Question 1

Why choose a wildlife photo tour with GBGT?

Accepted Answer

GBGT tours are guided by Loren Schrag, a professional wildlife photographer with decades of experience in wildlife photography and videography. Our following on social media speaks for our experience with more than 4 million followers and over 2 billion views annually. We know where to find the animals, how to get you into position for the best possible photos and videos of them, and we enjoy taking people of all experience levels out on a wildlife photography adventure where you can not only get great photos of wildlife but learn about them, RMNP, and your gear.

Question 2

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Good Bull Guided Tours (GBGT) maintains commercial auto insurance as well as a general liability policy however keep in mind that to participate in the tours you must sign an acknowledgement of risk and photo release accepting responsibility for risks inherent in participating in these tours, as per RMNP requirements.

GBGT has an approved Commercial Use Authorization and is authorized by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the  Interior, to conduct services in Rocky Mountain National Park.

GBGT is also licensed as a business in Estes Park, CO and is a business in good standing in the State of Colorado.

Question 3

When do you operate tours?

Accepted Answer

GBGT operates tours July through mid-October.  We also host various multi-day photography workshops throughout summer and fall.

Question 4

What is provided by Good Bull Guided Tours?

Accepted Answer

During your tour we will provide a full size 4x4 SUV, bottled water, a variety of snacks, binoculars, Satcom device, Timed Entry Permit (when applicable), and an experienced guide/driver.

*All fees for services are for education only.  Transportation, water, snacks, use of binoculars, and more are provided free of charge.

Question 5

What is not included in the tour?

Accepted Answer

You will need all your camera equipment and personal items (hat, sunglasses, boots for hiking, sunscreen, bug spray, jacket, rain jacket, etc.).  Additionally, your park pass is NOT included in your tour (the timed entry reservation IS included). This means you will need to obtain a park pass which can be an annual pass you already own or you can purchase a pass online, at the entry gate, or at a visitor center ahead of time.

Question 6

Do you have an age limit for the tour?

Accepted Answer

We believe young photographers should have an opportunity to participate and learn so we're willing to take young photographers 10 years of age or older as long as their adult guardians believe they are capable of behaving in such a way as to not interfere with other guests' enjoyment and photographic opportunities.  Any child less than 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult guardian.

If you book a private tour we can accommodate children who are old enough and big enough to only need booster seats. For Colorado, that means they must be at least 4 years old and weigh at least 40 pounds. You will be required to supply the booster seat for this private tour.

https://www.codot.gov/safety/carseats/colorado-child-passenger-safety-law-1

Question 7

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

Pets are not allowed on group tours as they can scare and stress the wildlife we're attempting to photograph.  If you have a service animal our accommodation is for you to book a private tour so your service animal will not affect other guests however, we strongly advise you to click on the link below regarding RMNP's pet policy before bringing your service companion along.  Please review the GBGT waiver regarding potential damage or cleaning fees for pets.

RMNP Pet Policy:
https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/pets.htm

Question 8

Is there cell service in the park? What if there is an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Cell service in RMNP is very limited.  GBGT keeps a ZOLEO satellite communication device that allows texting to anyone who can receive text messages using satellite communication to send and receive (the recipient on the other end doesn't need a satellite device).  If there is an emergency while in the park, our Satcom device also has an SOS feature that puts us in contact with emergency services personnel.

We also keep a basic first aid kit in the car for minor issues.

Question 9

Are tips included in the price? How much/when should I tip?

Accepted Answer

We don't believe tips should be required for any service.  If you received excellent service on your guided trip then a tip is a great way to show your appreciation and is standard industry practice.

Restaurant guidelines are often followed for tours. 10-20% for good service, 20% or more for exceptional service. With GBGT, you can tip in cash or credit card.

Please be aware, per National Park rules we cannot conduct any monetary transactions while within park boundaries. The best time to provide your guide a tip is when you're dropped off at the original pickup location.

Question 10

Do I have to be in good shape to go on a tour?

Accepted Answer

We have the ability to both photograph from the vehicle and hike up to 1/2 mile away from roads (for up to 1 mile round trip) depending on the needs and desires of our guests. If you are unable to hike you can stay at the vehicle while other guests are wanting to pursue wildlife photos on a short hike.

