Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park
5 Days Starting and ending in Denver, CO, USA
Visiting: Denver, Estes Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SSXE
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Dramatic, soaring and serenely beautiful, Colorado’s Rocky Mountains will have you picking your jaw up off the floor – and there’s no better way to experience this beauty than on foot. Step out on a five-day walking adventure where you’ll take on some of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most scenic and rewarding trails with a small group of keen explorers. From your base in Estes Park, your local leader will guide you among the dazzling peaks of the national park, sharing knowledge of the landscapes as you walk.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Denver
Location: Denver
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Denver, Colorado, your gateway to the Rocky Mountains! Meet up with your local leader and fellow travellers for a 5pm welcome meeting at your hotel, marking the start of your adventure. Once your meeting has wrapped up, head out to get to know Denver with a walk around the historic Larimer Square. Here you’ll find an inviting mix of independent shops, restaurants and bars tucked into charming Victorian buildings. Hear the history of the settlers who first put down roots here, then get to know your group a little better over an included welcome dinner in town.
Included Activities:
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Day 2 : Denver To Estes Park
Location: Denver, Estes Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Leave the city in the rear-view mirror and make the drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, home to some seriously awe-inspiring peaks. You won’t have to wait too long to get out and explore – jump out the vehicle and set off on your first walk in the park. Follow the popular Lulu City trail, a relatively flat and easy-going path that’s a perfect introduction to the gorgeous scenery and fresh air of Rocky Mountain National Park. Once you’ve found your feet, continue your drive to Estes Park – just a stone’s throw away from the national park, this town is the ideal base for your explorations. On arrival, settle into your hotel then head out to explore the town – there’s no shortage of welcoming restaurants here so be sure to ask your leader for tips on where to grab a bite to eat. You may like to take advantage of the national park’s clear skies and take part in a stargazing tour once the sun has set.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3 : Estes Park
Location: Estes Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Venture deep into the Rocky Mountain National Park for your second hike to Ouzel Falls. This moderate hike follows the North Saint Vrain Creek, passing by the Copeland Falls and tumbling Calypso Cascades before arriving at Ouzel Falls. This is a stunning but at times slippery walk, so good shoes are a must! With your leader at the helm, you’ll learn about the region’s flora and fauna as you walk. Turn around and head back to the trailhead, then take a scenic drive to Chapel on the Rock, a functioning 100-year-old Catholic church. Blending into the rock formation it was built on top of, this chapel really is a sight to behold! Return to Estes Park for an evening free for your own explorations.
Included Activities:
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Day 4 : Estes Park
Location: Estes Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
You’ll be flying high today as you climb the much-loved Deer Mountain trail. Surrounded by wildflowers and sweet-smelling pines, this trail isn’t just a treat for the eyes. Climb up switchbacks towards Deer Mountain’s summit, where you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with unbeatable views over Longs Peak, Moraine Park, Upper Beavers Meadows and Estes Park. Stop for a picnic lunch before descending the mountain, then head back to your hotel to freshen up. This afternoon you’ll pay a visit to a historic building with a spooky twist – the infamous Stanley Hotel. Used as the inspiration for Stephen King’s iconic novel, The Shining, the hotel is said to play host to several spirits. Tour it’s storied halls to learn about the hotel’s history and the guests who never checked out. It’s your last evening in Estes Park, so you may like to grab your new friends tonight and head out for dinner to toast to the end of your adventure.
Included Activities:
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Day 5 : Estes Park To Denver
Location: Estes Park, Denver
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to pack your bags and bid farewell to Estes Park. But before you leave Rocky Mountain National Park, there’s time to hit just one more trail – and it’s a good one! Hidden among the granite domes of the Lumpy Ridge area is the Gem Lake trail, a pleasant and scenic walk delivering big views of Estes Park, Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. The path leads to Gem Lake, a standalone pond filled by snowmelt and rainfall. After your final hike, head to the lovely little community of Glen Haven and refuel with some delicious homemade cinnamon rolls and coffee from the family-run general store. Drive back to Denver, arriving at around 5pm, at which point your Rocky Mountains adventure will come to an end.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Denver - Larimer Square city walk
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Rocky Mountain National Park - Lulu City Trail hike
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Rocky Mountain National Park - Ouzel Falls hike
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Rocky Mountain National Park - Stanley Hotel visit
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Rocky Mountain National Park - Glen Haven coffee & cinnamon rolls
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Rocky Mountain National Park - Deer Mountain climb
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Rocky Mountain National Park - Gem Lake hike
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Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights)
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Transport
Private vehicle
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Meals
4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Accommodation
- Hotel (4 nights)
Transport
- Private vehicle
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.
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