Adventures in the Rockies

Itinerary

• Day01

  Arrive in the Heart of the Rockies

  Kick off the adventure in Denver with a brief orientation before heading west into the Rockies. Travel though historic mining towns, over the Continental Divide, and to the lovely town of Grand Lake. Stop at the Kawanuchee Visitor Center before entering Rocky Mountain National Park for a pleasant picnic lunch alongside the Upper Colorado River. After lunch, spend the afternoon hiking to Big Meadow, taking in gorgeous views and spotting deer, elk, or moose. Check into the lodge, enjoy a tasty dinner, and take a stroll through town.

  • Accommodation: Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging
  • Activity: 2 hours/3.6 miles hiking
  • Transportation: 2.5 hours private van transfer
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Day02

  Hike to Lone Pine Lake

  After breakfast, depart for a scenic hike along the East Inlet to Lone Pine Lake. Described by one of the wilderness rangers as 'the most beautiful valley in the park,' the East Inlet is a combination of wide-open valleys, wooded areas, and giant granite shelves. Stop along the way at Lone Pine Lake for a picnic lunch before the return trip. Finish the day with a wildlife drive through the Kawuneeches Valley, home to many moose, elk, and coyotes. Be sure to bring a camera!

  • Accommodation: Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging
  • Activity: 4-5 hours/10.5 miles hiking & 2 hour scenic drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day03

  Raft the Colorado River

  This morning, venture west through classic Colorado ranch land and over the Gore Range to the put-in for the rafting adventure on the famous Colorado River. Floating 11.5 miles downstream, pass through Little Gore Canyon and Red Canyon, likely spotting magnificent bald eagles looking to score a meal of river trout. With a little luck, see river otters, mink, or bighorn sheep along the way. With numerous Class II and III rapids, this section of the Colorado River provides a perfect blend of scenic floating and thrilling whitewater action.

  • Accommodation: Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging
  • Activity: 3-4 hours/11.5 miles rafting & 4 hour scenic drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day04

  Take a Scenic Rocky Mountain Drive

  This morning, take one of the most beautiful drives in North America while crossing up and over the Continental Divide. Our first stop is the Alpine Visitor Center, at an elevation of nearly 12,000'. From there, walk in the footsteps of Native Americans on a 4-mile hike along Tombstone Ridge on the Ute Trail. Enjoy spectacular views of Long's Peak, Forest Canyon, and alpine tundra. Afterwards, descend into the eastern side of the park to The Ridgeline Hotel, a short walk from Estes Park.

  • Accommodation: The Ridgeline Hotel
  • Activity: 3-4 hours/4-6 miles hiking at elevation above 11,000' & 2 hour scenic drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day05

  Hike Classic Alpine Lake Trails

  Today's hike features four classic alpine lakes. Start at Bear Lake Trailhead, and hike past the stunning Nymph, Dream, and Haiyaha lakes. Stop for lunch at The Loch, a beautiful subalpine lake situated at 10,190' and located within one of the most studied watersheds in the world. Completing our loop hike, we'll pass by the lovely Alberta Falls on our way to the trailhead. At the end of the day, gather for a well-earned farewell dinner at the elegant Cascades Restaurant at the historic Stanley Hotel.

  • Accommodation: The Ridgeline Hotel
  • Activity: 4-5 hours/8 miles hiking above 10,000'
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day06

  Enjoy a Sunrise Hike before Returning to Denver

  Meet for an optional sunrise stroll at Sprague Lake, to watch the sun illuminate the peaks and cirques of Rocky Mountain National Park while enjoying snacks and hot drinks. Gather for a full breakfast before checking out of the hotel. Drive south to the Wild Basin trailhead for a hike to Copeland Falls, and Calypso Cascades, and head down a narrow canyon for lunch in Lyons. Make the final drive for a drop-off at the host hotel or at Denver International Airport.

  • Activity: 2-3 hours/4.6-mile hiking & 2 hour scenic drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch