Compare Rocky Mountain Snowshoe Tour by Wildland Trekking vs Bahamas Cruise 3D/2N (from Miami) by Bamba

Day 1

Shuttle to trailhead: 20 minutes

Hiking Mileage: 6 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 900 feet

Accommodations: Inn on Fall River

The first day of this Rocky Mountain National Park snowshoe tour brings us into the valley of the Big Thompson River in Moraine Park, as we snowshoe through a landscape filled with the sights and sounds of past glacial activity here. Our route is great for our first day in Rocky, as it begins at a relatively low altitude, giving us the opportunity to adjust to the thin air before we head higher in coming days.

We’ll see waterfalls, large "glacial erratics" (boulders left behind as the ice receded), and mountain lakes carved into granite bowls. This large valley of Moraine Park is also well-known for abundant wildlife.

Our trek follows an open corridor into Fern Canyon. The way is gentle and perfect for getting the feel of our gear and making adjustments along the way.

We’ll continue along the Big Thompson River to The Pool, a roaring confluence of water deep in the scoured granite. Along this route we’ll also see Windy Gulch Cascades high above the canyon floor, and we’ll pass through Arch Rocks, massive boulders left along our path by ancient rivers and ice.

After lunch at the Pool we’ll circle south toward Cub Lake, up a large glacial moraine, a ridge of sand and stone created as a glacier swept through this valley. We first see Cub Lake from high above, framed by the mountains of Glacier Gorge, then we make our way to shoreline where we’re likely to see an array of wildlife, particularly elk and possibly moose as well. This area experienced a large fire in 2012 - even as the effects of this fire are still evident, new vegetation is returning and providing an important food supply for these large mammals.

From there it’s a short trek back to our trailhead, and then to our lodge for a great dinner and relaxing evening.

Day 2

Shuttle to trailhead: 30 minutes

Hiking Mileage: 5.7 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 940 feet

Accommodations: Inn on Fall River

After breakfast we’ll saddle up and make our way into the high country near the Continental Divide: we’ll gear up at the Bear Lake trailhead and head east on the Bear Lake Trail. After circling around the lake’s eastern edge, we’ll gain the Flattop Ridge and begin our traverse through a truly beautiful subalpine forest.

Today’s trek marks a gentle traverse and descent through high subalpine forest, past alpine lakes, and into the rich high meadow of Hollowell Park a thousand feet below!

We’ll take our time here, as we’ll have spectacular views of the high peaks all around us en route to Bierstadt Lake, at 9,320ft. Views of Longs Peak from here are stunning. After a hearty lunch we’ll begin our descent from the ridge into Hollowell Park, where again we’re likely to see a range of wildlife along Mill Creek, which helped carve this beautiful valley.

After a full day at altitude, it’s back then to Estes and our evening.

Day 3

Shuttle to trailhead: 1 hour

Hiking Mileage: 7.2 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 870 feet

Accommodations: Inn on Fall River

Day three finds us in the quiet, lush environs of Wild Basin. After breakfast and our shuttle to this southern and less-traveled region of the Park, and with a stop for a look at the old Enos Mills homesite and the dramatic east face of Longs Peak, we’ll begin our trek along the North Saint Vrain creek into Wild Basin proper.

Our route takes us along the creekside access road (closed and snowy for us!) to the Wild Basin trailhead; we’ll follow the creek past Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades, which will be frozen into crystalline ice flows amongst the spruce/fir and drifts of snow.

Our trail then steepens as we approach Ouzel Falls. Distant mountains come into view as we walk. Ouzel Falls will likely be frozen solid as well - a natural sculpture before us as we enjoy lunch and views of the Continental Divide to the west.

Following lunch we’ll make our way back down trail the way we came, to our shuttle, through the Tahosa Valley and to our lodge as dusk descends and dinner awaits.

Day 4

Shuttle to trailhead: 30 minutes

Hiking Mileage: 5.7 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 400 feet

Our last morning together we’ll enjoy a final trek into the canyon of Fall River, where we’ll stretch our legs with a beautiful snowshoe to Chasm Falls. We’ll have an early lunch at the Falls, which will be encased in ice as water rushes through a narrow granite slot in the gorge. The high massif of Trail Ridge looms overhead to the south as we make our way up the trail.

After some last quiet time in this special place we’ll return to our shuttle and to Estes for departures.

Day 1: West Palm Beach, United States

Board Cruise Ship, safety drill and activities onboard (L/D)
Board your cruise ship in time for a Welcome Aboard celebration at noon and a buffet lunch
After lunch, enjoy optional activities like a pool party or a ship tour
You will have an orientation meeting as the ship leaves port to brief you on the trip and all of the amazing services available on the ship and a quick safety drill
Spend the rest of your day and evening relaxing in your cabin or enjoying some of the many incredible activities on board, from live music to themed happy hours
Enjoy a buffet dinner and get a good rest for your big day ahead!
NOTE: The schedule of the activities will be provided to the passengers day by day.
The ships sail on a two-night itinerary currently from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida to Grand Bahama Island
Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice
The vessels depart as per our scheduled itinerary with check-in required by 4:00pm
Passengers may check-in beginning at 11:00am the day of sailing and board as soon as the ship has been cleared for embarkation.

Day 2: Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

Bahamas Stopover (B/L/D)
You will arrive at Grand Bahama Island at 8:00 when local officials will take a moment to inspect and clear the boat for arrival
After they’ve given the signal, you may disembark and say hello to a tropical paradise! One of the last Bahaman Islands to be developed, Grand Bahama is now a popular destination and playground in paradise
Spend the day exploring, laying on the pristine beaches, discovering one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems, or partaking in optional activities like jet skiing! Enjoy an included lunch buffet onboard the ship or treat yourself to Caribbean Cuisine ashore.
Return to the boat no later than 18:00 for departure to West Palm Beach
Enjoy another evening of endless entertainment on board, with several different performances, events, and a swimming pool at your disposal.

Day 3: Miami, United States

Transfer from West Palm Beach to Miami
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus.