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Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

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Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

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Description

Dramatic, soaring and serenely beautiful, Colorado’s Rocky Mountains will have you picking your jaw up off the floor – and there’s no better way to experience this beauty than on foot. Step out on a five-day walking adventure where you’ll take on some of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most scenic and rewarding trails with a small group of keen explorers. From your base in Estes Park, your local leader will guide you among the dazzling peaks of the national park, sharing knowledge of the landscapes as you walk.

Trip Name
Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park
Last Updated
2022-09-23
Days
5
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Beginning in Colorado’s energetic capital city, Denver, join your local leader for a tour of the historic Larimer Square, a trendy and popular spot for locals.
  • Just a stone’s throw away from Rocky Mountain National Park, spend three nights in the town of Estes Park, a perfect jumping off point for your adventures.
  • Tackle some of the park’s best loved trails as you venture deep into the national park to the powerful Ouzel Falls, and follow a hidden trail through granite domes to the serene Gem Lake.
  • Breath in some seriously fresh mountain air from the top of Deer Mountain – climb past wildflowers and pine forests before being rewarded with one of Colorado’s best views.
  • Experience local history with a side of the supernatural when you tour the iconic Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King’s ‘The Shining’ and home to alleged paranormal activity.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Denver
Welcome to Denver, Colorado, your gateway to the Rocky Mountains! Meet up with your local leader and fellow travellers for a 5pm welcome meeting at your hotel, marking the start of your adventure. Once your meeting has wrapped up, head out to get to know Denver with a walk around the historic Larimer Square. Here you’ll find an inviting mix of independent shops, restaurants and bars tucked into charming Victorian buildings. Hear the history of the settlers who first put down roots here, then get to know your group a little better over an included welcome dinner in town.
Day 2 - Denver to Estes Park
Leave the city in the rear-view mirror and make the drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, home to some seriously awe-inspiring peaks. You won’t have to wait too long to get out and explore – jump out the vehicle and set off on your first walk in the park. Follow the popular Lulu City trail, a relatively flat and easy-going path that’s a perfect introduction to the gorgeous scenery and fresh air of Rocky Mountain National Park. Once you’ve found your feet, continue your drive to Estes Park – just a stone’s throw away from the national park, this town is the ideal base for your explorations. On arrival, settle into your hotel then head out to explore the town – there’s no shortage of welcoming restaurants here so be sure to ask your leader for tips on where to grab a bite to eat. You may like to take advantage of the national park’s clear skies and take part in a stargazing tour once the sun has set.
Day 3 - Estes Park
Venture deep into the Rocky Mountain National Park for your second hike to Ouzel Falls. This moderate hike follows the North Saint Vrain Creek, passing by the Copeland Falls and tumbling Calypso Cascades before arriving at Ouzel Falls. This is a stunning but at times slippery walk, so good shoes are a must! With your leader at the helm, you’ll learn about the region’s flora and fauna as you walk. Turn around and head back to the trailhead, then take a scenic drive to Chapel on the Rock, a functioning 100-year-old Catholic church. Blending into the rock formation it was built on top of, this chapel really is a sight to behold! Return to Estes Park for an evening free for your own explorations.
Day 4 - Estes Park
You’ll be flying high today as you climb the much-loved Deer Mountain trail. Surrounded by wildflowers and sweet-smelling pines, this trail isn’t just a treat for the eyes. Climb up switchbacks towards Deer Mountain’s summit, where you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with unbeatable views over Longs Peak, Moraine Park, Upper Beavers Meadows and Estes Park. Stop for a picnic lunch before descending the mountain, then head back to your hotel to freshen up. This afternoon you’ll pay a visit to a historic building with a spooky twist – the infamous Stanley Hotel. Used as the inspiration for Stephen King’s iconic novel, The Shining, the hotel is said to play host to several spirits. Tour it’s storied halls to learn about the hotel’s history and the guests who never checked out. It’s your last evening in Estes Park, so you may like to grab your new friends tonight and head out for dinner to toast to the end of your adventure.
Day 5 - Estes Park to Denver
It’s time to pack your bags and bid farewell to Estes Park. But before you leave Rocky Mountain National Park, there’s time to hit just one more trail – and it’s a good one! Hidden among the granite domes of the Lumpy Ridge area is the Gem Lake trail, a pleasant and scenic walk delivering big views of Estes Park, Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. The path leads to Gem Lake, a standalone pond filled by snowmelt and rainfall. After your final hike, head to the lovely little community of Glen Haven and refuel with some delicious homemade cinnamon rolls and coffee from the family-run general store. Drive back to Denver, arriving at around 5pm, at which point your Rocky Mountains adventure will come to an end.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
25-09-202229-09-2022AUD $ 2,125-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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