Now that we’re fully acclimated, we’re ready for the higher and more challenging hikes. We’ll start with an ascent of Hallett Peak. The Arapaho Indians called Hallett Peak “banah ah netaieux”, which means Thunder Peak, a reference to the storms that frequent the mountain. We’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for storms and be ready to turn around if necessary.
At 12,718 ft (3,876 m), Hallett Peak is considered one of the most beautiful alpine hikes in the Park. Starting at Bear Lake, it traverses the side of a valley that was carved out long ago by a glacier. Today the only remnant is the Tyndall Glacier, which we’ll pass on the way to the summit. We’ll see the famous Longs Peak (14,259 ft / 4,346 m), as well as Otis and Taylor Peaks. We’ll even see Grand Lake off in the distance. It’s an out and back hike. For dinner tonight we’ll relax at our home and order pizza from town.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 10.4 miles (16.7 km), 8-9 hours
Elevation gain/loss: 3,240 ft (988 m)
Accommodation: YMCA Estes Park cabin
This was a great way to visit Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. The guides were great and the hikes were all beautiful, well planned and challenging. It was a fabulous way to spend the week and I just wish that I had time to stay out there a few extra days!