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THE ULTIMATE TEST OF DRAG RACERS

Rocky Mountain Race Week represents the ultimate challenge for endurance drag racing enthusiasts. The competition involves daily races on different dragstrips for an entire week, with the added requirement of driving at least 1000 miles on the streets between tracks. We take pride in our "by racers, for racers" approach, as we understand the challenges and experiences of our participants firsthand. 

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Sunday june 23rd, tulsa raceway park, monday june 24th, tuesday june 25th, texas motorplex.

Rocky Mountain Race Week (RMRW) is the ultimate test of drag racers, competing on quarter mile strips every day for a week!

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THE 10 BEST Rocky Mountain National Park Tours & Excursions

Rocky mountain national park tours.

• Walking Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Photography Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver or Boulder

2. Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park Tour from Denver Winter and Spring

3. Private and Personalized Three Hour Morning Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park

4. Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver

5. Top of the World Photo Tour in the Rocky Mountain National Park

6. Private Three Hour Afternoon Custom Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park

7. Winter / Spring Private Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tour

8. Rocky Mountain National Park in Summer Tour from Denver

9. Rocky Mountain National Park Tour from Denver

10. The Premier Wildlife Tours in Rocky Mountain National Park

11. Sunset Photo Tour in the Rocky Mountain National Park

12. Fall Private Elk Rut Rocky Mountain National Park Tour

13. Rocky Mountain National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

14. Private Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver and Boulder

15. Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park

16. Summer Private Rocky Mountain National Park Driving Tour

17. Private Day Tour From Denver to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

18. Estes Park Guided EBike Tour Explore a Mountain Town by Ebike

19. Rocky Mountain Private Day Tour & Hike from Estes Park

20. Sunrise Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park

21. 4 Hour Private Guided Driving or Hiking Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park

22. Private Hiking Tour to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver and Boulder

23. Private Birding Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

24. 4 or 6 Hour Private Geology Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park

25. Sunset and Night Photography Tour on Trail Ridge Road

26. Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes

27. Rocky Mountain National Park Private Driving/Hiking Tour 6 hrs

28. Private Rocky Mountain National Park Tour from Denver

29. Frozen Waterfall Snowshoe Tour Estes Park

30. Private Winter Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park

What travelers are saying.

• Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver or Boulder
• Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park Tour from Denver Winter and Spring
• Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver
• Rocky Mountain National Park in Summer Tour from Denver
• Private and Personalized Three Hour Morning Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park

The Best Rocky Mountain National Park Tours from Denver

Lakes and snow-capped mountain peaks abound in the Rocky Mountain National Park near Denver, making tours from the city to the wilderness a great way to escape for a few hours.

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

The Rocky Mountains are a vast range of peaks running from northern Canada all the way down through the United States to New Mexico. The highest peaks of this 3,000-mile (4,830km) morass are mostly confined towards the southern end in the state of Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park protects one of the most picturesque tranches of the Coloradoan Rockies, and its proximity to Denver makes it a popular day trip destination. Here are some excellent guided tours from the Mile-High City to the even-loftier climes of Rocky Mountain NP.

Small-group Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park

See the best of the Rocky Mountain National Park, from wildlife to vistas on this eight-hour guided tour from Denver. Depending on the time of year, your group (maximum 14 people) will follow a different itinerary. In summer you’ll tackle the Trail Ridge Road, a winding stretch of road above the tree line with expansive views that really give a sense of the magnitude of the mountains. In winter you’ll explore Bear Lake. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as elk, moose and eagles. From $123 per person.

Book at Viator.com

(Photo: Viator.com)

Denver to Rocky Mountain NP Tour

Pass the famous Flatirons Rock Formations as you head north from Denver and into the heart of the Rockies. These are the first major landforms that will give you a sense of the major upheaval of land that has gone into making the remarkable mountain range. Once you reach Estes Park, the real fun of Rocky Mountain National Park begins. Discover and photograph glacial lakes, Alpine valleys and mountain views. There’ll be chance to take walks and in summer, the tour heads up as high as 13,000 feet (3,960m) along the Trail Ridge. From $139 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Hiking Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park

If you’d prefer to get out into nature, away from the roads and the droves of tourists that stick close by them, then look no further than this fantastic hiking tour. Although this is no advanced hiker’s jaunt: the walk is a mere four miles past lakes, and through forests and meadows. The altitude may make it feel like you’ve hiked further though. During the winter, when snow is on the ground, snowshoes are provided for a unique way to interact with the landscape. And during this time, wildlife is often easier to spot too. From $149 per person.

Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Tour from Denver

Another popular and well-established day trip from Denver passes through Boulder on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park. The itinerary is neatly balanced to include examples of the park’s finest features, including: Many Parks Curve Overlook, a wide-ranging viewpoint; the beautiful cascade of Alluvial Fan waterfall; and Sprague Lake, formed by glacial activity and reflecting the surrounding peaks. You might be lucky enough to see mule deer, elk and other wildlife along the way. This tour only runs in the winter. From $129 per person.

Private Rocky Mountain National Park Tour from Denver

The best way to explore Rocky Mountain National Park though is by private tour. Curate the itinerary, with help from your knowledgeable guide, to the preferences of your group. If you enjoy the freedom of hiking, you can focus on hitting as many of the trails and loops as possible. Otherwise, head out to spots that aren’t frequented by the other tour groups for a little solitude with the natural surroundings. This tour is available for groups of up to five people. From $599 per group.

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7 Rocky Mountain National Park Tours that Will Leave You Speechless

• January 6, 2024
• By foxintheforest

Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by foxintheforest

Rocky Mountain National Park is on most people’s Colorado bucket list for good reason! Here you’ll find the stunning scenery of mountain peaks, alpine lakes, rushing waterfalls, and lovely meadows that Colorado is known for.

Focus on the gorgeous landscape without worrying about logistics by taking one of the amazing Rocky Mountain National Park tours.

If you’re looking for recommendations for the best Rocky Mountain National Park tours from a local insider, I’ve got you covered. I’ve lived in Colorado for nearly 15 years now and know RMNP like the back of my hand, so I’ve got all the expert info for you.

