Everything you need to know before your Go Wild adventure. From what to pack to how to get here — we have you covered.
Before Your Trip
Getting ready for your hiking trip can be both exciting and challenging. There is a lot to consider, from clothes and shoes, personal apparel and gear. Here are some notes and reminders about what Go Wild provides, what you should bring, what you should not bring.
Go Wild is an all-inclusive outfitter. We provide all the big gear so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.
All trip transportation
Backpacks and daypacks
Tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads
Cooking supplies and all trip meals
Bear cans
Satellite devices and safety gear
Adventurous spirit!
Weather appropriate clothing
Appropriate hiking shoes or boots
Personal items — sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, hat, phone charging bank
Camera or phone
Illegal or illicit substances
Weapons of any kind
Non-essentials (hair dryers, kindles, etc)
Getting Here
Estes Park is about 1 hour 45 minutes from Denver International Airport. Here’s everything you need to know about getting here smoothly.
Fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) — the closest major airport
Estes Park is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from DEN — no need to drive into Denver
Colorado is on MST — factor this into flight and shuttle planning
Rental cars available at DEN — consider adding insurance for the canyon drive
Estes Park Shuttle is a reliable, affordable alternative to renting a car
Discovery Lodge — great location, clean, affordable
Murphy’s River Lodge — adults only, charming cabins
Murphy’s Resort (family friendly, amenities on site)
Blue Door Inn (family friendly, amenities on site)
Silver Moon Inn — walkable, highly rated, creekside
The Stanley — iconic historic hotel
Misty Mountain Lodge — charming, highly rated, cabin setting
Restaurants: The Himalayan, Sweet Basilico, Bird and Jim’s, Penelope’s, Claire’s
Breweries: Estes Park Brewery, Lumpy Ridge Brewing, Avant Garde Aleworks
Coffee: Kind Coffee, Coffee on the Rocks, Village Bagels
Physical Preparation
Being physically prepared for a hiking vacation is essential to the trip being successful. Long before your trip, you should begin to get your mind and body prepared for backpacking.
In Colorado specifically, on top of the backpack weight you are working to get accustomed to, the altitude is a serious factor, and many hikers eventually suffer from AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. While Estes Park, CO sits at 7,600’, all Go Wild trips operate within the 8,000 to 14,000’ range. This altitude and the resulting medical condition it can promote should be taken seriously by all hikers.
More information on altitude preparation:
Altitude Warning: All Go Wild trips operate between 8,000 and 14,000 feet. Altitude sickness (AMS) is a real risk. We strongly encourage arriving in Estes Park 24–48 hours before your trip start date to allow your body to acclimatize.
Hiking at elevation
Downhill and uphill trails
Hiking 5-8 miles a day
Walking on natural surfaces and uneven terrain.
Narrow trails with rocks, roots, slippery surfaces, sand and loose dirt
Trail exposure - no hand rails
Weather exposure- sun and wind
Pack weight
What to Expect
Go Wild backpacking trips are house-on-your-back adventures. Here’s a realistic breakdown so you can pack smart.
Base Weight
(pack, pad, sleeping bag, tent)
~12 lbs
Water
(2 liters + container)
~4.4 lbs
Group Obligation
(shared food and group items)
~5 lbs
Total Before Personal Items
~22–24 lbs
Personal Items
(clothing, camera, gear)
~10 lbs
Typical Summer Trip Total
~32–34 lbs
Winter and cold-weather trips will run 38–40 lbs. Remember: you can bring the kitchen sink — you just have to carry it! In almost every case of an overpacked bag, it comes down to too many personal items. Pack smart, pack light.
Showing Appreciation
Go Wild hires experienced, professional, intelligent, caring guides with excellent skill sets- customer service, organizational skills, time management, cooking prowess, leadership skills, safety and emergency management proficiency. It is the expectation of Go Wild that our guests receive the best service our industry offers.
As a guest, tipping for provided services can be a confusing part of your adventure travel vacation. Tips are an important part of the income of guides and trip leaders. The following are some guidelines for our industry.
Industry standard for outdoor and adventure travel guides is 15–20% of trip cost
Tips recognize the preparation, planning, cooking, and care that goes into every trip long before and after it happens
The final amount is always up to the guest — this is a guideline, not a requirement
Positive reviews after your trip are another meaningful way to recognize great service
Go Wild tips 20% at all restaurants and third-party vendors used during trips
