Compare Thunder Lake by Wildland Trekking vs USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali by G Adventures
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| Trip |
Thunder Lake
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0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 4 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 1,140 | $ 2,252 |
| Price Per Day | $ 285 | $ 250 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Camping |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners |
| Description |
Thunder Lake sits at the top of Wild Basin, one of the most stunning and lesser-visited cirques in Rocky Mountain National Park. This backpacking trip takes us to the shores of Thunder Lake, and then far beyond it into some remote and truly magnificent high country. With a basecamp near Thunder Lake, we venture high into the alpine peaks, hanging valleys, hidden cirques of the Continental Divide for an unforgettable 4-day adventure! |
California is the land of dreamers and schemers and we schemed up quite the adventure for you. Start in LA and travel north to San Francisco along Highway 1 on this short nine-day trip. Then, head inland to see mighty Yosemite National Park and all of the beautiful hikes and views that landscape has to offer before driving back to southern California for an included surf lesson. Sounds like a win in our book! |
Day 1
Shuttle to trailhead: 30 minutes
Hiking Mileage: 6.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,250 feet
This Rocky Mountain National Park backpacking trip starts with a scenic drive from Estes Park to our trailhead. After doing a final fit with the backpacks we begin our hike. In the first two miles we hike past Copeland Falls - a beautiful cascade along North St. Vrain Creek. The remainder of our trek continues up North St. Vrain Creek to our camp at Thunder Lake. We'll camp a short distance from the lake, next to a serene meadow with breathtaking views into the high country's snow-capped peaks. After a tasty dinner and a stunning sunset we'll settle in for the night.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 6+ miles day hiking
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1500 feet
After a relaxing morning and hearty breakfast we'll depart with light backpacks for a day of hiking and exploring in the higher mountains. We'll hike west through an alpine basin thick with thousands of wildflowers and up to the Continental Divide. The Lake of Many Winds sits very near the Divide below Boulder-Grand Pass. We'll hike around the lake and up to the pass for views into the lush, western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. If the group is up for it, we can continue on for a summit attempt of Tanima Peak (12,420 Ft.)
Day 3 (4-day Itinerary Only)
Hiking Mileage: 5+ miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: 1,250+ feet
Day 3 is often remembered as the highlight of this trip. After breakfast we begin our hike off trail up the South Fork of North St. Vrain Creek. After traversing into the valley we’ll come to Mertensia Falls, a waterfall that thunders down through a steep drainage. As we continue hiking up the valley we arrive at Box and Eagle Lakes, which reside below the Continental Divide. Wildflowers are abundant throughout this entire hike, as are opportunities to see marmot, pikas and bighorn sheep. We’ll eat lunch with a view before turning back and making our way to camp.
Final Day
Hiking Mileage: 6.8 miles
Elevation Loss: 2,250 feet
Shuttle to Estes Park: 30 minutes
After a relaxing morning and a big breakfast we'll break camp and begin our hike back to the trailhead. We'll hike a slightly different trail on the way back that takes us along Ouzel Creek, past Ouzel Falls and Calypso Cascades, both Rocky Mountain water features well worth seeing. Ouzel Falls is a sheer waterfall about 50 feet high, and Calypso Cascades is a beautiful stretch of tumbling water in a thick Lodgepole Pine forest. Our arrival at Wild Basin Trailhead marks the end of our backpacking trip; after a short shuttle ride back to Estes Park we'll drop you off at your hotel where warm showers await you!
Day 1 Los Angeles/Santa Margarita
Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.
Day 2 Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz
Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.
Day 3 Santa Cruz/San Francisco
Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Day 4 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park
Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.
Day 5 Yosemite National Park
Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.
Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park.
Day 6 Yosemite National Park
Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.
Day 7 Yosemite National Park/Hermosa Beach
Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.
After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.
Day 8 Hermosa Beach
Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Hermosa Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.
Day 9 Hermosa Beach/Los Angeles
In the morning travel to Los Angeles. The adventure ends upon arrival.
