On this action-filled adventure, experience two different sides to the Rockies - on the western side, discover hidden gems that few visitors get to see, and on the eastern side find the awe-inspiring views and hikes that made this region famous. The landscape is a nonstop photo op, with alpine tundra, expansive meadows, deep forests, jagged peaks, and permanent snowfields. Spot plenty of wildlife, with luck including moose, bighorn sheep, eagles, and elk. Our knowledgeable guides take care of everything, while you relax, have fun, and enjoy a vacation to remember.
Float serenely down the upper Colorado River, through spectacular canyons and along scenic rapids
Catch a glimpse of Colorado's wildlife, including elk, big horn sheep, moose, and bald eagle
Enjoy a sunrise stroll at Sprague Lake, and watch the sun illuminate the peaks and cirques of Rocky Mountain National Park
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Knowledgeable MT Sobek guides lead all the journey's activities through the wilderness, including hiking, rafting, wildlife encounters, and scenic drives.
This expedition covers the best of both western and eastern sides of the Rockies, including classic trails and hidden gems.
MT Sobek's legacy of preservation and protection enables us to operate over 30 Global National Park adventures.
Our expert guides and trip leaders are truly the key to our trips' success. Many are locals who live in-country year-round; others have made it their second home—all are passionate, enthusiastic and endlessly knowledgeable. Meet a few of the guides that might be on your trip.
Miles of scenic hikes, fun rafting, and marvelous drives along alpine tundra, lush forests, breathtaking canyons, and valleys home to magnificent wildlife.
Character-filled mountain retreats, in rustic cabins perched at 8,369 feet and inside comfortable hotels with old-world charm.
Weather can be quite variable in the summer months, but temperatures usually range from 70°F to 80°F in daytime, and 35°F to 50°F at night.
The trip begins with a rendezvous at 8am sharp at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Denver Airport.
Your safety is our top priority. All of our hiking guides are very experienced in the mountains. We require all of our guides to be certified as Wilderness First Responders and to have years of wilderness and guiding experience.
No. Previous rafting experience is not required to go white water rafting on this adventure.
Yes. A solo traveler is welcome to join any set departure date.
We travel in Ford Transit Passenger Vans. It has 14 passenger seats plus the driver/guide.
Altitude sickness can be a problem, especially for people coming to the mountains from sea level. To prevent altitude sickness, stay hydrated by drinking extra amounts of water, and stay away from alcohol and caffeine.
Make any of our trips a custom adventure or start from scratch. Take two itineraries and match them up to create a unique third. Add extras and extensions and more...if you can imagine it, we can make it happen!
"I've taken six MTS trips and they have all exceeded my expectations. The staff, the food, the logistics and the communications have always been exceptional. Thank you for being my "go to" adventure travel company!"
Margaret I.
MT Sobek Traveler
"I have traveled extensively around the world. The experience with MTS was by far the best I have ever had. Thank you for such excellence."
Marianne W.
MT Sobek Traveler
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