Let’s face it, sleeping outside is not for everyone. If this is you, we’ve got you covered! Our Western Rockies Lodge Trip lets you experience all the Rockies has to offer from a hiking and nature experience, and you get to sleep in a bed at night! We will hike and explore the western Rockies with lightweight packs by day, and rest in comfort in one of our partner hotels at night. We hike on many of the same trails that our west side backpacking and basecamp trips do. We hit all the “must see” sights that a proper Rockies trip should include- beautiful trails in Rocky Mountain National Park that include waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, old forests, waterfalls and mountain streams, wildflowers and opportunities to see Rocky Mountain wildlife! Lodge trips allow our guides to dig into our camp chef cookbook for trail lunches while dining out at mountain lodges and small town restaurants. Lodge trips provide all the creature comforts that help you feel good about adventuring, while still getting out on the trail.
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 and mountain morning life before heading out of town. While the goal is to get across to the west side of The Park, we'll make stops while driving on Trail Ridge Road to sightsee, take pics of majestic mountain peaks and glaciers, and hike. Bear Lake is first, and we'll have a great lunch alongside an alpine lake. Tombstone Ridge, Jackstraw Mountain, and Mt Patterson allow us to get out and move the legs as we head west. Later, we'll settle into our lodge, freshen up, and have a great open country meal!
After waking up in the cozy confines of a lodge, we'll have a country breakfast and prepare for the day. Today we'll hike to an abandoned mining camp from the mid 1800s. The real highlight is the view — gorgeous mountains and valleys. Our trail meanders along the actual headwaters of the Colorado River. We'll lunch on the trail and then take a side trip to enjoy some hot springs before heading back to our lodge.
After a morning breakfast and some coffee, we'll head towards the North Inlet area for a great day-hike. The area has meadows, streams, wildlife, and wildflowers along our trail. We'll be able to witness firsthand how our forests rehabilitate after a burn — this regeneration gives us flowers galore! We'll pass a 1,000' cascade waterfall and climb into the North Inlet Canyon. We'll head back for a picnic lunch at the Grand Lake Town Square — a great time to shop in this true seasonal mountain town. We'll follow with a walk along the lake, then head back to our lodge.
Every trip has a highlight, and today marks ours. We'll need an alpine start to accomplish today's hike, so after an early breakfast we'll head to the Continental Divide Trailhead. The first 2 miles are a challenge until we get to the tree line. Mt. Ida does not give up her secrets easily, and the last mile brings some switchbacks and light scrambling. However once there, you'll experience one of the best views in the Park — many famous Rocky Mountain landscape shots have originated here. Lunch up here is a treat. After a shower back at the lodge, our reward is a restaurant dinner in Grand Lake.
Today marks the end of our trip, but we'll still pack in some fun. After breakfast, we'll say goodbye to the western Rockies and Grand Lake, and get back on the famous Trail Ridge Road heading towards the Great Divide. The Alpine Visitor Center awaits, where we can gear up for a final 4 mile hike on the Ute Trail. Another chance to shop for mementos at the Alpine Center, operated by Rocky Mountain National Park. We'll head back to Estes and part ways, for now.
