The eastern Slope of the Rockies, or Front Range, has everything you could ask for in a Rocky Mountain hiking experience. We hit all the “must see” sights that a proper Rockies trip should include- beautiful trails in Rocky Mountain National Park that include crystal clear lakes, old forests, waterfalls and mountain streams, wildflowers and opportunities to see Rocky Mountain wildlife! And this trip is special, as we will stay at the historic Meeker Park Lodge, a rustic, 100+ year old ranch lodge with knotty-pine architecture that serves up a true western experience. The Meeker Park Lodge sits at the base of Mt. Meeker, towering over us at 13,911’, and constantly reminding us of the miners, cowboys and Colorado settlers that visited this area in early 20th century.
Lodge trips allow guests to sleep in a bed at night, while guides can dig into our camp-chef cookbook for delicious trail lunches. We’ll sample local fare for breakfast and experience a mix of dining options- from local restaurants to specialty food trucks to chuckwagon dinners under the glow of a Rocky Mountain sunset. So settle in for all the creature comforts you are used to- Zane Grey novels, squeaky wood floors, and square-dancing included- while still getting out on the trail, and experiencing authentic Colorado and the Rockies of days gone by.
We will start our Rockies adventure by gathering at our Estes Park hotel and double-checking guest gear, pack fit, and supplies. Stopping for breakfast at a local eatery allows for a taste of Estes Park before heading out. Today we'll keep it close to town as we acclimate to the elevation, and head up Lumpy Ridge and summit at Gem Lake. The odd bulbous geology makes for a different kind of Rocky hiking terrain. We'll get a good look at Estes Valley, then head back down. After some rest, we'll refresh and head to dinner.
Today we will head to Glacier Gorge, an amazing area providing views of dramatic peaks, alpine lakes and glaciers. We'll have different options today — an easy, medium or hard hike depending on what the group elects. Alberta Falls and Black Lake provide stunning views of the Gorge, while the more challenging hike to Sky Pond provides incredible views of the western slope of the Rockies. As we head back into town, we'll be up close to the famous Longs Peak.
After a morning breakfast, we'll visit the Dunraven area today, a beautiful landscape in the northern reaches of the Park. We'll hike streamside on the North Fork / Big Thompson River Trail and enjoy the amazing forest views. If you like wildflowers, this is your day! Along with the color popping flowers, we learn why flowers are an important part of terrain rehabilitation, as some of this area burned several years ago. The initial bleakness has now turned into a palette of colors.
Today marks our first venture west, straight into the heart of the Rockies. We'll drive along the famous Trail Ridge Road and climb into the clouds. With plenty of stops for side-hikes and pictures, we'll make our way to the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,800' above sea level. We'll hike the Ute Trail and get amazing views of the western slope, Denver, and Longs Peak. Upon our return, we'll spend time at the Visitor Center for mementos before winding back into town to our lodge.
While this is the last day, we will make sure we close with a wonderful experience! We'll head south toward the Wild Basin area, a more remote area than other places we've hiked so far. Our goal is Ouzel Lake, a gorgeous area with stunning views of the Continental Divide. We'll lunch on the beach, then head back to Estes to say goodbye, for now.
