Arrive at the Denver airport by 2pm today to meet the group and drive west to our lodging, located just outside of beautiful Boulder, Colorado. The plan for the evening is acclimatization, so we’ll check into our hotel and grab our water bottles before driving to explore the always entertaining Pearl St. pedestrian mall. We can watch some of Boulder’s famous street performers, do a little sightseeing, and enjoy our first of many group meals.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Boulder University Inn or similar

Boulder is known for its stunning location, nestled against the foothills of the Rockies, in the shadow of the dramatic Flatirons. We’ll shake out our legs with an acclimatization hike that offers a lower elevation but still challenging inclines. Depending on the group and the weather, we may hike to Royal Arch, or we may elect for a longer hike in Gregory or Bear Canyon.

No matter our choice of hike, we’ll end our time in Boulder with a cool beverage on the porch of the historic Chautauqua Dining Hall. Then it will be time to load up the vans and head for the Rockies! We’ll drive to Estes, get settled, and enjoy a home-cooked meal from our guides in our home away from home.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 3.5 to 7.5 miles (5.6 to 12 km), 4-6 hours
Accommodation: YMCA Estes Park cabin

Wildfire is a part of the natural history of RMNP, and today’s hike to Odessa Lake via Fern Lake is a perfect study in fire ecology, the history of fire suppression in the West, and the regrowth of the ecosystem. Much of today’s trail is in the burn zone of the 2020 East Troublesome Fire, and the contrast between blackened trees, the brilliant green of new growth, wildflowers, and flowing streams is quite dramatic. The trail climbs steadily, but is never extremely steep or technical. It bridges crystal clear creeks brimming with native trout, passes the gushing Fern Falls, and culminates at a peaceful chain of alpine lakes. We’ll bring our hearty appetites back home for another delicious dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 7.5 to 9.6 miles (12 to 15.5 km)
Elevation gain/loss: 1,750 ft (533 m)
Accommodation: YMCA Estes Park cabin

Today we will drive into the heart of the Park on Trail Ridge Road—the highest continuous paved road in the United States, reaching an elevation of 12,183 ft (3,714 m). Bundle up today—temperatures on top of Trail Ridge are typically colder than in Estes Park! On a clear day we can see Wyoming to the north, the Great Plains to the east and the Rockies on the south and west sides.

Our hike today begins at Milner Pass Trailhead. We’ll hike up the Ute Trail into the tundra and then continue up to the Alpine Visitor Center, all the time keeping our eyes open for yellow-bellied marmots and pika. Not only are there spectacular 360-degree views across the Continental Divide from the Center, it also has a wealth of information about the fragile alpine ecosystem. Tonight dinner is on your own in Estes Park, a great chance to explore, shop and then dine at one of the many delicious restaurants in the charming downtown area.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 4-6 miles (6.4-10 km), 3-3.5 hours
Elevation gain: 950 ft (290 m)
Accommodation: YMCA Estes Park cabin

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

Today we have an option for a shorter or longer hike, depending on how our legs are feeling after a week of altitude and adventure! We’ll start early to beat the crowds to Ouzel Falls on the Wild Basin Trail. For the shorter hike option, hikers can stop here and turn around to hike out and back.

We’ll continue alongside a roaring mountain creek the entire way up to a series of three beautiful rushing waterfalls. Those that want to keep going can continue on toward Bluebird Lake. Our guides will cook one last healthy and home-cooked dinner tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 5.3 to 11 miles (8.5 to 17.7 km), 3-8 hours
Elevation gain/loss: 921 to 2,443 ft (281 to 745 m)
Accommodation: YMCA Estes Park cabin

Our final hike is to one of the most beautiful lakes in the park, Chasm Lake. Though we’re not climbing a peak today, there is still plenty of climbing to get to the lake. Chasm Lake sits in a deep cirque at the base of Longs Peak and Mount Lady Washington. The famous east-facing wall of Longs Peak, known as the “Diamond”, rises more than 2,400 ft (730 m) above this stunning alpine lake, and Longs Peak climbers start from the same trailhead.

Our trail starts in a thick forest of lodgepole pine, spruce and fir, crosses the familiar subalpine landscape of krummholz and continues through a stretch of boulders with some easy scrambling and rewarding, spectacular mountain views. Tonight we’ll celebrate our fantastic week together with a celebratory dinner out on the town.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 7-9 miles (11.3-14.5 km)
Elevation gain/loss: 2,524 ft (769 m)
Accommodation: YMCA Estes Park cabin

Today after breakfast we’ll pack up, sadly bidding farewell to each other and this gorgeous park. We’ll be back at the Denver airport by 11am and you can plan flights out anytime after 1pm.

Meals: Breakfast