A quick note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and purchase something, I get a small kickback at no added cost to you (you get honest tour recs and I get to keep this website going). You can read more about my affiliate policy here .

My pick 🏆 for one of the best Rocky Mountain National Park tours is this Rocky Mountain NP Glass-Top Guided Morning Tour . 😊 It’s well-reviewed, perfect if you’re short on time ⏰, offers stunning views, and even includes hot cocoa/snacks!

About this Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park Tours

Inside this local guide to Rocky Mountain National Park tours, you’ll find expert advice about:

• When to visit Rocky Mountain National Park
• What you need to know about reservations for Rocky Mountain National Park
• How to tour Rocky Mountain National Park
• The best Rocky Mountain National Park tours, sorted by start location
• Additional resources for exploring Colorado

When to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park

You can visit Rocky Mountain National Park all year-round, but different seasons have different considerations to keep in mind.

Generally, late June to mid-October is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park.

Local Tip: This is when Trail Ridge Road is open (generally) and you can access all areas of the park.

In the summer and early fall, the park will be extremely crowded, and you will have to make a timed entry reservation (see below), but you will also have lovely weather and could see wildflowers in bloom or beautiful fall foliage.

In the winter, the park is especially gorgeous in the snow, and snowshoeing in RMNP is a fantastic experience.

But avalanche conditions may exist on hikes, and Trail Ridge Road is closed, so you won’t be able to drive from the east to west side of the park.

Do You Need a Reservation for Rocky Mountain National Park?

Rocky Mountain National Park is the most popular of the Colorado National Parks , so a timed entry system has been implemented during peak season.

From late May to mid-October, reservations are required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. You can find out more details about timed entry and how to make reservations on the RMNP site here.

The timed entry system is a little tricky – if it sounds really overwhelming, then selecting a tour that handles this part of the planning for you is the way to go!

Just be sure to check what’s included in your tour. (Psst: we’ve added that info below, but be sure to double-check with the tour provider, since details can change.)

What is the Best Way to Tour Rocky Mountain National Park

You can definitely explore Rocky Mountain National Park on your own, but the best Rocky Mountain National Park tours are guided by local experts who can make sure you visit all the best spots in the park.

A private tour lets you customize your itinerary if you have specific places you want to see.

One of the biggest advantages of a tour is the increased chances to see wildlife. Tour guides generally know where the bigger herds of elk are and they have a trained eye to spot wild animals.

Of course, there are no guarantees, but if you’re looking for a wildlife expert, then a tour is a great option.

The Best Rocky Mountain National Park Tours

These Rocky Mountain National Park tours offer a variety of options to fit your schedule and budget, but they all provide incredible views of the gorgeous landscape at several different locations and lookouts throughout Rocky Mountain National Park.

Note: Some Rocky Mountain National Park tours depart from Denver, and others meet in Estes Park, so this list is divided by starting location.

Rocky Mountain National Park Tours – From Denver

1. rocky mountains jeep tour.

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (7 Reviews) Price: $500 per group of four Duration: 9 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Hotel pick up available Operator: Birding Man Adventures Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Make the most of visiting RMNP with this private jeep tour of Rocky Mountain National Park .

After getting picked up at your hotel and driving from Denver to RMNP , you’ll spend a full day immersed in the beauty of one of the prettiest places in Colorado .

The jeep tour will take you up Old Fall River Road, where you will get out to explore the alpine tundra.

“My family and I had a wonderful time seeing Rocky Mountain National Park with Ryan! He’s extremely knowledgable about the ecosystems and wildlife in the park. Even my six year old daughter was able to gain an appreciation for how unique the area is! We visited the park in March during somewhat snowy conditions, but Ryan was able to improvise for weather (and a six year old who couldn’t hike in deep snow). He also made a tasty lunch for us! Overall, the highlight of seeing the park with Ryan is how much you learn along the way. He’s incredibly informative and able to explain complex concepts in an easy to understand way. We highly recommend Ryan and Birding Man Adventures!” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Your tour guide is a naturalist, so you’ll learn all about the flora and fauna you’ll find in the park as you keep an eye out for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and a variety of birds.

Take a break for a picnic lunch with a majestic mountain backdrop before heading back to Denver.

2. Rocky Mountain National Park Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5.0 (29 Reviews) Price: $148.38 per person Duration : 9.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Pick up included Operator: Colorado Sightseer Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

If you’re visiting Colorado , taking one of the Rocky Mountain National Park tours from Denver will definitely be a highlight of your trip.

After getting picked up in Denver (or Boulder or Estes Park), you’ll drive into the park and up Trail Ridge Road, which features many scenic viewpoints.

You’ll stop for a stunning panoramic vista at Many Parks Curve, then head to Horseshoe Park to check out the alluvial fan.

“The best part of the tour was the tour guide! Phil was very knowledgeable about everything from the trees in the park to the history of the towns that we passed through. While it would have been nice to see some of the wild animals, I feel like too much time is spent stopping to look for them without really finding any. I would have liked spending more time in Estes Park instead.” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Here you can take some short trails for some of the top hikes in Colorado to see alpine lakes, waterfalls, and meadows.

Enjoy a casual picnic lunch with a view before you make your way to the town of Estes Park .

You’ll have time to explore this mountain town for a bit, including a visit to the Stanley Hotel of “The Shining” fame.

3. Rocky Mountain National Park Fall/Winter Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (28 Reviews) Price: $138.20 per person Duration: 8 hours 📍 Meeting Point: 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO Operator: Colorado Sightseer Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Some Estes Park jeep tours are seasonal, but if you’re looking for winter activities in RMNP , this Rocky Mountain National Park Fall/Winter tour is the perfect way to see snow-capped mountains and a glacial lake.

Meet in Denver before driving up north to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Explore the trails at Moraine Park while keeping an eye out for elk, then make your way to Many Parks Curve for breathtaking views of mountain peaks.

