About Kep Expeditions
“Mountains are only a problem when they are bigger than you. You should develop yourself so much that you become bigger than the mountains you face.”
― Idowu Koyenikan
Kep Expeditions strives to get “Everybody Anywhere”. We offer specialized guided trips through Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding area. We take pride in our ability to customize and adapt our expeditions and tours to ensure that everybody can have a great experience. Kep Expeditions also hosts a variety of different events in hopes of broadening our range of customization and adaption, getting closer to achieving the ultimate goal of “everybody anywhere”.
We operate by running daily, personalized tours and custom expeditions in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Our vision includes accessibility and it is our goal to provide vehicles that follow the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and this is what separates us from the other tour companies. People talk about us because we have a passion for providing a top-notch personal experience, and a desire to create lasting friendships with our customers.
The name Kep, a shout out to the great Lewis “Kep” Keplinger. He embodied the spirit of achieving new heights and getting everyone, anywhere. In 1868, Kep discovered a route up the previously un-scaled, 14,259 foot Longs Peak, allowing Major John Wesley Powell, an amputee, to be the first to take in the view.
The company’s goal is to provide people with the opportunity to safely and comfortably access all that the beautiful Rocky Mountains have to offer. The centerpiece of Kep Expeditions is our legendary tour guides; motivated, fun loving, and experienced in their ability to adapt and personalize our trips.
Our tours/expeditions run anywhere from a 3 hour tour to a custom, all-inclusive, full-day expedition. We provide local expertise, experienced tour guides, and the ability to accommodate a wide range of needs.
Brian Kaepplinger, Chief Expeditionary, grew up in Estes Park and has nearly 10 years experience guiding and being an expeditionary in Rocky Mountain National Park. He brings his knowledge and expertise to his tours and along with his humor and fun, engaging personality that will be sure to make for a memorable trip. Brian also has extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities and is sensitive to the needs and considerations of those individuals and is dedicated to inclusion, ensuring everyone has an awesome adventure!
Vehicles
All of Kep’s vehicles share the names of this area's legendary tour guides. From “Squeaky” Bob Wheeler to Fred Sprague, Rocky has been the location of incredibly entertaining, and historic hosts.
Kep Expeditions’ PUC number is 55946. The PUC ( public utilities commission) is part of Colorado’s department of regulatory agency (DORA), and regulates the transportation industry. So when booking with Kep, feel comfortable that our vehicles and guides have gone through extensive inspections that make sure our guests are safe when cruising with us.
George Hurt
This van’s name is George Hurt. Mr. Hurt was the guy that started the ski area (Hidden Valley) that used to be located inside of Rocky. He was the one that figured out how to rig up tow ropes to drag skiers uphill, so soft powder downhill turns can be performed with ease. Some knew George Hurt as the original “hot-dogger.” Hot-doggin’ in skiing is when gymnastics moves are performed on flat terrain with the skis still on your feet. George Hurt has played a major role in Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park’s history. Although George may not have been known as a professional tour guide, all Estes Park locals know that as a townie you are a legitimate tour guide.