Fall in the Rockies Lodge Based Tour
Inn-Based Hiking Tours
4 Days, 3 Nights 28MI / 45KM
Trip Highlights
Discover the magic of fall in the Rocky Mountains! In late September and October each year, the decidious trees and bushes of the Rockies turn from vibrant green to a brilliant blend of yellow, red, orange and purple. The air changes – it becomes crisp and carries the subtle aroma of chimney smoke. The distant call of elk bugles echo across the valleys. Snow dusts the high peaks. This is fall in the Rockies, and it’s an exceptional time to visit!
On this tour we embark on day hikes to mountain lakes, incredible viewpoints of the high country, abundant wildlife habitat, stunning river valleys and more. At night we enjoy dinners at hand-picked restaurants and retire to our cozy rooms in the charming mountain town of Estes Park. Join us for an experience of Autumn you’ll never forget!
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Fall Colors
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Enhanced Solitude
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Elk Bugling
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Crisp Autumn Temps
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Premier Lodging
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Diversity of Hikes
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Trip Details
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Trip Type
Inn-Based Hiking Tours -
Trip Length
4 Days, 3 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
Up to 10 miles -
Group Size
2-12 Guests
Receive a PDF info packet via email which includes:
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
This tour hikes on well-maintained trails, ranging from gradual to steep inclines. Is it possible to have some snow on the trails if we receive an early winter storm.
Difficulty Level
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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: 10 minutes
Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000 feet
This Rocky Mountain National Park hiking tour begins with a scenic drive to Gem Lake Trailhead, nestled within the ancient granite cliffs and boulders of Lumpy Ridge. We will hike in a labyrinth of rock formations, while taking in amazing views of the mountains above, where the Aspen are turning into brilliant yellows, oranges and reds. This hike provides excellent opportunities for photography of the fall colors, acclimatization, and serves as a great first hike. After lunch at the lake, we’ll make our way back to Estes Park to check into our rooms and enjoy our first dinner at a hand-picked, local mountain eatery.
Day 2
Shuttle to trailhead: 1 hour
Hiking Mileage: 10 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1520 feet
Accommodations: Inn on Fall River
Today we’ll find the pleasures and power of mountain water: from rushing rivers and waterfalls, to high mountain lakes. Our hike will take us through the reaches of Wild Basin, a wildlife- and flower-strewn region of the Park. Moose have recently been seen in this river valley as well!
We’ll hike along the North Saint Vrain River, past Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls to Ouzel Lake and the mountain cirque that envelopes it. From there it’s back down trail to our lodging, where evening dinner awaits.
Day 3
Shuttle to trailhead: 20 minutes
Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1440 feet
Accommodations: Inn on Fall River
Today’s hike takes us into the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park’s amazing Glacier Gorge. We pass Alberta Falls, a beautiful waterfall, and continue into pristine sub-alpine forests. Our goal today is to explore a string of emerald mountain lakes that sit above treeline, with stunning views of the peaks above. We’ll enjoy a tasty picnic lunch before making our back to the trailhead.
Please Note: We’ll always have good alternatives if weather or other factors require an itinerary change. Also, it’s important to dress in layers and prepare for cold and windy conditions above tree line.
Day 4
Shuttle to Trailhead: 30 minutes
Hiking Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 744 feet
For our final hike we’ll enjoy a wonderful loop that features several mountain lakes, views of the high country and opportunities to see and hear wildlife. We’ll keep our eyes and ears peeled as we hike, watching and listening for elk, deer, bears and more. (Wildlife viewing is never guaranteed.) We’ll enjoy lunch at one of the lakes along our journey. After our hike we’ll return to Estes Park and the conclusion of our tour.
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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3 nights of premier, double occupancy lodging in Estes Park (single occupancy requires an additional single supplement)
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Top-of-the-line daypack and 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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Transportation for the duration of the tour (beginning and ending in Estes Park)
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Entrance fees and national park permits
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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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Alcoholic beverages
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
Inn on Fall River
3 nights
This extremely cozy, scenic lodge is located on the shores of a majestic mountain creek and offers a natural but modern lodging experience perfect for our Rocky Mountain adventure.
(creekside spas)
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
You will meet your guide and group in Estes Park, Colorado at 8:30 AM the first day of the trip (if staying in Denver, Estes Park Shuttle offers a 5:00-8:00 am shuttle). Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip and will specify the exact location of the orientation meeting at that point.
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
You will meet your guide and group in Estes Park at 8:30 am the first day of the trip. 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
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