“Such a pleasant trip, you never spend too much time in the van, stops are well thought and it dis not feel rushed. A good combination of outdoors and roadtrip time. Very convenient for solo travellers who don’t want to go through the hassle of renting a car and figuring things on your own. Captain Kurt is an authentic colorado renaissance man. He knows his geography, history, fauna and flora of the region, great recommendations of stuff to do in Denver and a great attitude. Love it.” Stephane ( read more reviews now )

After checking out the alluvial fan in Horseshoe Park, you’ll head to downtown Estes Park where you can grab lunch before wandering around town or doing some short hikes in Estes .

Stop at the historic Stanley Hotel for a memorable final stop on your tour.

Rocky Mountain National Park Tours – From Estes Park

4. rocky mountain national park glass-top guided morning tour.

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (60 Reviews) Price: $168 per person Duration: 4 hours 📍 Meeting Point: 165 Virginia Dr Unit 17 Operator: Purple Mountain Tour Co. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Start your morning off right with a Rocky Mountain National Park tour in a special glass-top van to give you the best views of the incredible landscape.

While this tour is awesome any time of year, it’s one of the especially cool things to do in RMNP in summer when the glass roof can be opened up to feel the mountain breeze while you soak in the views.

“This was an exceptional tour! Our guide was knowledgeable about Rocky Mountain National Park. The views were spectacular, and the van was very comfortable. Hot chocolate and snacks included! We thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend the tour to everyone.” Stephanie ( read more reviews now )

You’ll travel up Old Fall River Road to get above treeline where you’ll stop at the Alpine Visitor Center, sitting at 11,796 feet.

This is the highest visitor center in any National Park, and you’ll have time to grab some food, get a souvenir, and immerse yourself in the views of the tundra before you head back down Trail Ridge Road.

During the tour, you’ll also have a chance to take a short excursion to a waterfall or other beautiful destination.

5. Rocky Mountain National Park Private Driving/Hiking Tour (6 hrs)

⭐️ Rating: 5.05/5.0 (6 Reviews) Price: $199.00 per person Duration: 6 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Varies Operator: Full Potential Wilderness Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Enjoy one of the best jeep tours from Estes Park with this customizable private guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park .

With 6 hours to explore the park, you can do a driving tour or explore some of the best RMNP hikes like Emerald Lake or Lake Haiyaha . You’ll also get professional photos taken to document your adventure.

“Enjoyed learning so much about the park. The guide, Ranger Rod was very knowledgeable and shared some of what he knew. my favorite new thing were the tansy asters😀 would recommend the tour.” Sharon ( read more reviews now )

What you do on this tour is completely up to you, and the tour itinerary can be designed to be inclusive and accessible for most travelers.

This is the Rocky Mountain National Park tour for you if you want to make it your own personalized adventure!

6. Private Driving or Hiking Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park (4 hrs)

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (22 Reviews) Price: $149 per person Duration: 4 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Pick up available Operator: Full Potential Wilderness Details: Read more on Viator Now!

If you have limited time, take a shorter private guided tour to explore the best of Rocky Mountain National Park.

You can still fit a lot into 4 hours, like a drive to some scenic overlooks on Trail Ridge Road, including the gorgeous Rainbow Curve .

Or you could choose to hike a short but stunning trail like the one to iconic Dream Lake.

“Great guide. very friendly and knowledgeable took us to great viewing areas great day and made us want to go back and visit the park again.” Kristen ( read more reviews now )

This tour is completely customizable to give you a Rocky Mountain National Park bucket list experience. Most travelers can participate since the tour can be designed to be inclusive for all ability levels.

Rocky Mountain National Park Self-Guided Tour

7. rocky mountain national park self-driving audio tour.

⭐️ Rating: 4.0/5.0 (42 Reviews) Price: $14.99 per person Duration: 2-4 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Varies Operator: Travel with Action Details: Read more on Viator now!

If you can’t book an actual guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, you can still get expert info to explore the park on your own with this Rocky Mountain National Park Self-Driving Tour .

You simply download an app on your phone (which works even if you’re out of cell service), and then follow the GPS to the top sights in RMNP.

“Very helpful. There is so much to see and do in Colorado! This was very helpful😎. This was the first road trip with just my daughter and I. It was nice being able to have background info while driving thru the park.” Penny ( read more reviews now )

While you drive, you can listen to info about the park and each point of interest that you visit.

This is a great way to spend one day in RMNP and check out the most popular destinations in the park, including hiking trails, RMNP lakes , mountain passes, and viewpoints.

Additional Colorado Travel Resources

Looking for more adventures in the mountains of Colorado? Check out these local guides:

• The Sky Pond Hike in Rocky Mountain is a Must-See
• The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
• Unique Things to Do in Colorado

Meg Atteberry

Meg is a long-time Colorado local and outdoor industry professional. She's spent the last 15 years hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in search of the best views. She's written for Outside Magazine, REI, Backpacker Magazine, and appeared on the Weather Channel.

Let’s connect!

Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Toddler mom, queer, and neuro-spicy her favorite things to do are climb in the alpine and camp in the desert. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure.

Rocky Mountain National Park Tours & Trips

North America has a few famous Rockies, and this one should definitely be on your itinerary.

The great outdoors doesn’t get much greater than at Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), as this untouched haven takes the word wilderness one step further. Here, the human world takes a backseat for the landscape to come alive, no matter the season. We'll have you hiking the wildflower-filled meadows in the summer and snowshoeing to spectacular frozen waterfalls in the winter. If you'd like to see even a small taste of the magic, stop by the favorite Bear Lake on an explorer's tour of the highest and most colorful state - Colorado.

Our Rocky Mountain National Park trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Rocky Mountain National Park highlights

Popular us national parks, rocky mountain national park travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Where is Rocky Mountain National Park?

Rocky Mountain National Park is located in the north-central region of   Colorado , United States and is just a small part of the impressive mountain range known as the Rocky Mountains.

Nicknamed ' the Rockies ', the Rocky Mountains begin in northwest  Canada  and stretch through six of the US states before ending in   New Mexico . It is considered the largest mountain system in North America.

How do I get to Rocky Mountain National Park?

