Rocky Mountain National PArk Alpine Lakes Hiking Adventure
Embark on a 3-day Inn-Based guided hiking adventure and explore the stunning mountains and valleys of Rocky Mountain National Park. Over the course of your trip you will travel through dense pine forests, across high alpine meadows and past roaring cascades while you behold the towering majesty of the high peaks of the Rockies. Each day your guides will share the rich natural history of the National Park and each evening you will enjoy the vibrant mountain culture of Estes Park, Colorado. This is the right way to explore Rocky Mountain National Park.
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Participants should be in good physical shape, exercising regularly. Hiking distances will range from 8 – 10 miles and include up to 3,300 ft in elevation gain..
Exposure Rating
Low to Moderate
Hiking up mountain valleys to high alpine lakes. You are shielded from the worst of the elements most of the time.
Trail Type
Rough & Rocky Trail
Trails are all well maintained but still rough and rocky by most standards. Expect loose rocks and regular high step ups above knee height. Short sections of off trail travel possible.
Itinerary
3 days of Hiking - 4 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: High Elevation Hike - Black Lake in Glacier Gorge
Hiking Distance: 9.7 miles | Hiking Elevation Gain: 1,643 feet
The final hike of this adventure pushes to the highest elevations yet to the stunning Black Lake nestled just above tree line in the heart of Glacier Gorge.
DAY 4: Travel on
We bid you farewell as you head on to your next adventure.
