have been given the opportunity and has been encouraged 

to seek independent legal advice prior to signing this Waiver. 

(3) The Participant, family and/or guest participants, fully understands the risks and claims that the Participant, on

 behalf of themselves and family and/or guest participants, is waiving to participate in the RMNP tour. 

(4) The Participant is freely and voluntarily executing this Waiver on behalf of themselves and family and/or guest

 participants, and 

(5) The Participant, family and/or guest participants, are forever prevented from suing or otherwise claiming 

against RMNPhotographer for any property loss or personal injury that the Participant may sustain while participating in or preparing for the RMNP tour with RMNPhotographer.

This Waiver will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado.

Photography/Videographer Release: Participant hereby grants to RMNPhotographer, its representatives, and employees the right to take photographs and video of participants participation in the guided tour. Participant hereby authorizes RMNPhotographer to copyright and use such photographs and video of participants for any lawful purpose, including but not limited to publicity, illustration, advertising,and website content.

I have read this contract in its entirety, fully understand its contents, and agree to the terms and conditions of this contract on behalf of myself, family and/or guest participants, and any minor children participating. This document constitutes the final and entire agreement between RMNPhotographer and the undersigned Participant, family and/or guest participants. 

Signature of the Participant on behalf of themselves, family and/or all guest participants  

Date

A vehicle pass is needed for each vehicle entering the park, but a "timed-entry" is not needed. Timed-Entry reservations are NOT required as RMNPhotographer is authorized by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, to conduct services in Rocky Mountain National Park. Any of the passes listed below admits all in the vehicle. Most RMNPhotographer guests already have a pass to the park. Vehicle passes include:

• Annual  $80 or Lifetime senior $80 passes to RMNP or all national parks for seniors, veterans (with applicable military identification), or the disabled admits all in the vehicle. 
• One day $30 RMNP pass for two plus $15 for additional guest over 16 years old. The park pass is available at the park entrance, 
• Seven day $35 RMNP pass for two plus $15 for additional guest over 16 years old that can be purchased at the park entrance.
• All passed or available for purchase at the park entrance or online at recreation.com.

A gratuity recognizing excellent service by your guide is a personal matter. If you believe your RMNPhotographer Guide did an outstanding job, tipping is encouraged.

The start time of the tours are 8:00 a.m. for morning and full-day tours. For afternoon, tours begin at 12:30. Tours begin at Coffee on the Rocks, 510 Moraine Avenue in Estes Park where you can pick up a pastry and/or a fantastic cup of coffee (opens at 7:00 a.m.) before we travel into RMNP. Photography tours begin just before sunrise and are for four hours.

This is up to you. Most guests request the RMNPhotographer guide drive their vehicle. This allows the guest to spend time viewing the scenery and a level of comfort on Trail Ridge Road. In such a case, the guest must include a simple waiver indicating they have vehicle/liability insurance.

RMNPhotographer Tours provides many stops with information and education about historical, geological, ecological, and wildlife in RMNP. As they spend time daily in the park, they will be a wealth of information as they comfortably direct you in your tour of RMNP.

For your comfort and to enhance your experience, we recommend bringing:

• A great smile, your enthusiasm for the day, and a sense of adventure
• Bottled water and energy snacks
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
• Sweatshirt, rain jacket, and/or coat
• Camera, memory card(s), and batteries
• Closed-toe sturdy walking shoes or boots (flip-flops are discouraged)

Throughout the season, the weather is unpredictable at higher elevations, so it may be perfect or it may be much cooler. Therefore, clothing layers are encouraged. For the comfort of all, smoking in the vehicle is not allowed during the tour. 

Our tours allow individuals to make choices that will accommodate their abilities. For most individuals, the physical challenges are minimal and easy to adapt to. All activities on the tour are optional. We often guide retirees, people with disabilities, etc, and all have experienced a wonderful tour of RMNP.

Occasionally, guests may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness though this is rare. To lessen the effect of the high altitude during your visit:

• Drink plenty of water (3 times your normal intake).
• Take your time while walking and allow for stops to catch your breath.
• Eat light meals including carbs or energy snacks.
• You may want to purchase a small dispenser of “Boost” oxygen available at many stores in Estes Park at a reasonable cost.

RMNPhotographer operates under a Rocky Mountain National Park Commercial Use Authorization permit and its insurance requirements. In addition, the guide is certified in First Aid and CPR. RMNPhotographer is authorized by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior to conduct services in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Due to the comfort, personal touch, significant knowledge of our guides, and RMNPhotographer's five star rating, our tours are quite popular. Additionally, our guides know where to find wildlife. Tours operate from the weekend before Memorial Day through mid-October  selling out quickly. Therefore, tours may be booked beginning January 1 for the upcoming year. Reservations are accepted up to 12 hours prior to the tour departure.

Please inform us at least 24 hours prior to your tour start time if you must cancel or reschedule.

• Guests may cancel by calling 515-298-9738 or emailing RMNPhotographerTour@gmail.com
• Guests cancelling prior to 24 hours before the tour will receive a full refund.
• Guests who fail to attend without written or verbal contact will be charged the full value of the scheduled tour price.
• Cancellations within 24 hours of the tour start time will be offered to reschedule your tour or a 50% refund for each guest.

Be prepared for lower elevation temperature, cooler higher elevation weather, and periodic showers. The weather has played a significant role in shaping RMNP, and we adapt to enjoy our tours rain or shine. Unless Trail Ridge Road closes due to weather, we have not had to cancel tours.

Your guide will be enthusiastic and well versed with experience driving many miles in RMNP. Additionally, they are continually educating themselves to learn every detail of the park. They do so with a sense of family, education, and enthusiasm that will keep you entertained throughout the tour.

Recognizing excellent service is a personal matter, therefore tips are not included in the tour fee. Although not required, if at the end of your tour you believe your RMNPhotographer Guide did an outstanding job, tipping is encouraged – and welcomed. Any amount is appreciated, and many people follow restaurant guidelines. Cash is appreciated, but Venmo and Paypal are also accepted.

RMNPhotographer has put together a summary (pdf) to help our guests during their visit. This includes "Things To Do" in RMNP/Estes Park as well as our favorite restaurants. Download guide here