To get to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), you'll need to either drive or take a seasonal shuttle bus from a neighbouring town, as there is limited public transportation into the park. 

The closest airport to the park is Denver International Airport (DIA) which is approximately 97 kilometres (60 miles) from the park.

The closest towns to RMNP are Estes Park to the east and Grand Lake to the west. There are highways that connect both towns to the park, however, winter weather may affect the roads, so it's always wise to check before you drive.  

How do I get around Rocky Mountain National Park?

Most people get around Rocky Mountain National Park with private or group vehicles as entrances to certain hiking trails are most accessible by car.

There are shuttle services within the park that operate from May to October within the Bear Lake corridor area. There are also seasonal buses that operate in and out of Estes Park. 

Cycling is also allowed within the park, but check to see where your bike can go before heading out.

When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?

The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is usually from mid-April to mid-August during the spring and summer months. However, the weather may not always be predictable because of the high altitude and mountain climate.

The busiest months at the park are typically from late July to early August and from mid-September to mid-October.

The best times for   winter activities   are from December to March, when snowfall is more likely and you may get a better chance at seeing wildlife.

Can you get altitude sickness in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Yes, you can get   altitude sickness   in Rocky Mountain National Park. The lowest point in the park has an elevation of 2,316 meters, while its highest peak reaches 4,326 meters. The town of Estes Park also sits at a higher elevation of 2,290 meters. 

It is often recommended that you spend some time acclimatizing to a higher elevation before you begin hiking or trekking. This is especially recommended if you live closer to sea level.

Are there bears in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Yes, there are black bears in Rocky Mountian National Park but seeing or encountering one is rare. There are only a small number of bears in the park and they are known to be shy and likely to run away when they hear humans. 

The black bear found in this part of Colorado isn't always black in color. This species can have black fur but they may also have a lighter brown coat.

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

All summer-only tours are open on the calendar. Book your summer adventure now!

Rocky Mountain National Park Sightseeing

Our most popular tour - see all RMNP has to offer on this comfortable, thrilling ride

Climb from the streets of the "Mile High City" to Rocky Mountain National Park, on a day trip that showcases the rugged beauty of Colorado's mountains. Weave through small, historic towns and drive over alpine passes, as you scan the horizon for mountain wildlife like elk, black bears, or moose.

• Chance to spot local wildlife such as moose, elk, deer & eagles
• We take care of the day for you, so you can relax and enjoy the views
• Ample time at each stop to explore
• Comfortable upscale transportation

See Available Tours

You may also like.

Jed was very knowledgeable about the ecosystem and history of each town we visited and the trails we hiked. Jed was also very accommodatiive to everyone's needs.

wrote a review

Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver

THE INSIDE HOOKUP

2023 EMTB SHOOTOUT

Rocky mountain altitude powerplay c90 rally edition review.

Photos by Max Rhulen & Dusten Ryen Video by Brian Niles / Treeline Cinematic

Returning to defend its “Best Big Mountain Enduro Bike” crown from last year’s eMTB Shootout , this time around Rocky Mountain sent us the “Rally Edition” top-spec Altitude Powerplay C90, which promises to pack an even harder punch with its coil-sprung mid-high pivot rear end. Unchanged for 2023, we had to include the Rocky Mountain with its unique Dyname 4.0 drive system once again in this year’s shootout, to see if anything had overtaken it. If you want to see the longer, full-length written review of the Altitude Powerplay, hit the link here , and be sure to watch our full length eBike Shootout video to see what we think are the best eBikes on the market for 2023. For now, though, let us give you a brief overview of this Rocky Mountain Altitude eMTB and how it stacks up.

2023 EMTB SHOOTOUT SERIES – This bike was one of 13 that our staff thoroughly tested with absolute objectivity in mind. From different types of riders to terrain, our goal is to present the best and most honest information possible to help you make your best decision. Of course, we’d love to thank Fox Racing and Schwalbe Tires for being invaluable partners to this series and making it happen.

• 160mm Smoothlink Suspension • 29” Wheels • Dyname 4.0 Motor • 720Wh Battery • Ride-4 Geo Adjust • HTA 63.5 (Slack) • STA 75.5 (effective) • REACH 475 (Large)

Price: $6,199 (A30 Coil) – $11,399 (C90 R.E.) Website: Bikes.com

FRAME AND FEATURES  

Rocky Mountain’s Altitude Powerplay is offered in either Smoothwall carbon fiber or aluminum front triangles depending on the spec level, which share the same FORM aluminum alloy rear triangle. Regardless of the frame material there’s the same 160mm of rear wheel travel delivered by their Smoothlink mid-high pivot Horst Link suspension system and a 170mm fork up front. The Altitude Powerplay is equipped with a pair of 29” wheels as standard, but there’s the option to convert to a mixed wheel setup with their $136 MX mount. The geometry and kinematics can be tweaked between 4 positions with Rocky’s Ride-4 mount. Those looking for more versatility may also appreciate that you can change the travel of Rocky’s Powerplay eBikes (Instinct to Altitude and vice-versa) so you can essentially have two different category eMTBs with just a fork, shock and maybe even a wheel/tire swap if you really want to get serious about changing performance and weight.

DRIVE UNIT AND ELECTRONICS

Carried over from the 2022 models , the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay uses their own Dyname 4.0 drive system system on their Powerplay eBikes, delivering a best-in-test 108Nm of torque to the system, and making use of a standard mountain bike bottom bracket and crank. The system is powered by a 720Wh removable integrated battery, which can be boosted to 1,034Wh with their $719 Overtime pack range extender. Their Jumbotron display sits neatly in the top tube of the frame, giving a simple but effective black and white read out of the key information.

The Rocky Mountain Altitude has a fairly well-rounded yet aggressive geometry, which can be tweaked easily with the Ride-4 chip to tailor the preference between improved ground clearance and agility, or stability.

