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Rocky Mountain National Park is the showpiece of the Colorado Rockies, and we have selected the finest, most exhilarating mountain trails in this magnificent land! Within the park are columbine-sprinkled meadows, emerald lakes, shimmering peaks, and herds of elk and bighorn sheep. At lower elevations we will walk through stands of pine and juniper and encounter spruce and aspen alongside peaceful streams. We will also venture high above tree line and explore the fascinating tundra ecosystem.
This one-of-a-kind tour is designed for both first-time hikers as well as enthusiasts. Each day's hike is 3-8 miles in length with elevation gains of 600 - 1000', with longer and more challenging options available. So lace up those hiking boots, grab your knapsack and head to the Rockies for the ultimate western hiking holiday.
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| Note: We operate this itinerary in reverse on our June 22nd, 2003 departure. Contact us for a detailed itinerary. |
Day 1. Hiking Mesa Trail, Gateway Inn (970-627-2400 / private baths)
Be sure to eat a hearty brunch, as our group assembles in the sitting room of the elegant Hotel Boulderado, a local historic landmark, at 11:00 a.m. After a short orientation, we will hike one of Boulder's most scenic footpaths, the Mesa Trail. Our walk will take us along the foothills of the Rockies and the Flatirons, a spectacular jagged rock formation. Welcome to the Rocky Mountains!
After a scenic shuttle into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, we arrive at our home-away-from-home for the next two nights in Grand Lake, a small lakeside summer resort nestled at over 8,000 feet and surrounded by high peaks.
- Mesa Trail [Up to 5 miles; limited elevation gain and loss]
Day 2. Hike Adams Falls & Inlet Creek, Gateway Inn
We will hike along the meandering Inlet Creek towards the snow-capped summits of the Continental Divide. We will pass a number of alpine meadows and waterfalls, including the cascading Adams Falls.
For those wishing for a more leisurely day, hike a portion of the trail and then walk right back to Grand Lake for an option-filled afternoon of horseback riding, sea kayaking or just soaking up the best of the West along Grand Lake's quaint streets. For those wishing to horseback ride, please notify your guides at the beginning of the trip, as reservations are required.
- East Inlet Trail [Up to 8 miles round trip; 1700' elevation gain, then loss]
- Horseback Ride and Sea Kayak options [additional cost]
Day 3. Hike Rocky Mountain National Park & Trail Ridge Road, Baldpate Inn (970-586-6151 / shared baths)
Today we hike along the western slopes of Rocky Mountain National Park before shuttling over Trail Ridge Road, America's highest continuous road at 12,100-feet and explore the fragile alpine tundra with its delicate forget-me-nots and microscopic plants. More than one-fourth of the plants located here are also found in the Arctic.
Descending from this "rooftop of the world" we enter Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Time permitting, spend the afternoon strolling through Estes Park's quaint streets before dining at one of it's fine restaurants.
Our home for the next two nights is nestled along the Peak-To-Peak Highway, one of Colorado's designated Scenic Byways. Located in this high alpine setting is our charming secluded lodge for the next two nights, the Baldpate Inn.
- Option: Guide choice or Tonahutu Creek [5.3 miles; 900/700 feet of elevation gain/loss]
- Alpine Tundra Trail [1.5 miles at an altitude of 12,100 feet; limited elevation gain and loss]
Day 4. Hike East Longs Peak Trail to Chasm Lake, Baldpate Inn
Up with the sun, we soon find ourselves surrounded by the peaks of the Continental Divide as we begin our hike into the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. Ascending from the aspen forests, our trail enters the expansive Wild Rivers basin where we find views of glistening peaks and glaciers, snowfields and crystal waterfalls.
For the more adventurous, try the more challenging East Longs Peak trail and climb to Chasm Lake. Longs Peak has long been considered America's Matterhorn. At 14,255', it is the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park and has fascinated writers, artists, climbers and explorers since the first recorded American sighting in 1820 by Stephen Long.
The first six miles of our hike are the easiest -- don't be fooled, though, this is a hearty hike - and follow an ever-climbing trail through beautiful forests of pine and aspen up to timberline. We then venture onto Chasm Lake that sits beneath the 1000-foot vertical diamond on Longs Peak's sheer, spectacular 1675-foot east face. You'll be amazed at the views!
- Hike to Chasm Lake [8.4 miles round trip, 2300' elevation gain / loss, moderate]
- Easier Option: Lily Mountain [4 miles round trip, 1000' elevation gain then loss]
Day 5. Hike to Lake Isabelle, Boulder
After a special breakfast, we are off for a hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Walking through a lush river valley, we pass a number of cascading streams en route to Lake Isabelle. The view from the lake is incredible, and includes Isabelle Glacier and the craggy Indian Peaks: Apache, Pawnee, Paiute, and Shoshoni. We will enjoy a leisurely lunch and the high country's colorful flowers that line the lake's edge: showy daisy, alpine gentian, bistort and elephant head.
Following our hike, we shuttle to Boulder for the conclusion of our trip.
- Lake Isabelle [5 miles round trip; 600' of elevation gain, then loss]
- Moderately Easy Option [additional 1-2 miles]
Type of Trip: Inn-to-Inn
Length of Trip: 5 days/4 nights
Trip Level: Moderately Easy to Moderate with Easy options
Activities: hike (4-1/2 days)
2003 Departure Dates: June 22-26, July 6-10 (singles), August 10-14
Cost: $1595
Single Supplement: $385
Gateway City: Denver, Colorado
Gateway City Transfer: Public transportation from Denver International Airport is available. The Super Shuttle provides this transportation hourly for $19.00 one-way and $36.00 round-trip to the Hotel Boulderado, or $25 one-way and $45 round-trip to other hotels. Reservations are recommended, and may be made by calling 303-227-0000. The RTD Public Bus service from Denver International Airport to Downtown Boulder operates hourly and costs $8 one way (cash and exact change only).
