Rocky Mountain National Park Alpine Explorer Hiking Adventure
Join this 5-Day inn-based trek and explore deep into Rocky Mountain National Park. This epic journey is for those who want to quest deep into the wild wonder of the Rocky Mountains. You will explore high and low as you hike past rippling cascades to stunning Alpine lakes. Each day will progress in difficulty until you ultimately test yourself on one of Rocky's High Alpine peaks. Along the way your guides will coach you on mountain travel techniques and share with you the rich natural history of the land you travel. This is the way to truly experience Rocky Mountain National Park.
Difficulty Level
Moderate - Hard
Participants should be in good physical shape, exercising regularly. Hiking distances will range from 7 – 10 miles and include up to 3,300 ft in elevation gain.
Exposure Rating
Moderate
Hiking up mountain valleys to high alpine lakes. You are shielded from the worst of the elements most of the time. Hiking above tree line to Alpine Summits exposes you to wind and possible storms. Exposure to steep slopes or cliffs is minimal.
Trail Type
Rough & Rocky Trail
Alpine Scree Fields
Trails are all well maintained but still rough and rocky by most standards. Expect loose rocks and regular high step ups above knee height. There are long sections of travel on unimproved alpine terrain including loose scree slopes.
Itinerary
5 days of Hiking - 6 nights of lodging - 2 days of travel
DAY 0: Travel & Pre-Trip Meeting
Make your way to Estes Park for an evening pre-trip meeting at your hotel.
DAY 1: Low Elevation Hike - Gem Lake and Balanced Rock
Hiking Distance: 7 miles | Hiking Elevation Gain: 1,696 feet
The first day of hiking will begin at a relatively low elevation and will traverse the beautiful but aptly named granite domes of Lumpy Ridge to enjoy the famous Gem Lake. This hike is a wonderful start to activity at higher elevations and will prepare us for pushing to the upper reaches of the National Park.
DAY 2: Moderate Elevation Hike - Odessa Gorge Loop
Hiking Distance: 8.3 miles | Hiking Elevation Gain: 1,249 feet
The Odessa Gorge loop is one of the true hidden gems of Rocky Mountain National Park. This incredible hike begins at Bear Lake and traverses the flank of Flattop Mountain to reach Two-Rivers Lake at the head of the Odessa Gorge before following the full length of the Gorge past Odessa and Fern Lakes to the quite flats of Moraine Park, an area known for abundant wildlife including Elk, Mule Deer and Moose.
DAY 3: Alpine Summit #1 - Twin Sisters Peak (11,419 ft)
Hiking Distance: 7.4 miles | Hiking Elevation Gain: 2,493 feet
On Day 3 we embark on our first summit climb to reach the top of the Twin Sisters Peak. We will have to start early to ensure that we are up and down the mountain before any afternoon thunderstorm. From the summit you will be rewarded with incredible views of the Continental Divide and its towering crown jewel – Longs Peak.
DAY 4: Moderate Hike - The 4 Lakes Loop
Hiking Distance: 7.2 miles | Hiking Elevation Gain: 1,351 feet
On Day 4 we will take things just slightly easier ahead of our final summit day. But don’t worry, we are still going to hike and see some incredible sights. We will hike the famous four loops trail that takes us up, down and around a magnificent landscape carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. What has been left is an amazing landscape of sheer rock faces and dazzling lakes. Your legs will get a rest but your eyes will still have much to take in.
DAY 5: Alpine Summit #2 - HalletT Peak (12,713 ft)
Hiking Distance: 10 miles | Hiking Elevation Gain: 3,293 feet
This is our final day of hiking! You will wake up early to eat breakfast and pack up your gear so we can hit the trail as the sun begins to rise. Our hike will start from the Bear Lake trailhead and ascend via the east ridge of Flattop Mountain to the Continental Divide. Once reaching the summit of Flattop Mountain we will continue along the divide ridge, skirting the top of Tyndall Gorge to the lofty Hallett Peak. From the top of Hallett you will be greeted with stunning views in every direction. This is a worthy crowning achievement for 4 days of epic hiking!
DAY 6: Travel on
We bid you farewell as you head on to your next adventure.
