NOTE: Reserve your spot with only a $100 deposit for a limited time only.
Location: Estes Park, Colorado, USA
Length: 5 Days
Availability: July 26th – 30th, 2021
Type: Guided
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Price: $1520
Rocky Mountain Basecamp Hiking Tour Overview
Our Rocky Mountain National Park Basecamp Hiking Tour is an opportunity to have a diverse range of mountain hiking experiences carrying only a light backpack. In the evenings you’ll enjoy fantastic meals and access to showers at a quiet, private campground on the western, less-crowded side of the Continental Divide. During the days we’ll enter Rocky Mountain National Park for an amazing variety of hikes throughout the Park.
From our basecamp, we’ll venture out on carefully selected day hikes to various stunning features of Rocky Mountain National Park. These hand-picked hikes will take you through mountain meadows, to waterfalls, to the tops of alpine peaks, to the shores of high mountain lakes, to the edges of glaciers, and through fantastic wildlife areas. Each evening you’ll appreciate delicious meals prepared by your guide. Then it’s time to relax by the campfire and/or have a hot shower. Your mornings will begin with a wonderful breakfast and hot coffee or tea before we head out on each day’s adventure!
Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
You’ll enjoy this trip if you love the great outdoors, have a sense of adventure, and enjoy hiking while relaxing in a beautiful campsite and want the convenience of staying in the same place each night.
Highlights of the Rocky Mountain Basecamp Hiking Tour
- 5 classic hikes in Rocky Mountain
- Out-of-this-world mountain scenery
- Abundant wildlife
- Wonderful camping experience
- Delicious outdoor cuisine
- Convenient all-inclusive tour
What’s Included
- Professional guide
- Group Gear (Use of daypacks, trekking poles, First Aid-Kit)
- Campsite Reservations
- Park Entrance Fees
- Transportation
- All meals
- Permits
Map of the Rocky Mountain Basecamp Hiking Tour
Day 1: Bear Lake – The Loch – Andrews Glacier
Our trip begins in Estes Park, where we drive to the famous Bear Lake/Glacier Gorge area of the Park. The hike takes us past Alberta Falls, a beautiful cascading waterfall that plunges through a glacial-cut canyon. We’ll continue up to The Loch, a picturesque alpine lake before continuing to Andrews Tarn and a dramatic view of Andrews Glacier. This hike is an extraordinary day in one of the most stunning alpine cirques in the Continental United States.
Following our hike we’ll drive up and over Trail Ridge Road to the wilder, more wildlife-rich, west side of the Park. We’ll set up camp at an established, private campground literally on the edge of the Park and get ready for a very tasty dinner prepared by your guide. At night you can enjoy a hot shower and then relax around the campfire with a glass of hot chocolate, tea, wine or beer (alcoholic beverages not provided).
- Hiking Today: 6 miles (9.7 km)
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1500 feet (457 m)
- Transfers: 20-min drive to the trailhead; 1.5-hour drive to the campground
Day 2: Colorado River – Lulu City – Red Mountain Trail
We’ll have a relaxing morning and breakfast before heading to the trailhead. Our trail meanders along the head waters of the Colorado River in a secluded valley with vast beautiful meadows. A prime location for wildlife sightings of moose, elk, and deer. We’ll break for lunch at Lulu City, a historical mining site abandoned in 1885.
On our way back we will venture up the Red Mountain Trail to enjoy a dramatic, bird’s eye view of the valley we just explored. Another tasty dinner and campfire (weather permitting) will top off this fantastic day
- Hiking Today: 7 miles (11.3 km)
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 600 feet (183 m)
- Transfers: 30-min drive to the trailhead
Day 3 North Inlet Trailhead
After leisurely breakfast, we will make our way to the North Inlet Trailhead for a day of wildlife viewing and waterfall
exploration. The trail skirts the edges of a wetland meadow, where sightings of moose and deer are common. The trail begins to gain elevation as we hike along North Inlet Creek.
We will break for lunch at Cascade Falls, and listen to the rapid water flowing to the headwaters of the Colorado River. Continuing further down the trail will bring more breathtaking views of mountain summits. With a full day of hiking, we will head back the way we came to our camp.
- Hiking Today: 8 miles (11.3 km)
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000 feet (183 m)
- Transfers: 15-min drive to the trailhead
Day 4: Mount Ida
Today we embark into the alpine to the remote summit of Mount Ida (12,889 feet). While not the tallest peak in the
region, Mt. Ida provides one of the most astonishing vantage points on top of the Continental Divide. An early start is necessary to get ahead of afternoon storms. After a nutritious breakfast and short shuttle, we will be hiking above Poudre Lake.
The trail begins with a steep incline until reaching tree line. We continue hiking along the crest of the Continental Divide, interspersed with some off rail travel and a few steep sections till reaching Mt. Ida. From the summit we are rewarded with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.