Meeting Time & Place: 11:00 a.m. at Hotel Boulderado, 2115 13th Street, Boulder, Colorado 800-433-4344 / 303-442-4344. The hotel is located one block north of Pearl Street. We recommend that you have a hearty brunch prior or our meeting, and arrive ready to hike. For your comfort, we recommend that you wear comfortable hiking boots with ankle support and wool socks coupled with a thin liner sock.
Trip Conclusion: 5:30 p.m. at Hotel Boulderado, Boulder. Airline departures from Denver should be scheduled no earlier than 8:30 p.m. and airport shuttles be scheduled no earlier than 6:30 p.m.
Trip Fees Include: All meals (dinner Day 1 - lunch Day 5), all accommodations (double occupancy), support vehicle, national park fees, T-shirt, water bottle, and professional guides.
Trip Fees Exclude: Airfare, personal insurance, miscellaneous hotel expenses (phone, fax, laundry, etc.), additional optional tours, services not specified in the tour itinerary, and guide gratuities (as deemed appropriate).
 The Best Value in Active Travel Guarantee: We commit to you that all of our trips are of the highest quality at the best value. If you find a trip of equal quality that matches our itinerary and inclusions at a lower fare within 30 days of initially booking your trip with us, we will gladly refund the difference. A simple guarantee that assures you of the best trip at the best fare!
How do I join this trip? Call Stephen at (800)443-9216 and a Trip Consultant will reserve your space.
Special Requests: If you have any special diet needs or have any special request that will make your trip more enjoyable, please be sure to notify your Trip Consultant or travel agent upon booking.
Then Leave the Rest to Us... Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including your reservation payment receipt and confirmation, travel insurance application, suggestions for preparing for your trip, a packing list, information on pre/post trip arrangements, a guest questionnaire and a liability release agreement.
Travel Protection: To make your trip with us even more carefree, we strongly recommend the purchase of our travel insurance plan. Offering comprehensive coverage and peace of mind, our travel insurance plan is designed to protect you in case of lost or damaged luggage, a sudden illness or death in the family, emergency medical expenses, or unavoidable yet costly flight delays. We'd be happy to arrange travel insurance coverage for you, so contact us at (800)443-9216
How do I book airfare for this trip? Call Stephen at 1 800 443 9216 .
General Information, Questions & Answers
Please Note: We operate this itinerary in reverse on our June 22nd, 2003 departure. Contact us for a detailed itinerary.
Hotel Boulderado By Car: Boulder is 26 miles northwest of Denver, approximately 40 minutes by car. It is best approached from I-25 (north or south). From Interstate 25, take the Boulder Turnpike Exit / Highway 36, which will take you into Boulder. From Highway 36, take Baseline exit and make a left at the light. Following Baseline west, turn right on Broadway. Head north on Broadway, take a right on Pine St. and an immediate right on 13th Street and you will see the Hotel Boulderado. During the trip, cars can be at the Hotel Boulderado parking garage.
Car Rentals: Thrifty 800-367-2277; National 800-382-4567; Avis 800-331-1212; Alamo 800-327-9633; Hertz 800-654-3131; Enterprise 800-325-8007.
Pre & Post Trip Accommodations:
If you arrive in Boulder the evening before the trip, or stay over after the trip, we recommend the Hotel Boulderado, 800-433-4344 / 303-442-4344; please let them know you are with The World Outdoors.
- Courtyard by Marriott: 4710 Pearl East Cir., 303-442-4700 / 800-321-2211 [rate: $79-$149]
- Boulder Victoria Bed & Breakfast: 1305 Pine St., 303-938-1300 [rate: $129-$189]
- Pearl Street Inn: 1820 Pearl St., 303-444-5584 / 800-232-5949 [rate: $125-$165]
- The Inn on Mapleton Hill: 1001 Spruce St., 303-449-6528 [rate: $100-159]
How difficult is this trip? ... Really? This trip is ideal for those who feel comfortable being active 3-5 hours a day. Those who choose this level are generally looking for a leisurely vacation or an introduction to hiking. This is gentle terrain hiking. The hikes range from 1.5-6 miles, with options of up to 8 miles and short ascents of up to 600 feet and one option of up to 2500 feet.
How will the change in altitude affect me? This is a difficult question to answer as altitude physiologically affects different people in different ways. The Rocky Mountains range from 5,000 to over 14,000-feet elevation, and have an extremely dry climate. Thus, to prevent altitude sickness we recommend that you always remain well hydrated, gradually expose yourself to higher elevations, exercise moderately until altitude acclimatized, eat a diet consisting of at least 70% carbohydrates beginning 1 to 2 days prior to ascent, and get plenty of rest. Furthermore, we suggest that you arrive at our gateway city at least 1 to 2 days prior to the first day of your trip.
What weather conditions can I expect? You can expect daytime temperatures to be approximately 60-75° F with evening temperatures being over 30° cooler. As in other mountainous regions, weather conditions in the Rockies are extremely variable. Be prepared for anything, including snow.
We're Always Improving! While the information presented here details this trip's planned activities, routes, accommodations, meeting and departing times, we are consistently seeking new opportunities to enhance this itinerary and your experience. Our actual activities and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. As a result, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary since unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Naturally, we will keep you up-to-date on any changes that may affect your arrival, departure or lodging.
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