BUILD SPECS

The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay is available in a range of builds from the $6,199 Alloy 30 Coil to the $11,399 Carbon 90 Rally Edition tested. This top-tier build is equipped with a build kit that evidently has aggressive intentions, with a coil-sprung Fox DHX2 Factory rear shock and 38 Factory 170mm fork. The drivetrain and brakes are Shimano’s XT; with their 4-piston brakes stopping on 203mm rotors, and a 12-speed drivetrain with a 10-51t cassette. The handlebar and cranks are Race Face Turbine, with a 35mm clamp and 35mm rise alloy bar, and the alloy Cinch cranks in 165mm on Small and Medium and 170mm on the larger sizes. The seatpost is a Fox Transfer Factory to match the suspension, in size-specific lengths, with a WTB Volt saddle on top. The wheels are a burly Race Face ARC HD 30, laced to a pair of DT Swiss 350 hubs.

The wheels are normally wrapped in a Maxxis Assegai/DHR2 DD tire pairing, but for our 2023 eMTB Shootout, Schwalbe provided a Magic Mary and Big Betty Soft Super Gravity combination. These were fitted to all bikes on test to produce a consistent and reliable base to improve the ease of comparison between each bike and deliver dependable performance.

SETUP | Getting the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C90 Rally Edition setup was relatively easy, with the coil supplied on the size large suiting the ~170-175lbs average of most of the test crew. Swapping out springs for our heavier riders proved to be more of a task than it should have been though – the Fox shock demands that you remove the lower shock hardware to release the spring collar, and this hardware proved to be in the shock very tight. We were perplexed by the lack of ability to slide the spring collar off the side of the shock stanchion. Other than this, there was limited fuss required to get the Altitude Powerplay feeling good and ready to attack.

ELECTRONICS & INTEGRATION | Our favorite trait of the Dyname 4.0 system, which pushed us to give the Rocky Mountain an award in our previous shootout and all of the crew excited to have it back in the mix, is its raw power. The 108Nm of torque far exceeds the 85-90Nm of the other motors in the test, and is very noticeable when climbing up the steepest pitches. The Rocky requires the rider to input slightly more power to unleash the full capabilities of the motor, but when they do it’s seriously impressive, and avoids being uncontrollable due to highly reactive torque sensors tailoring the motor output effectively. The noise is different to the other systems – slightly more of a mechanical rumble than a high pitched “whir” – which is preferable to some testers and a negative for others. We had issues with torque sensor errors flashing up when resting a foot on the pedals at a standstill, which was frustrating and led to a bit more sour of a taste for some riders. Integration is stellar though, with a clean look all around and a nice compact and ergonomic remote.

CLIMBING | With all of the Dyname 4.0 power on tap, and relatively balanced geometry to allow it to be put down to the ground, the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay is excellent going up the hill. You can point yourself up the steepest of grades that are out of reach of any of the other bikes on test, and if you’re a heavier rider then it’ll let you stay on the tails of (or even pass) other riders. Technical moves are better suited by a power-first approach than a more delicate and agile approach, and pedal clearance continues to be an issue due to the relatively low bottom bracket and long 170mm cranks. We’d recommend switching out these cranks immediately for a shorter option if you plan to ride any technical and chunky climbs.

DESCENDING | The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay was one of our favorite aggressive descending eBikes in last year’s shootout, and the coil-sprung rear end only adds sensitivity and traction. The mid-high pivot gives some excellent rough terrain performance, without producing any strange handling characteristics that demand a different approach when riding. It loves to charge, but isn’t the most playful feeling bike, instead preferring to rely on speed and a more defined takeoff to get airborne. Give it a decent takeoff or hard pull though, and it’ll happily fly, and you can aim it into just about any downslope with confidence thanks to the capabilities of the suspension and Cushcore-equipped wheels. The Rocky is a certified big mountain shredder and if it came time to tackle double-black diamond downhill tracks, this is always one of the most picked bikes in the lineup.

FINISH AND VALUE | At $11,399 for an XT and alloy wheeled bike, the C90 Rally Edition Rocky is never going to stand out as particularly good value, but the quality is very high all round and the most powerful drive unit does help to somewhat justify it. Aside from the 170mm crank arm length there’s nothing that we’d have to change if it were our own bike. Our only concerns would be with support if we had issues with the motor and didn’t happen to be close to a Rocky Mountain dealer. This could prevent some of us from buying one if we were likely to travel to remote areas, but we haven’t heard of enough issues to totally put us off either, so maybe we’re unjustifiably cautious.

The Wolf’s Last Word

The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C90 Rally Edition is still an incredible bike that inspires aggressive riding, and the Dyname 4.0 motor continues to impress us with its animalistic power and reasonable control. Riders should be prepared to replace the 170mm cranks to increase ground clearance for tech climbs, and it would be best to ensure there’s a Rocky Mountain dealer within an accessible distance in case of freak motor issues.

WHO’S IT FOR?

Price: $11,399 (C90 Rally Edition) Weight:  53.6lbs Website:   Bikes.com

RM ALT. POWERPLAY C90 R.E. SPECS

CHASSIS Frame: Smoothwall Carbon front, Form Alloy Rear; 160mm Fork: Fox 38 29 Factory Grip2 | 170mm Shock: Fox DHX2 Factory | SLS Spring

COCKPIT Brakes: Shimano XT Trail, 203F/R rotors Handlebar: Race Face Turbine R 35mm| 780mm| 35mm Rise Stem: Rocky Mountain AM 35mm | 40mm Length Headset: FSA Orbit No.57E Seatpost: Fox Transfer Factory Dropper 175mm Saddle: WTB Volt Race

WHEELS Hubs: DT Swiss Hybrid 350 Rims: Race Face ARC HD 30 Front tire: Maxxis Assegai 2.5” MaxxGrip DD (with Cushcore) Rear tire: Maxxis Minion 2.4” MaxxTerra DD (with Cushcore)

DRIVETRAIN Bottom Bracket: Race Face Cinch Cassette: Shimano XT 12spd; 10-51T Cranks: Race Face Turbine Cinch; 34t ring; 170mm Shifter: Shimano XT; 12spd Derailleur: Shimano XT; 12spd

Motor is the most powerful Natural pedal feel Balanced handling Aggressive descending prowess So fast and confident feeling

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‘Wyoming is watching’ as historic electric rate hike hearing begins this week

A 21.6% electric rate hike request panned by customers and politicians as an unjustified threat to households and the state’s economy will be scrutinized beginning Wednesday at a multi-day, court-like hearing before the Wyoming Public Service Commission.

