Hiking and Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park

Welcome to Colorado! This morning, you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow group at your accommodation in Estes Park before driving to your trailhead. Then, it’s time to get acquainted with the Rocky Mountain National Park on your first hike. Starting from the Glacial Gorge/Bear Lake area of the park, make your way past the thundering Alberta Falls and toward The Loch – a simply gorgeous subalpine lake sitting in the shadows of multiple 10,000-foot-plus peaks. Continuing along The Loch’s northern edge, the trail then weaves its way toward Andrews Tarn and Andrews Glacier. Back at the trailhead, you’ll take a scenic drive over Trail Ridge Road to the (wild) west side of the mountains where it’ll be time to set up camp just outside the park. After an included dinner, toast the day’s efforts over a hot chocolate around the campfire.

Have a relaxed breakfast at camp before taking off for today’s trail along the headwaters of the Colorado River. Rolling green meadows will provide prime vantage points for spotting moose, elk and deer, before you encounter the historic site of Lulu City. Now home to only a few remaining (but crumbling) wooden buildings, Lulu City was a booming mining town established in 1879, before being abandoned in 1885. After making your own exit from the former city’s site, a hike along the Red Mountain Trail will give a bird's-eye view back down the lush valley you explored that morning. Back at your campsite, another dinner around the fire awaits.

Start the day on the right foot with a leisurely breakfast, then take a short drive to the trailhead for a wildlife and waterfall exploration. Start by crossing the Big Thompson River, then follow Moraine Park’s western edge. This wetland meadow along the way is a common spot for moose and deer sightings, so be sure to keep an eye out. A lunch break next to the flowing waters of the Colorado River will follow, before you continue along the trail and trace your way in between mountain summits. Head back down the trail to your campsite and a group dinner.

Saving some of the highest highs for last, you’ll tackle all 12,000+ feet of Mount Ida today. An early start is required to avoid any afternoon storms, so after breakfast there’ll be a short drive to the southern end of Poudre Lake. When you arrive at the lake, you’ll hike through evergreen forest – this portion is steep with little to look at, but the reward will come shortly! Pop out above the treeline to views of the Never Summer Mountains and the peak of Mount Ida. Continue along the crest of the Continental Divide, and keep soaking in the large-scale scenery, until you make your way to the mountaintop. A picnic lunch will give some respite to tired legs, before making your way back to level ground and the comforts of camp.

After packing down your campsite, another idyllic drive along Trail Ridge Road will take you to the start of the Ute Trail. This hike provides amazing views of volcanoes, glaciers, wildlife and summits – including Mount Ida’s! Pause for lunch before making your way back to your vehicle. A short drive will see you to Estes Park, where your adventure will end. If you’d like to spend some more time exploring the area, just speak to your booking agent.