Compare Continental Divide Loop by Wildland Trekking vs Western USA National Parks Loop by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 5 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 1,335 | $ 2,060 |
| Price Per Day | $ 267 | $ 385 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| 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 extraordinary backpacking trip combines the best of Rocky Mountain National Park in one exciting, 5-day adventure. It features meadow hiking, plunging waterfalls, wildlife sighting opportunities, alpine hiking with spectacular mountain views, glaciers and alpine lakes. We begin our journey with a drive across Trail Ridge Road - the highest paved road in the United States. We begin hiking at Summerland Park, a serene setting of mountain rivers, lakes and meadows. Our hike takes us along several mountain creeks winding through huge meadows. We pass 3 waterfalls before topping out in the alpine country of the Continental Divide. |
Deserts, canyons, lakes and valleys await on a five-day adventure through western USA’s most spectacular national parks. Hike through the diverse scenery of Zion National Park, marvel at sandstone spires in Bryce Canyon National Park, join a Navajo guide to learn about the history of Monument Valley and take in one of the natural wonders of the world at Grand Canyon National Park. Let an expert local guide share stories of the landscape and discover there’s more to each destination than what meets the eye. |
Day 1
Shuttle to trailhead: 1.5 hours
Hiking Mileage: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
This Rocky Mountain National Park backpacking trip begins with a shuttle ride over Trail Ridge Road, which is North America's highest paved road (over 12,000 feet in elevation). We begin our hike at Summerland Park, a beautiful area rich with lakes, streams, meadows and wildlife. The first day's hike leads us through forests and meadows, then up North Inlet Creek past Cascade Falls, a beautiful waterfall we'll pass about half way through the day. This day is a great one for spotting wildlife, as the meadows and forests of North Inlet Creek are fantastic elk, deer, moose, and fox habitat. Our camp for the night is in a lodgepole pine forest a stone's throw from the crystal clear water of North Inlet Creek.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 4 miles plus optional day hike
Elevation Gain: 1500 feet
We'll have a relaxing morning and a big tasty breakfast before breaking camp and continuing our hike into the high country. We'll climb through a Blue Spruce and Subalpine Fir forest into the stunted, crooked trees of the alpine zone. Finally we'll emerge near treeline onto the lower slopes and ridges of Hallett Peak. Our camp this night is at a breathtaking spot along Hallett Creek.
Once camp is set up you'll have the option to join the guide for a 4 mile roundtrip hike up to Andrews Pass for a spectacular view of Andrews Glacier. If you're up for it, this hike is one not to be missed!
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1250 feet
Elevation Loss: 1750 feet
Day 3's hike is the crown jewel of this trip. We'll get an early start and begin our 8 mile hike along the Continental Divide, where our route snakes across the shoulders of Hallett Peak (12,713'), Flattop Mountain (12,324'), and Ptarmigan Point (12,363'). The views from these treeless slopes are endless, and the hiking is truly unforgettable. Our high point of the hike is near Ptarmigan Pass (12,164') where we'll peak over the Divide for a view of Ptarmigan Glacier, Odessa Lake, and Fern Lake. Our hike gradually drops us into the forests of Tonahutu Creek and our camp for the night, which is at the edge of another beautiful meadow.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 6 miles plus optional morning hike
Elevation Loss: 1,200 feet
We'll begin day 4 with a quick snack and a hike to Haynach Lakes, a series of majestic alpine lakes set in a stunning mountain cirque. If all members of the group join the hike, the guide will prepare a hot breakfast at the edge of these lakes. For some guests this morning's hike and breakfast are the highlight of the trip.
After breakfast we'll return to camp and get packed up. Our loop hike takes us further down Tonahutu Creek, past Granite Falls to a series of meadows called Big Meadows. Today's hike travels through more fantastic wildlife habitat. We'll make camp at the edge of a vast meadow, which is reminiscent of Yellowstone's famous meadows. The clear trout waters of Tonahutu Creek winding through seemingly endless knee-high grass makes for a relaxing and appropriate final night of our trip.
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: 3.5 miles
Elevation Loss: 500 feet
Shuttle to Estes Park: 1.5 hours
After a relaxing morning and a tasty, hot breakfast we'll break our final camp and complete our hike back to the starting point. Today's hike is primarily in a Lodgepole Pine forest with occasional meadows dotting our way along Tonahutu Creek. It's another great day for wildlife viewing opportunities. We'll arrive at the vehicle in late morning or early afternoon and finish the trip with our shuttle back over Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park.
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.