The high-profile and historic rate hike from Rocky Mountain Power — the largest proposed increase in Wyoming in more than 10 years — would tap some 144,000 households and businesses for an extra annual $140.2 million. 

Another Rocky Mountain Power electric rate hike — a one-time $50.2 million fuel cost adjustment over 12 months — was temporarily imposed on customers in July but awaits potential modifications and final approval by the commission later this year.

Combined, the average Rocky Mountain Power household would see a monthly increase of $19.94 beginning in 2024, the company estimates. Some critics claim that’s a low-ball estimate.

Regardless, the overall 29.2% increase, according to hours of public comment in recent weeks, might force some businesses to close their doors , prevent new businesses from coming to Wyoming, push more households to become reliant on under-funded public utility assistance programs and even threaten the health of residents who can’t afford higher utility bills.

The proposal has attracted the ire of lawmakers who doubt the utility’s intentions and instead blame its increasing investments and reliance on renewable energy for the rate hike. The Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee has proposed a slew of draft bills its members say will help protect Wyoming ratepayers from increasing utility costs. The committee will review seven draft measures when it meets Friday in Cheyenne.

The utility’s justification for the increases is primarily mounting costs related to coal and spiking natural gas prices in response to weather extremes likely to continue due to human-caused climate change. Observers note those factors are not necessarily unique to Rocky Mountain Power. The same market conditions, extreme weather implications and an ongoing utility industry shift from fossil fuels to renewables will also factor in myriad rate cases to come.

With so much at stake, the commission faces an unprecedented level of scrutiny and interest from residents and elected officials alike. And much of the public is, for the first time, peering into an obscure corner of a regulatory bureaucracy laden with clunky statutory guidelines and procedures, all carried out in a language of acronyms and wonky utility legalese that, frankly, isn’t easy to follow.

“Wyoming is watching. We want the Public Service Commission to know that we oppose this and we’re watching what you do.” Sam Shumway, Wyoming AARP

“It will be interesting and, at the same time, confusing,” Public Service Commission Chief Counsel John Burbridge said of the upcoming hearing. “Honestly, having been doing this for so long, it takes years to figure it out.”

At the conclusion of the hearings, the commission will take several days or weeks before convening to publicly deliberate possible modifications regarding the rate hike. Intervening parties may also negotiate an agreement with Rocky Mountain Power to modify aspects of the general rate. The commission is expected to make a final ruling before the end of the year.

In response to the magnitude of the case and the scope of interest, the commission held five public hearings in four towns (you can access audio recordings of those meetings here ), in addition to commission members appearing before several legislative panels to answer questions from state lawmakers.

The hearing will take place at the commission’s headquarters in the Hansen Building in Cheyenne. It will be open to the public and live-streamed with opportunities for more public comment. (See more details at the end of this story.)

‘Pretty simple’

The commission, Rocky Mountain Power and the five intervening parties in the case are mostly relegated to arguing the merits of the proposed 21.6%, $140.2 million “general rate case.” 

The parties, along with dozens of their witnesses, will rehash the contents of pre-filed evidence, analysis and motions. The utility’s claims regarding cost of services and market conditions — past and projected — along with its proposals for how to balance future cost risks between its shareholders and its customers will be scrutinized over several days.

In fact, the commission has set aside eight days for the hearing and it will go for as long as it takes, according to staff.

Shannon Anderson is an attorney for the Sheridan-based landowner advocacy group Powder River Basin Resource Council. Although her organization is not involved in this case, Anderson has taken part in several electric utility rate hearings.

Determining what is the most reliable, inexpensive strategy for providing electrical service is not easy, she said, especially in an industry that is rapidly transforming and responding to a changing natural environment.

“It is a very difficult thing to puzzle out,” Anderson said.

Though the hearing process is unfamiliar to the general public and riddled with procedure and legalese, it’s designed that way to get at the facts of a case. But the general public shouldn’t be discouraged or intimidated, Anderson and several other sources familiar with the process told WyoFile.

Sure, there will be a lot of dense monologues regarding utility costs, system operations and western grid dynamics, along with nitpicking cross-examinations. But there will also be several value judgements that are not so complex and which the commission has broad authority to rule on. Those come down to how to balance cost risks between a regulated, monopolistic utility and its captive Wyoming customers.

“They [utilities] say, ‘Oh, these cases are so complicated and involve so many moving parts that the general public just doesn’t understand,'” AARP Wyoming Director Sam Shumway said. “What I do understand, and what I think the public understands, is they’re asking us to pay to make sure their shareholders get a double-digit rate of return. That’s pretty simple.”

Reality versus risk

Rocky Mountain Power’s continued reliance on coal and natural gas to generate a portion of its electricity is responsible for the bulk of its rising expenses, given recent price volatility in those commodity markets, according to filings by the company . 

The company might place significant weight on coal and natural gas prices to justify the temporary 7.6%, $50.2 million cost adjustment to cover a cost overrun beyond what the Public Service Commission approved several years ago for its current “general rate.” Also, such year-to-year adjustments are considered a “pass-on” — the utility isn’t permitted to earn a profit on that $50.2 million. 

But factoring coal and natural gas market volatility into its proposed new general rate — the focus of the upcoming hearings — might be more difficult.

About 90% of the company's proposed $140.2 million general rate hike request for future expenses is based on the same market volatility for coal, natural gas and electrical power it might purchase in coming years, company officials have testified .

Those volatile market realities, however, don't necessarily mean the utility can pass the cost onto ratepayers in a new general rate. By law, the Public Service Commission must provide regulated utilities the "opportunity" to earn a return, even a profit, on investments to meet their mandatory requirement of providing reliable service to Wyoming customers. That opportunity is not a "guarantee," Public Service Commission Chairwoman Mary Throne has repeated in recent months.

