Wild Basin Explorer
Guided Backpacking Trips
3 Days, 2 Nights 15+MI / 24+KM
Trip Highlights
Our Wild Basin Explorer backpacking trip is a fantastic family option (for people with kids) and for people who want an amazing backcountry experience of the Colorado Rockies on a less demanding trip. We spend 2 nights in the same camp, day hiking each day to explore Rocky Mountain National Park’s amazing Wild Basin.
The highlights of this trip are camping near the shores of stunning Ouzel Lake; enjoying breathtaking views of the alpine peaks and ridges of the Continental Divide; hiking to one or two additional alpine lakes that sit right at tree line; opportunities to see wildlife; multiple waterfalls; our award-winning customer service and backcountry cuisine!
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Fantastic Family Trip
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Lakeside Camp
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Amazing Day Hiking
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Waterfalls, Rivers, Meadows & Lakes
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Mountain Solitude
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Wildlife
Book This Trip
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Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
3 Days, 2 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
4-6 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?
This tour hikes on well-maintained trails with a gradual incline or decline the majority of the trail. Day 1 is the most difficult day as we ascend to our campsite.
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: 30 minutes
Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
This Rocky Mountain National Park hiking trip begins at a relatively remote, but popular, trailhead. Our hike takes us along a beautiful mountain creek, past a stunning cascade, and through pine forests to the shores of stunning Ouzel Lake. We’ll get settled into our camp, which is not far from the water, and the lake itself boasts outstanding views of the alpine ridges and peaks of the Continental Divide. We can spend the afternoon swimming, exploring, fishing, or simply relaxing in camp.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 4 miles day hiking
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,000 feet
We’ll start today with a delicious Rocky Mountain breakfast on the shores of Ouzel Lake. Afterward we’ll load up our day packs and set off on a hike to a higher, even more breathtaking mountain lake – Bluebird Lake. Our hike takes us first back down the valley we hiked up yesterday before we split off on a separate trail and begin an ascent of approximately 1,000 feet. Bluebird Lake is a stunning alpine lake that sits just under 11,000 feet with high mountain peaks standing guard above. We’ll relax and have a picnic lunch on the shores, and afterward hike higher into the alpine terrain above the lake or return to camp for another hearty dinner.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
Elevation Loss: 1,500 feet
Shuttle to Estes Park: 30 minutes
After a relaxing morning and a big breakfast we’ll begin our hike back to the trailhead. We’ll hike a slightly different trail on the way back that takes us along Ouzel Creek, past Ouzel Falls and Calypso Cascades, both Rocky Mountain water features well worth seeing. Ouzel Falls is a sheer waterfall about 50 feet high, and Calypso Cascades is a beautiful stretch of tumbling water in a thick Lodgepole Pine forest. Our arrival at Wild Basin Trailhead marks the end of our hiking trip; after a short shuttle ride back to Estes Park we’ll drop you off at your hotel where warm showers await you!
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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Erin F
2 years agoUnforgettable Experience
Some vacations are easy, fun, and forgettable. Our trip with Wildland was challenging, fun, and memorable in so many ways. From our orientation with our wonderful guides (Deanna and Chris!) to our final meal at the trailhead, we had an amazing and unforgettable experience.
Andrea M
2 years agoA great family vacation!
This was a great trip for my 11 year old son's first time backpacking. The guides were excellent. A great family vacation!
Sue S
3 years agoAmazing Time
Had the most amazing time in Wd Basin. Emily, our guide, was fantastic. It was a wilderness experience we will treasure!!
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