Finally, we do not have a handicapped accessible vehicle however we will attempt to make accommodations to meet your needs as best we can. If you require accommodations please let us know at least 72 hours before the tour so we can attempt to meet your needs.

Question 11

Should I be worried about altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

If you're coming from a low elevation to Estes Park and RMNP there is a risk of altitude sickness and GBGT recommends you arrive at elevation (Denver/Colorado at a minimum) before ascending to the higher parts of RNMP.

Symptoms are similar to those of an alcohol hangover: headache is the cardinal symptom, sometimes accompanied by fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and occasionally vomiting. Headache onset is usually 2–12 hours after arrival at a higher elevation and often during or after the first night.

If you begin to experience symptoms at elevation, let your tour operator know and we can move the tour to a lower elevation (around Estes Park or lower parts of RMNP) to provide you more time to acclimate.  Severe symptoms may require rapidly descending to a lower elevation or seeking medical treatment.

If you know you are susceptible to altitude sickness due to prior experiences, talk to your doctor about your plans to visit high elevations to see if they can provide you medication to relieve symptoms.

Question 12

What happens if I'm not ready when you show up at the pickup location? "No Show Policy"

Accepted Answer

If you're on a group tour we will depart not later than 10 minutes after the scheduled start time.  Failure to arrive by that time will be considered a last minute cancellation and no refund will be issued for missing the tour.

If you're on a private tour and you miss the start time we will wait 15 minutes after the scheduled start time.  If we haven't heard from you we will consider it a last minute cancellation and no refund will be issued for missing the tour. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late and we know you will be late we may, at our discretion, wait at the pickup location until you arrive and continue the tour as if it had started on time with the end time for that session unchanged.

Question 13

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

To keep our cancellation policy consistent across our website - please always refer to https://www.goodbullguided.com/cancellationpolicy for our accurate cancellation policy.

Question 14

How often is the tour vehicle cleaned?

Accepted Answer

Vehicles are cleaned between all tours and high touch areas are wiped down with disinfectant.  Additionally, we're keeping hand sanitizer, disposable masks, and two sizes of gloves available for any guests that wish to use them.

Question 15

What is your privacy policy?

Accepted Answer

To view our privacy policy please visit:
www.goodbullguided.com/privacypolicy/

Question 16

How close can we get to the animals? Can I pet/feed the animals?

Accepted Answer

For elk, deer, sheep and most other large animals you must stay at least 75 feet away.  For moose and bears you must stay at least 120 feet away.  You cannot pet or feed any animals in the park including birds, chipmunks, etc.

Question 17

What happens if the park is closed? Can I still do the tour?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  The park may be closed for any number of reasons including weather, rock/mud slides, and government shutdowns.  While it doesn't happen often - since we're focused on wildlife we have lots of places outside the park to go explore as well as inside the park.  If the park is closed we'll plan around it and make sure you still have an incredible wildlife photography experience!

Question 18

Can I just get a ride into the park/around Estes Park?

Accepted Answer

No, we are not a transportation company and do not charge for transportation. We provide educational tours and all fees for service are for education only.  Transportation, along with the other amenities we provide during a tour, are provided free of charge for clients booking an educational tour.

Question 19

What if I'm not sure how many people will be going?

Accepted Answer

These are small group tours limited to just 3 seats for photographers but our cancellation policy is reasonable as long as you cancel at least 48 hours in advance. If you think you may need at least three but maybe more you can always book a private tour which can accommodate up to 5 guests.

Question 20

What behavior can result in getting kicked off a tour?

Accepted Answer

Any behavior that violates park regulations can result in getting kicked off the tour.  This includes behavior such as entering closed areas, getting too close to wildlife, taking objects from the park, etc. Additionally, failure to follow your guide's instructions, abusive or belligerent behavior or speech towards your guide, guests, or others in the park are all behaviors that can have you removed from the tour.  Finally, drinking alcohol, vaping, smoking tobacco, marijuana or use of other controlled or illegal drugs is prohibited on our tours.

Question 21

What languages do you speak?

Accepted Answer

We only speak English on our tours.  Unfortunately, since cell service/wifi is limited in many areas we cannot rely on google translate to communicate so please ensure at least one member of your party (if you're booking multiple seats) is able to speak English to communicate with your guide.

Frequently Asked Questions