For example, the utility's ongoing additions of renewable sources of energy — along with federal production tax credits — have saved Wyoming ratepayers an estimated $85.4 million or more, according to the company. That's $85.4 million that might have otherwise been added to the $140.2 million rate hike request.

The commission, according to insiders, could decide that's an indication that the utility hasn't moved fast enough to replace fossil fuels with renewable sources of energy. Therefore, the utility might not be entitled to tap ratepayers for its full $140.2 million request. Or, the commission may find that the utility is doing a fine job of balancing the risks, rewards and reliability of wind, solar, coal and natural gas resources in its customers' favor.

That's one aspect — albeit complex — of how the commission might weigh Rocky Mountain Power's general rate hike request.

In perhaps more of a fairness determination, according to Wyoming AARP (which is not an intervening party in the case), other aspects of Rocky Mountain Power's request come down to how the utility proposes to share risks and rewards between its shareholders and its Wyoming customers in the future.

Couched within the $140.2 million rate increase is a proposal to eliminate a fuel "cost sharing band." Currently, Rocky Mountain Power is responsible for covering 20% of fuel cost overruns. Its customers in the state are tapped for the rest. The company says it should have zero liability and Wyoming ratepayers should pick up the entire tab.

Rocky Mountain Power is also asking the commission to increase its maximum allowable rate of return — or profit. Currently, Rocky Mountain Power — the state's largest single electric utility, a division of PacifiCorp owned by billionaire Warren Buffet — is allowed a maximum 9.5% rate of return on its investments in Wyoming. It's asking to bump that up to 10.3%, according to the company's filings.

The company claims it might earn a profit of only 1.32% in Wyoming if it isn’t allowed the full $140.2 million annual rate hike.

Wyoming AARP's Shumway said he and his 75,000 members — more than 5,000 have submitted written comments in the case, he said — will be watching closely to see how the commission balances those risks and rewards between the utility's shareholders and its customers in the state.

"An almost 30% rate increase is going to be devastating for older Wyomingites and for all Wyomingites," Shumway said. "Wyoming is watching. We want the Public Service Commission to know that we oppose this and we're watching what you do. The Public Service Commission's job is to put the interests of the public first and the interests of the utility are secondary."

How to watch, participate, learn more

The hearing will take place at the Wyoming Public Service Commission's headquarters in the Hansen Building, 2515 Warren Ave., Suite 300, in Cheyenne beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday. It will continue at 9 a.m. each following work day through Nov. 3, at the commission’s discretion. The hearing is open to the public and will be livestreamed — click here for the livestream link , or dial 1-719-359-4580, meeting ID: 819-2930-6120. There will be opportunities for public comment throughout the hearing.

Below are links to past WyoFile news reports on the proposed rate hike, listed from newest to oldest. 

Lawmakers back off effort to curb impending Wyoming electricity hike

Lawmakers rush to take action ahead of proposed electric rate hike

Your electric bill could become more volatile if utility gets its way

Lawmakers use power bill increase to target renewable energy

Residents, elected officials blast utility over historic Wyoming rate hike

Gas, power bill assistance a ‘drop in the bucket’ as utility bills rise

A cold snap boosted state revenue by $175M

Mayor: Combined 29% electric rate increase may threaten lives

Electricity bills could climb 22% for Rocky Mountain Power customers

Power customers asked to foot the bill for ‘extreme weather’

Dustin Bleizeffer

Dustin Bleizeffer is a Report for America Corps member covering energy and climate at WyoFile. He has worked as a coal miner, an oilfield mechanic, and for 25 years as a statewide reporter and editor primarily... More by Dustin Bleizeffer

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Regarding the residential rate chart: Why is there such a huge difference between Wyoming providers? It appears that Powder River customers pay twice as much as Lower Valley customers.

The airlines seem to get it right and Rocky Mountain Power gets it wrong. Business Class pays more for a ticket. Rocky Mountain Power charges businesses half the rate that those of us in “Coach” pay.

First- rate reporting, Dustin. You’ve managed to wrestle a convoluted subject into readable pros. Every ratepayer in Wyoming, which means practically everybody, should read this.

The next request will be to fund battery terminals to store the intermittent wind and solar power. Just look to Colorado and what Xcel Energy is doing there. Shutting down coal-fired plants before end of life, charging for the decommissioning, expanding wind, solar and transmission projects with a guaranteed 10.2% profit. This is legalized stealing at the rate payer’s expense.

So, who is more important? Struggling Wy. old-timers or Warren Buffets stock portfolio.

We are at a very interesting time for electric utilities across the country. The simple mental model that most of us have in our heads “utility-scale wind and solar generators are expensive, but good for the environment – while fossil generators are cheap, but not-so-good for the environment” is getting further from reality now that wind and solar have achieved the economies of scale that have long been promised. This is combining with the fact that wind and solar generators have no fuel cost, while fossil generators expose customers to the potentially volatile cost of coal and natural gas. We are used to volatile gas prices, since many of us live in or near boom-and-bust communities, but we are used to coal price being stable and low. Our work in Wyoming seems like it will consist of two things: 1. Take advantage of the cheap power available from wind and solar that we are used to exporting to other territories while figuring out what to do with stranded fossil assets that does not waste ratepayer money – and 2. Ensure that power stays reliable with higher levels of wind and solar penetration. We should encourage broader participation not just in rate cases like these, but in the integrated resource planning proceedings that determine the Utility’s strategic planning around future generation. Sensitivity, cost benefit, and capacity expansion analyses often show how exposed customers are to these future dynamics before they happen.

This is ridiculous! That works out to $972 per year per customer. That is an $81 increase per month! This opens the way for other Wyoming utilities to do the same. Wyoming DOES NOT have the “rich” customers to support this. Ardis Kenney Dayton, WY

What else did they expect when they are staking the future of Wyoming on fossil fuels?

Why did Rocky Mountain Power request two rate hikes?

