US & Canada / Colorado
Rocky Mountain Hiking Tour
Hike the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is the showpiece of the Colorado Rockies and we have selected the finest alpine trails in this land of columbine-sprinkled meadows, emerald lakes, and herds of elk and bighorn sheep. So lace up those hiking boots, grab your daypack and head to the Rockies for the ultimate Western hiking holiday.
Day 1: Boulder-Flagstaff Mountain-Ute Trail-Grand Lake
Boulder is the starting point for our adventure, where we hike along the base of the Flatirons, jagged rock formations that rise abruptly from the plains, and up Flagstaff Mountain for spectacular views of the city below. Following a shuttle to Rocky Mountain National Park, we cross America's highest continuous roadway, Trail Ridge Road, with its stunning, top-of-the-world views. Here we hike through miniature wildflowers of the alpine tundra.
Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park-Adams Falls-Grand Lake
We hike along meandering Inlet Creek toward the snow-capped summits of the Continental Divide. We pass a number of alpine meadows and waterfalls, including the cascading Adams Falls, on our way to Lone Pine Lake. Today is a great opportunity for spotting a moose or two.
Day 3: Rocky Mountain National Park-Glacier Gorge-Estes Park
Up early, we head back over Trail Ridge Road and then hike into the heart of the Park. A loop from Glacier Gorge boasts views of some of the mosticonic glacial lakes and peaks in the park. The next two evenings are spent in the secluded Baldplate Inn outside Estes Park.
Day 4: Rocky Mountain National Park-Longs Peak
Longs Peak has long been considered America's Matterhorn. The highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park at 14,255 feet, it has fascinated writers, artists, climbers and explorers since the first sighting in 1820 by Stephen Long. The first part of our hike follows an ever-climbing trail through beautiful forests of pine and aspen up to timberline. We then venture on to Chasm Lake that sits beneath the vertical "diamond" on Longs Peak's sheer, spectacular 1675-foot east face.
Day 5: Indian Peaks Wilderness-Boulder
Trace a necklace of sapphire lakes and waterfalls within Indian Peaks Wilderness as we head to majestic Lake Isabelle at the foot of Arapahoe Glacier. We then conclude our Rocky Mountain Hiker back in beautiful Boulder.