Rocky Mountain High Alpine Adventure
Guided Backpacking Trips
4 Days, 3 Nights 22MI / 35KM
Trip Highlights
Hiking over the Continental Divide via the Boulder Grand Pass is the most physically challenging and rewarding backpacking trip Wildland Trekking offers in Rocky Mountain National Park. This point to point trek starts near Estes Park and ends in Grand Lake, featuring a bit of everything. Dramatic waterfalls, isolated alpine lakes, plentiful wildlife, and significant off-trail hiking in seldom visited areas. Crossing the Continental Divide on day three will be the highpoint of the trip, literally. This is an excellent tour choice for individuals willing to put in the extra effort to escape the crowds.
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Off Trail Alpine Hiking
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Point to Point Thru-hike
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Alpine Lakes
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Waterfalls
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Stunning Views
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Mountain Solitude
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Cross the Continental Divide
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Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
4 Days, 3 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
4-7 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?
The majority of this trip follows well-maintained trails with no exposure to cliff edges. Day 3 is the most challenging with level 5 aspects and off-trail hiking with a full pack. It requires crossing the Continental Divide over a remote mountain pass completely off trail at 12,000 FT/ 3,657 KM above sea level. The pass is very steep (up to 45 degrees, gaining 1,000 FT in a quarter mile), requiring good balance to navigate loose rocks, boulders, and stepping over several downed trees while carrying a multi-day backpack.
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: 25 minutes
Hiking Mileage: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
This Rocky Mountain National Park backpacking trip begins with pick up from your hotel in Estes Park. We will head to Wild Basin Trailhead and begin our adventure. Today’s hike is a gradual incline to our campsite at Thunder Lake. Along the way we will stop by Copeland, Calypso, and Ouzel Falls. Each waterfall increases in size and majesty as we ascend the trail. Thunder Lake is beautiful body of water surrounded by towering granite cliffs we will call home for two days.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 4 miles day hiking
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000 feet
Today we remain in the same campsite, allowing ample time for day hikes and relaxation. From camp we will hike off-trail to the secluded Box and Eagle Lakes. Wildflowers are abundant in this region, as are opportunities to see marmot, pika, and elk. We’ll eat lunch with a view before making our way back. From shores of Thunder Lake we have a great viewpoint of the Boulder Grand Pass. We will enjoy a hearty dinner, and get to bed early to prepare for tomorrows hike.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,000 feet
Anticipate waking early in order to make the most of our day by getting ahead of the afternoon thunderstorms. Dawning our backpacks we will ascend to the justifiably named, Lake of Many Winds. Now begins the steepest and most difficult section of our journey, the Boulder Grand Pass. Before we know it, we will break on top of the Continental Divide, enjoying 100-mile views. After a break we continue off-trail, gradually descending through meadows and forests till we reach our camp at the stunning Lake Verna.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 7 miles
Elevation Loss: 2,400 feet
Shuttle to Estes Park: 1.5 hours
After a relaxing morning, we’ll break camp and begin our hike to the East Inlet Trailhead. Our last hike is all downhill, taking us by serene alpine lakes known for frequent moose sightings. Prior to finishing we will detour to magnificent Adams Falls, for our last break. At the trailhead, we will reminisce our trip over lunch before driving across Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park.
Trip Dates
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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)
- 10 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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Robert M
1 year agoExcellent Demanding 4 Days
The Rocky Mountain High Alpine Adventure was a strenuous route, but our guide Connor did a fantastic job getting us up and over the Continental Divide, and keeping us well fed!
Wendy B
3 years agoWhat a trip!
What a trip! My husband and I chose the High Alpine adventure to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. It was an incredible experience, made even better by our guide, Sam. The food she prepared was fantastic, the hike really challenged us (which is the reason we chose it), and the views and camaraderie were the best of all. We’re already thinking about which hike to do next!
Jon B
3 years agoTop Notch
This was my second experience of a multi day backcountry backpacking trip and the High alpine adventure in the Rockies exceeded my expectations. My guide Connor was knowledgable and made me comfortable hiking in challenging terrain. He also provided delicious meals and sage backcountry advice! Wildlife was abundant with several Moose sightings and scenery was breathtaking!
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