Compare Continental Divide Loop by Colorado Wilderness Rides & Guides vs California Panorama by Omega Tours
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 1,315 | $ 2,127 |
| Price Per Day | $ 263 | $ 266 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
This is the quintessential on-trail circular route along the Continental Divide Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. The day up to the divide increases the challenge but rewards backpackers with amazing views and spectacular alpine scenery. We’ll have the opportunity to take a day hike and summit an 12,000’ mountain or hike off trail along the continental divide. The locations will afford the opportunity to see wildlife such as moose and elk, and optionally fish in some of the local lakes and streams while taking in wide-open, majestic views. |
Tick off all the Californian must-sees on this fantastic escorted tour as you experience Las Vegas in all its glittering glory, see the spectacular Yosemite National Park in awe and embrace San Francisco with its diverse and incredible surroundings including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Discover all the glamour Los Angeles has to offer with stops at some of its most famous spots and much more |
Day 1: We meet in the early morning and drive 3-4 hours to Grand Lake on the Western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. This drive takes us on Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States. We start at the trailhead at an elevation of 8,800-feet. The trail then ascends several moderate to steep climbs before entering a series of meadows where elk and moose frequently graze. The trail then meanders through forests of Lodgepole and Ponderosa Pines and follows flowing rivers up to our sub-alpine campsite. This area is the best area of the park to see Moose. Elevation gain: 1810′. Distance: 9 miles and 6.5 hours. Camp Altitude: 10,000-11,000’.
Day 2: Starting in the subalpine zone, we hike up to the alpine zone on the Continental Divide. This day will afford us an opportunity to take a day hike up to the Continental Divide and experience some of the most amazing views high in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are three main options for days hikes: 1. Ascend Hallett’s Peak (12,713′), a 9.5 mile round-trip hike. 2. A circular off trail hike tracing the backbone of the Continental divide where we pass Haynach Lakes , traverse the continental divide to Cracktop Peak , follow the divide south past Sprague Mountain and then back to camp for 6-9 miles.3. An ascent of Mt Ida and/or Nakai Peak with day packs involving 6-9 miles hiking and some 3rd class scrambling. Camp Altitude: 10,000-11,000’.
Day 3: From the campsite, we follow a trail skirting Ptarmigan Pass and arriving at the top of Flattop Mountain, which sits 1 mile and 800 feet below the famed Hallett Peak. From here we descend and follow the trail to our campsite at the confluence of Ptarmigan Creek and North Inlet. While hiking we may spot bears, moose, elk, and bighorn sheep as well as a variety of birds. From this campsite, there are opportunities to explore peaks, alpine lakes, and waterfalls. Elevation gain: 2330′ and Elevation loss: 1610′. Hiking mileage: 7.4 miles. Altitude: 10,000-11,000’.
Day 4: This day will afford us an opportunity to explore the peaks and valleys below the Continental Divide and take a 7-9 mile day hike (with small day packs) into a secluded and beautiful valley.
Day 5: On day 5 we complete the loop by hiking approximately 8 miles (and 6.5 hours) back to the trailhead. We will skirt Grand Lake and get one last view of Green Mountain before making our way back to Boulder for the post-backpack celebration! Driving time 3-4 hours.
DAY 1: LOS ANGELES ARRIVAL
Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport and transfer independently to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Los Angeles, or similar
DAY 2: LOS ANGELES > MOJAVE DESERT > LAS VEGAS
Meet your Tour Director and depart for Las Vegas, the glittering “Entertainment Capital of the World,” for non-stop fun, gambling, and world-class entertainment. Your tour stops at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome Sign where you may wish to capture your photo memory of Las Vegas.
Accommodation at the Luxor Las Vegas, Las Vegas, or similar
DAY 3: LAS VEGAS > DEATH VALLEY > MAMMOTH LAKES/FRESNO
Having enjoyed glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch/Visitors Center before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century and today is renowned for its superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas.
Important note: Winter Routing The Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will overnight in Fresno or Visalia and a visit to Mammoth Lakes will not be possible (winter routing applies to all departures between October and May under normal snow conditions).
Accommodation at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, Mammoth Lakes, or Piccadilly Inn, Fresno
DAY 4: MAMMOTH/FRESNO > YOSEMITE > MODESTO
Your journey today brings you to the Tioga Pass (please see important note on day 3) into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Here, you will experience the valley floor and its splendors including the glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the magnificent Bridal Falls, and Yosemite Falls. Overnight in Modesto.
Accommodation at the Doubletree by Hilton Modesto, Modesto, or similar
DAY 5: MODESTO > SAN FRANCISCO
Depart early this morning to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel. This evening take a memorable City by Night Tour (optional).
Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar
DAY 6: SAN FRANCISCO (NAPA VALLEY OPTIONAL)
Day at leisure! Your Tour Director is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day: perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf where one may enjoy a “Taste of San Francisco”: local seafood, famous sourdough bread, or decadent Ghiradelli’s Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions’ Marina to watch them frolic.
Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz Island where “America’s Most Wanted” such as Al Capone and ”Machine Gun” Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy’s Department Store. You also may choose to embark on a wine-tasting tour to Napa Valley, world-renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).
Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar
DAY 7: SAN FRANCISCO > MONTEREY/ CARMEL > CENTRAL COAST
Depart San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and famous Cannery Row Then tour charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries, and unique stores. In the afternoon your tour continues through Paso Robles, home of fine wineries. Overnight in a quaint Central California Coast town.
Accommodation at the Radisson Santa Maria, Central Coast, or similar
DAY 8: CENTRAL COAST > SANTA BARBARA > SANTA MONICA > LOS ANGELES DEPARTURE
Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, an orientation tour commences to include Hollywood, portions of Beverly Hills, and Century City before arriving in Santa Monica, home to the finish line of Historic Route 66, where you may enjoy an optional lunch on the pier before departure or arriving at your hotel.