- Hiking Today: 9.5 miles (15.3 km)
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 2400 feet (732 m)
- Transfers: 30-min drive to the trailhead
Day 5: Ute Trail – Estes Park
We will start our last day with another wonderful breakfast and a relaxing morning. After collecting our belongings we will drive across Trail Ridge Road towards Estes Park. Along the way, we will stop to hike the Ute Trail. A moderate trail offering fantastic views of Long’s Peak and yesterday’s summit of Mount Ida. After lunch, we will make our way back to Estes Park to conclude our tour.
- Hiking Today: 4 miles (6.4 km)
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 400 feet (122 m)
- Transfers: 1-hour drive to the trailhead; 45-min to Estes Park
ROCKY MOUNTAIN BASECAMP HIKING TOUR INFO
Availability
This trip is available during the following dates: July 26th – 30th, 2021
Booking in Advance
Book as soon as possible to ensure that accommodation is available on your start date. This region of United States is very popular and accommodations often fill up months in advance. Space is limited to 10 guests.
Luggage
We recommend checking with your pre- and post-trip hotel(s) to inquire about luggage storage. Most of the time hotels are happy to accommodate. You’re also welcome to leave your luggage in the company vehicle; however, we don’t take responsibility for its safety.
Pre and post-trip lodging is your responsibility. We recommend the below-listed accommodations while in town.
The Inn on the River
Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
Murphy’s River Lodge
Grade and Terrain
Grade 2 (medium). We’ll be hiking in a variety of very well maintained trails and off-trail. You should be in good physical condition and train several times per week. It’s best to arrive in Estes Park a day or two early to acclimatize. We will also be hiking off-trail at times on variable terrain including meadows, forests, and talus. We’ll also be gaining some altitude.
Professional Guided Tours
This trek is guided by a professional, knowledgeable, certified hiking guide.
Location
You will meet your guide and group in Estes Park, Colorado on the morning of Day 1. We will pick you up at your hotel in Estes Park, and your guide will do a brief gear check and orientation that morning. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip to answer any questions you have, provide you with more details about your exact trip, and coordinate the pick up.
Fitness Level
You should be in good physical condition and be a regular walker or hiker. The route is not technical so no prior expertise is required.
General
The enjoyment received from any physical activity is largely dependent on the shape you’re in. Most of the trails in the region begin above 7,500 feet, and you’ll be hiking over varying terrain in uncertain weather with the load of a backpack. We cannot stress enough that the fitter you are the more fun you’ll have. We recommend you prepare for your trip with a training program that addresses your fitness needs and works well with your daily routine.
PRICING AND INCLUSIONS
Pricing
$1520 per person
Inclusions
- Professional guide
- Group Gear (Daypacks, Trekking Poles, First Aid-Kit)
- Narrows Hiking Gear
- Park entrance fees
- Transportation
- All meals
- Permits
Payment Info
$500 USD is normally due at the time of booking, but due to COVID-19 only $100 is due for a limited time only.
The remaining balance is due 60 days before the onset of the trip. If you’re booking within 60 days full payment is due at the time of booking. You see the booking terms and conditions by clicking here.
Extras
- Airfare
- Hotels
- Alcoholic beverages
- Mandatory 5% fee* and services
- not specified
- Personal expenditures
- Tips for the guides
- Travel and trip cancellation insurance. recommend World Nomads since it includes mountain rescue and repatriation insurance which are required and not covered by all insurance policies.
ACCOMMODATION IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Availability
You’ll be camping for the whole adventure. You’ll be staying in campsites in the middle of the forest, where you can enjoy beautiful views while relaxing after a day of hiking. You’ll find basic ammenities such as stores, pay showers, and coin laundry.
Storage of Personal Items
Many guests choose to store any extra luggage with the hotel
they’ll be using before and after the trip. You are also
welcome to leave any luggage with us for secure storage while
you’re on your trip – just inform your guide.
.
TRAVEL TO ESTES PARK
By plane:
You’ll fly into Denver International Airport. All Rocky Mountain National Park trips begin and end from Estes Park, Colorado. Estes Park does not have an airport. The most convenient airport is Denver International Airport (DIA), which is served by most major airlines.
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Note: We highly recommend waiting to book your flights or making other travel arrangements until you receive an email from us notifying you that all your accommodation has been confirmed.
By shuttle:
From DIA one can take a shuttle or rent a car to Estes Park. It is a 1.5-hour drive from DIA to Estes Park on good roads.
Estes Park Shuttle run daily vans from DIA to Estes Park:
Estes Park Shuttle
1-970-586-515
By Car:
Or you can also rent a car and enjoy the drive through the mountains.
Our Rocky Mountain Basecamp Guided Hiking Tour gives you the freedom to hike and explore some of the most beautiful sceneries in all of America while staying safe and comfortable. But without the time-consuming hassle trying to find the most scenic routes.
We do the hard work so that you can focus on hiking and enjoying the magnificent views of this iconic American National Park.
This tour is available from July 26th to July 30th, 2021. Complete your booking in less than 5 minutes.
This trip is operated by our trusted partner, the Wildland Trekking Company.