Alpine Peaks, Lakes and Waterfalls Thru Hike
Guided Backpacking Trips
5 Days, 4 Nights 27MI / 43KM
Trip Highlights
This diverse Rocky Mountain National Park backpacking trip offers stunning mountain scenery, on and off trail hiking, visits to wonderful historical sites, cascading waterfalls, and summits a remote 13,000 foot peak. It quite literally has it all! It is also a point to point hike, which means all new scenery every day. And with ample opportunities for day hikes from our scenic campsites, and relaxation at alpine lakes, it is an action-packed but well balanced adventure. Whether you are a seasoned backpacker, just starting out, or somewhere in between, this trip is sure to offer something new for everyone!
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Point to Point Hike
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Diverse Mountain Scenery
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Historical Sites
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Alpine Lakes
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Summit Remote 13K Peak
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Wildlife & Wildflowers
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On & Off Trail Hiking
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Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
5 Days, 4 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
3-7 mi -
Group Size
1-6 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
On this trip we follow well-maintained trails with moderate distances and elevation gains while carrying multi-day backpacks. The day 3 ascent of Mummy Mountain (13,425 FT/ 4,090 M) is entirely off trail, consisting of steep terrain and occasional loose rocks but is with light day packs.
Solitude Level
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Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Shuttle to Trailhead: 20 minutes
Hiking Distance: 3 miles + optional day hiking
Elevation Gain: 1100 feet
Our Rocky Mountain backpacking adventure begins in Estes Park, CO with a short shuttle drive to our trailhead (8,550 Ft.). After breakfast and final pack fitting, we will hit start hiking. Our trail gradually gains elevation as we hike towards our campsite located 3 miles in from the trailhead. We will set up camp and enjoy lunch. Our campsite is located next to a gorgeous cascading stream. For those interested and if time allows, we can enjoy additional hiking today before returning to camp and our first backcountry dinner.
Day 2
Hiking Distance: 4 miles + optional day hiking
Elevation Gain: 1400 feet
After a scrumptious breakfast, we will dawn our packs and continue our trek. Our trail meanders through forests and meadows that give way to views of the surrounding mountain summits. Gradually gaining elevation, we will leave the day hikers behind us as we enter the Northern region of Rocky Mountain National Park. Here we’ll make camp for the next two nights near the shores of a stunning subalpine lake at 11,000 feet. After lunch, we have the option to explore more of the surrounding area or enjoy the lakes shore and mountain views.
Day 3
Hiking Distance: 5 miles (all day hiking)
Elevation Gain: 2800 feet
Elevation Loss: 2800 feet
Today is perhaps the highlight of the trip, as we wake up with an alpine start to summit a 13,425 Ft. peak! A mountain that is seldom visited due to its remote location within the national park, climbing this peak makes for a great experience. We very often have the summit all to ourselves! Hiking with only daypacks, we will spend the majority of the day off trail and above tree line. It is a rewarding summit offering stunning views of the Continental Divide and the distant Longs Peak (14,259 ft). Many Colorado Wildland Trekking guides refer to this mountain as being their favorite summit in Rocky Mountain National Park. After the hike, we will spend the remainder of the day relaxing in or near camp before sitting down for a celebratory backcountry feast.
Day 4
Hiking Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Loss: 3000 feet
Today is all downhill to the next campsite. After a fulfilling breakfast, we have our longest hike of the trip at a distance of 7 miles through a stunning canyon forest. After a final, celebratory backcountry dinner, we spend our last night under the stars in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
Day 5
Hiking Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Elevation Loss: 1000 feet
Shuttle back to Estes Park: 30 minutes
With no reason to rush, we can sleep in and enjoy our last hearty breakfast before hitting the trail. Today is our shortest and easiest day. After packing camp, we will day hike to a gorgeous cascading waterfall located one mile from camp. We will then head back to camp and hike out to our exit all downhill. At the Trailhead, we will meet our pick-up driver for a short shuttle back to Estes Park. We will have lunch, unpack our gear, and say goodbyes to conclude our amazing adventure.
Trip Dates
Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.
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What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
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High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use
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Use of trekking poles
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Entrance fees and national park permits
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Transportation for the duration of the trip beginning and ending in Estes Park, CO
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Bear cannisters for food storage
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
Backcountry Sleeping
TENT CAMPING
Sleeping on backpacking trips is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
Backcountry Cuisine
FRESH & DELICIOUS
Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.
Amazing Campsites
IN THE ACTION
Campsites vary by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
You will meet your guide and group in Estes Park, Colorado at the Estes Park Mountain Shop (2050 Big Thompson Ave) at 5:00 PM the evening before your trip begins for an orientation meeting. 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 rendezvous.
We recommend guests arrive in Estes Park (or another nearby location that is 7500′ or higher) 1-2 days before your trip starts. This will help you acclimatize to the higher elevation, and make for a more enjoyable experience during your tour. This is especially important if you have never been to higher altitude, or are flying in from sea level.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Estes Park, Colorado
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 and is an inexpensive airport to fly into. From DIA one can take a shuttle or rent a car to reach Estes Park. It is a 1.5-hour drive from DIA to Estes Park on good roads.
Denver to Estes Park Shuttles
Estes Park Shuttle: 970-586-5151
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick-up time at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 5 and 8 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time).
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Reviews
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Darcy B
1 year agoThis experience was one of the highlights of my year.
Wildland is fantastic - I have nothing but good things to say about their support staff, the guide I had on my last trip, and the end-to-end customer experience.
Courtney T
1 year agoTop Notch
My sister and I did this together, and we both had an amazing time! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. This is a challenging hike though - make sure you prepare appropriately! Tamera was an amazing guide, and her food was top notch. Our water filling parties by Lawn lake were the best (if you know, you know). We had an amazing time and would definitely recommend this trip!
Thomas D
1 year agoEverything and more of what I was hoping for.
I did my first trip with Wildland in March of this year in the Smokey mountains and had a great experience so I booked this one for the last of August and it was amazing!!! Our guide, Tamara, was very knowledgeable and it went off without any problems. Amazing views, great meals and a great group to hike with!!!
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