Compare Flat Tops Explorer 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 | $ 1,260 | $ 1,926 |
| Price Per Day | $ 252 | $ 385 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
A challenging, isolated, and scenic experience in Colorado's backcountry! The Flat Top Wilderness offers an escape from crowds, while showcasing landscapes worthy of being a National Park. Known as the “Cradle of Wilderness,” the Flat Tops are said to have inspired Congress to create the Wilderness Act. It is Colorado’s second largest wilderness area consisting of 235,000 acres of alpine lakes, streams, peaks, and wildlife. This five-day backpacking trip is a fantastic choice for any individual aiming to explore vast amount of terrain in authentic wilderness. The Flat Tops Explorer follows a beautiful route around Trappers Lake, exploring the high plateau and alpine lakes. A combination of moving campsites and day hiking creates opportunities to view wildflowers, herds of elk, marmot, and lakes filled with Colorado Cutthroat Trout. Day 4 grants the chance to hike one of the tallest summits in the region, Trappers Peak (12,002 ft.). Returning to civilization will come far too soon after experiencing this such beauty, adventure |
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: 6 hours
We will meet at Union Station in Denver, Colorado at 10:00am. Union Station is centrally located in downtown Denver, has light rail to and from the airport, provides nearby lodging and multiple dining options. From Denver we will shuttle across the Rocky Mountains, stopping for a picnic lunch along Clear Creek. Once reaching our destination of Trappers Lake, we will set up camp at Shepard’s Rim Campground at 9,600 feet. Your guide will distribute camping equipment, and food, as we prepare our packs for our journey. After a scrumptious dinner, if no fire ban is in place, we will light a fire while the sun sets and stars emerge.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
After a filling breakfast we’ll make our way to Trappers Outlet Trailhead. We will leave roads, cell service, and people behind and begin hiking South along the lakeshore. Our beginning leg of the journey may seem desolate as it is recovering from a forest fire in 2002. Signs of beauty emerge as wildflowers and young pine trees are quickly returning. After our first mile, the trail departs from the lake and gradually gains elevation to 11,300 feet. Rising out of the valley onto the plateau, one can understand how this region earned the name Flat Tops. Once your guide locates a campsite, we will wrap up the evening with dinner. As the sun sets, expect to see the clearest night skies you may ever witness.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000 feet
With our camp located in a prime location, we will rise with the sun to a full day’s adventure. Leaving camp in the same location, we hike with only day packs. We’ll explore the secluded Island Lakes Region, a stunning cirque of cliffs offering great fishing and relaxation.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1300 feet
Today we pack camp and hike Northwest along the Wall Lake Trail. Hiking in rolling meadows providing superb views of the surrounding mountains. Upon reaching our destination of Wall Lake, we will grab our day packs and set for the summit of Trappers Peak (12,002 ft.). The view is an excellent vantage point of the terrain we covered the previous days. After our summit, we will return to camp and enjoy the evenings sunset.
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
Elevation Loss: 1700 feet
Shuttle to Denver: 6 hours
We’ll enjoy our last campsite breakfast, break camp, and continue North along our trail. As we walk we’ll have another excellent opportunity to see wildlife in the forest, meadow, and creeks we pass. Making our way off the Plateau, we will return to Trappers Lake Trailhead in time for lunch. After sorting gear and taking in the last moments of wilderness, we will start our shuttle back to Denver. Anticipate returning to Denver generally before 7pm.
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.