Rocky Mountain Power serves about 144,000 customers in the state – it’s the largest public utility in Wyoming. And earlier this year it requested two rate hikes to its customers – one of which has been partially approved by the Wyoming Public Service Commission, the state entity in charge of regulating utilities.

Dustin Bleizeffer is an energy reporter for WyoFile and has followed the issue closely . He spoke with Wyoming Public Radio’s Caitlin Tan about what this all means.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. 

Dustin Bleizeffer: So there's two main rate filings by Rocky Mountain Power this year. And the first is referred to as an energy cost adjustment. And what that is, is the utility predicts how much it'll have to spend each year on fuel, things like coal and natural gas. These markets are always in flux – so sometimes they end up spending less, sometimes they end up spending more. If they end up spending less, then that results in a rebate to ratepayers. But in 2022, they ended up spending a lot more on coal, and especially natural gas because of some extreme weather events. So what that resulted in is Rocky Mountain Power asking permission to true up those costs. That ends up being about $50 million more for ratepayers. So the commission tentatively agreed to that. Those were rolled into ratepayers' bills beginning in July. However, the Public Service Commission still must finalize that.

But the really big one is what's referred to as a general rate case. Every two or three years, a utility goes back to the Wyoming Public Service Commission, and says, “Okay, the cost of providing electrical services in Wyoming has changed. And so we need to change our base rate to match that.” The last time Rocky Mountain Power did that was in 2020. A lot has changed in the utility market since then. So this past spring, Rocky Mountain Power filed a general rate case, saying that it needs to tap its Wyoming ratepayers for an increase of $140 million. That was a 21.6 percent increase that they're proposing, on top of their energy cost adjustment. All that comes to more than a 29 percent increase that ratepayers were looking at. And that's quite a sticker shock.

Caitlin Tan: It seemed like it received so much public outcry and people were genuinely really concerned. There were several town hall meetings about the issue over the summer. I just want to look back at what some people had to say. Tony Bate spoke at the Rock Springs meeting this summer.

“My electric bill will raise by $86 a month. I have hardly any money. I don't know where I’m going to get the money,” Bate said in tears.

CT: So really an emotional response and high stakes for a lot of people. We also heard from Sam Shumway this fall with Wyoming's AARP. He was speaking to the Wyoming Public Service Commission trying to kind of summarize all of this.

“Folks who are dealing with hyperinflation, folks are dealing with how they're going to pay for increases in gas prices, the cost of healthcare, the cost of medicine, the cost of groceries, the cost of property taxes are now being faced with a 30 percent increase in their power bills,” Shumway said. 

CT: So there's that $50 million rate hike that still is going to be finalized here in the next few weeks. But we do actually have somewhat of a decision on that bigger rate hike request. What do people need to know?

DB: So the Public Service Commission deliberated this week. It was a very complicated case with hundreds of filings. So they trimmed Rocky Mountain Power’s request. A large part of that had to do with some of the modeling that the company used to come up with what is fair and reasonable to pass on to ratepayers. The commissioners in this case said that they were not convinced of the utility's use of that model, that all of those numbers were fair and reasonable. So that resulted in a pretty major reduction. There were a number of these other kinds of reductions along the way that the Public Service Commission plugs into a matrix to calculate a final number. They didn't have a final number at the end of the day – they're still calculating that. But some folks that I talked to who are in the know, follow this math and were penciling this out, think that instead of $140 million, ratepayers are probably going to end up paying something more on the order of $80 million. That's an unofficial estimate.

CT: I'm assuming we're going to know the details of all of this in the next few weeks?

DB: Right. Now again, just to summarize – the $50 million energy cost adjustment that's still being decided. And whatever they decide on if they adjust that up or down, that'll be a temporary increase in ratepayers bills that will be implemented for 12 months beginning July 2023 to July 2024. Now the bigger one, the general rate case, Rocky Mountain Power asked for $140 million, that would be a permanent increase. And that is going to be a lot less, maybe on the order of $80 million. We just don't know exactly.

CT: Whatever that final number is, they'll see it reflected starting in January. Now, what was interesting to me during the deliberations this week was Wyoming Public Service Commission Chair Mary Throne spoke about how they're bound to certain rules.

“Some elected officials suggested that we just deny the application or negotiate a better deal for the ratepayers,” Throne said. “In simple terms, when the evidence supports a rate increase, the commission lacks the authority to deny the application for such rate increase.”

CT: So could that mean more permanent rate hikes if a company like Rocky Mountain Power could justify it?

DB: Yeah, there is an expectation that more rate hike requests are coming. And that has to do with changes in the utility market. Our grid and the way we generate electricity is changing. A lot of the traditional coal fired power plants are scheduled to come offline. Utilities are trying to prepare by adding renewable sources of energy. Along with that comes a lot of expensive, necessary additions and transmission lines to take that new power.

So I think what the commission chair was referring to is this relationship between government regulation and a monopolistic utility. What that means is if you're a homeowner in Casper, for example, you don't get to choose which utility provides you electrical service. In Casper, that's mostly Rocky Mountain Power. So in exchange for having that captive consumer market, the state is allowed to scrutinize how much that utility charges its ratepayers. They have to defend their numbers, but also in return, that utility is legally allowed to earn a return on its investments and the services that it provides. And it's in the state's interest that that utility is financially healthy.

CT: Is there anything else you want to add – that an everyday Wyomingite should know at this point?

DB: When it comes to the Public Service Commission, and these large utilities, they tend to speak this really technical language. They don't make it easy for the public to follow. And that also leads to a lot of distrust in the utility and even distrust in the Public Service Commission. Like, “What's really going on here?” Sam Shumway, from AARP, addressed this and said, “We can follow the math. And one thing we do understand is that Rocky Mountain Power is also asking for an increase on its rate of return for its investors and its shareholders. They're looking out for their shareholders, they need to be looking out for their customers.” And that really falls on the Public Service Commission to make sure that happens.

Dustin Bleizeffer is the energy and climate reporter for Wyofile. If you want to follow along with more of his reporting click here . For his most recent story on the rate hikes click here .

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Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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