Compare Best of Rocky Mountain Tour by Wildland Trekking vs Western USA National Parks Loop by Intrepid Travel

Day 1

Shuttle to trailhead: 2 hours

Hiking Mileage: 5 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 600 feet

Accommodations: Inn on Fall River

This Rocky Mountain National Park hiking tour begins with a day of high country exploration and acclimatization, as we spend much of our first day above treeline, touring the highest continuous paved road in the United States. We’ll walk the Ute Trail, an important travel and trade route over the Continental Divide for native peoples, we’ll see evidence of volcanoes and glaciers, and if our luck holds we’ll see elk, bighorn sheep, and perhaps even the very rare and elusive wolverine, which is slowly returning to remote areas within Colorado. We’ll then hit the trail, beginning at the headwaters of the Colorado River, and ascending above treeline to a remarkable vista of Mt. Ida, the Medicine Bow, Stormy Peaks, and Never Summer mountain ranges that surround us.

We’ll then retrace our route down Trail Ridge Road, where we’ll stop in at Fall River Pass and from there back into Estes Park for dinner, conversation, and preparation for tomorrow. This return trip holds a strong possibility for sightings of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. At Rock Cut, we’ll view Longs Peak and Glacier Gorge in the distant splendor of late afternoon.

Please Note: We’ll always have good alternatives if weather or other factors require an itinerary change. Also, it’s important to dress in layers and prepare for cold and windy conditions above treeline.

Day 2

Shuttle to trailhead: 1 hour

Hiking Mileage: 10 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1520 feet

Accommodations: Inn on Fall River

Today we’ll find the pleasures and power of mountain water: from rushing rivers and waterfalls, to high mountain lakes. Our hike will take us through the reaches of Wild Basin, a wildlife- and flower-strewn region of the Park. Moose have recently been seen in this river valley as well!

We’ll hike along the North Saint Vrain River, past Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls to Ouzel Lake and the mountain cirque that envelopes it. From there, time and interest permitting, we’ll continue along to the higher reaches of Bluebird Lake and take in another view of the Continental Divide beyond. From there it’s back down trail to our lodging, where evening dinner awaits.

Day 3

Shuttle to trailhead: 20 minutes

Hiking Mileage: 10 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1440 feet

Accommodations: Inn on Fall River

Day 3 will find us headed into the land of glaciers, past and present. We’ll make an "alpine start", with an early breakfast and early departure to Glacier Gorge, the trailhead from which we’ll begin our ascent.

Our route will take us past Alberta Falls, into the sub-alpine forest, and from to a emerald string of mountain lakes, from Mills to Jewel, and at last to Black Lake, which sits in a silent and imposing mountain cirque, testament to the power of glacial ice. We’ll enjoy a hearty lunch, scope out the granite crags above us, including Spearhead and Keyboard of the Winds, before making our way home to Estes for the evening. On our return we’ll get great views of Andrews Glacier, the pyramidal Storm Peak, and the stark vastness of Longs Peak, Pagoda, and Chiefs Head mountains.

Day 4

Shuttle to trailhead: 30 minutes

Hiking Mileage: 9+ miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 2380 feet

Accommodations: Inn on Fall River

The time we’ve spent on the trail and at altitude this week have prepared us by Day 4 for this hike above treeline to the vastness of the Chasm Cirque and the 1,800 vertical "Diamond" above it. A world-famous climb, we’ll likely see technical climbers high above us on this granite wall, as we enjoy views of the Mills Glacier, The Ships Prow, Mt. Meeker, and the Longs Peak summit from our vantage on the shores of Chasm Lake. After lunch we’ll make our way down, past Jim’s Grove, Alpine Brook, and on the route taken by Isabella Bird in 1873 after her ascent of the Peak.

Day 5

Shuttle to trailhead: 10 minutes

Hiking Mileage: 4 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000 feet

Our final day together we’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast then make our way to the Gem Lake trailhead and from there to Gem Lake, nestled within the ancient granite cliffs and boulders of Lumpy Ridge. As we walk, we’ll take in panoramic views of the Longs Peak, the Continental Divide, Trail Ridge… much of the country we’ve walked through these past days. The route provides excellent opportunities for photography. After lunch at the lake, we’ll return to our hotel and trip’s end.

Day 1 Las Vegas / Zion National Park

Welcome to Las Vegas! The real wild west is home to some of the USA’s most incredible scenery. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am. Then, you’ll hop aboard a private van. Get to know each other over a picnic lunch, then venture into the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park. Join your leader for a guided hike, then spend the night in Springdale – known as the gateway to the park.

Day 2 Bryce Canyon National Park / Page

After breakfast this morning, it’s time to make tracks for Bryce Canyon National Park – make sure your camera is ready to go, as some of the views you’ll come across today are truly out of this world! Take a short drive in your private vehicle, then spend the morning hiking through the epic landscapes of the park. Walk along the canyon rim and marvel at hundreds of unique sandstone towers, known as hoodoos, that jut out from the natural amphitheatre. Relax while you enjoy a picnic lunch and take in your magnificent surroundings, then hike down into the canyon for a closer look at the fascinating hoodoos. Then, drive on to the town of Page, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 3 Lake Powell / Horseshoe Bend

Journey south this morning, driving through more spectacular scenery before arriving at Lake Powell. This gorgeous reservoir is certainly a sight to behold from the shore but to really appreciate it, you’ve got to get on the water. Jump in a kayak and paddle across the water’s surface, weaving your way through remarkable rock formations while your leader regales you with stories of the lake’s history. Back on dry land, set out for a gentle walk along Horseshoe Bend, taking in beautiful views with every step. This afternoon there is an option to visit Antelope Canyon before returning to Page for the evening.

Day 4 Monument Valley / Grand Canyon

Start the day with a drive to Monument Valley – one of the world’s most iconic sights. If this landscape dotted with towering sandstone buttes looks familiar to you, it’s no surprise – Monument Valley has been the filming location for many famous Western films. More importantly, this is the native land of the Navajo. When you arrive, you’ll transfer from your vehicle to a 4WD and enjoy a Navajo-guided tour of Monument Valley, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about their rich culture and history in the area before sitting down to a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch. Continue your journey onto the iconic Grand Canyon for some awe-inspiring walks along the rim.

Day 5 Route 66 / Las Vegas

This morning it's time to return to Las Vegas, but first we'll make a stop along Historic Route 66. You’ll arrive back in Las Vegas at approximately 4 pm where your adventure will come to an end.