Family Adventure Vacation in the
Colorado Rockies
August 18 - 27, 2010
This major excursion will visit Colorado’s premier national outdoors escape:
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), one of this country’s most accessible
and impressive wilderness regions. The area spans 416 square miles and
boasts of 75 peaks over 12,000 feet and more than 350 miles of hiking trails.
We will stay four miles west of RMNP in Estes Park, one of Colorado’s favorite
family resorts. This trip aims to provide an ideal family adventure to the
spectacular views of the Colorado Rockies while exploring with your children
or grandchildren the grandeur of Mother Nature.
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Introduction
From Denver International Airport, we pick up our minivans and drive
through Boulder to Boulder Falls. We’ll stop and strech our legs out with a
stroll down 0.1 miles to the falls. Next we’ll stop in Nederland, an old mining
town, for a ride on the Carousel of Happiness and an early dinner at the Wild
Mountain Smokehouse. We’ll then drive north on the Peak-to-Peak Scenic
Highway to Estes Park, just over an hour, to our lodging at the YMCA of the
Rockies. Not your average “Y”, this recreational facility and accommodations
in the heart of the Park boasts a variety of activites for people of all ages—
plus quick access to great hiking! Our rooms will be in Emerald Mountain
Lodge (opened 2010). We’ll unload, unpack and settle in for the evening.
From the YMCA we will explore Rocky Mountain National Park with hiking and
scenic drives. Since the Park is at over 8,000 feet elevation, our first full day
will be an easy one as we all acclimate to the high altitude. We’ll explore
Bear and Sprague Lakes via the scenic Bear Lake Road. A short hike/walk
around each lake will give a chance to get our hiking legs under us at higher
elevation (almost 10,000 feet!).
That night we’ll have an extaordinary
welcome dinner at the famous and
historic Stanley Hotel, which was used
in the filming of Steven King’s “The
Shining”.
The rest of the time will be spent on
great hiking in and around Rocky
Mountain National Park, beautiful scenic
drives (like Trail Ridge Road connecting
Estes Park and Grand Lake crossing the
Continental Divide on the highest continously paved highway in the US), and
a variety of family and cultural activities. This adventure vacation will be a
combination of exploring, hiking and family activities. On most days we will
offer two different itineraries, and perhaps even have some free time. All
meals are included, with some buffet meals at, or bagged by, the YMCA and
some dinners in Estes Park town.
Below are descriptions of hikes and cultural/family-oriented activities we
might undertake. Longer hikes are moderate (4-8 miles) with not much
more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Shorter hikes are at an easy to
moderate pace covering a shorter distance with less elevation gain, and
plenty of time to explore. None of the hikes require extensive driving, and
with many hours of daylight we will not have to wake up at the crack of
dawn. But we will need to be out of the mountains each afternoon before the
lightening and thunderstorms roll through. A more detailed day-by-day
itinerary with each hike/activity option will be sent to you several weeks in
advance of the trip. As with any hiking adventure, routes and distances may
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be altered because of poor weather conditions. Your flexibility will be
appreciated.
Accommodations and Meals
The YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center is 65 miles northwest of Denver,
nestled in the heart of the CO Rockies at elevation of 8,010 feet. The 860
acre property is surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park.
We will be staying
in the brand new
Emerald Mountain
Lodge, which has
an elevator and
houses 62 hotelstyle rooms with
private baths.
Each room sleeps
up to 5 with two
queen beds and a
single floor futon,
and is equipped
with a telephone
and high speed
wireless internet.
A single supplement is available. There are NO TELEVISIONS in the rooms.
Each room comes with linens, towels, and bath soap. The lodge is walking
distance to meals, laundry facilities, and most activities. Check it out at
www.YMCArockies.org.
We will eat all buffet breakfasts and most lunches daily at the Aspen Dining
Hall on the YMCA property. On some days, we will request a bag lunch (PB&J
or Turkey) if we plan on being away from the YMCA past lunch time. We will
have five meals off property, including the early dinner in Nederland and the
Welcome Dinner at the Stanley Hotel. The other nights we will dine cafeteria
style at the Aspen Dining Hall.
Transportation
We will fly into Denver International Airport. Everyone must arrive on
Thursday, August 18th and we depart on Saturday, August 27th. Flight
details will be provided in your acceptance letter. Our last day requires us to
depart early from Estes Park, a two-hour drive from the airport. If you would
like to consult with us prior to making your plane reservations and confirm
that your itinerary meets the required specifications, we will be glad to
assist. Airfare for adults ranges from $350-$500.
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While in Colorado we will be renting several 7-passenger minivans. We may
need extra drivers, so please indicate whether you would be willing to be an
extra driver on your application form. Car seat rental information will be
provided prior to departure.
About the Leaders
Steve and Heather DePaola have been hiking together for over 10 years.
They joined the AMC to learn more about safety, gear, and hiking in general
and took the Spring Hiking and Backpacking introductory course. After
climbing the 48 4,000-footers in
NH, they then trained to
become AMC leaders in the
Boston Chapter. Next they
hiked the 4,000-footers in
Maine and Vermont in training
for their first Major Excursion to
Tanzania in 2005 to climb Mt.
Kilimanjaro and safari in the
Serengeti. They were quickly
hooked on major excursions
and in June 2006 joined the
AMC on a backpacking trip to
Alaska’s North Slope and the
Arctic Ocean. Nine months later their daughter Mckinlee was born and she
now joins them on all their fun adventures! Last summer, they led this same
trip and had so much fun that no one wanted to leave, so they have added
two extra nights. In 2009, they led a group of 25 adventurers on an AMC
trip to the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park (pictured). Participants
ranged in age from 2-81 years young. Heather and Steve have also led local
family hikes and camping weekends for toddlers and younger children with
their parents. They are both Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified. Heather
owns her own company and Steve is a business consultant.
Other Leader – we are in the process of looking for another leader. Stacia
& Wyatt Biel have offered to be our back-ups. The YMCA also offers many
hikes daily if it turns out we lead the trip on our own.
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Trail Descriptions & Activities
Participants planning to join the longer hikes may need to depart earlier than
those joining the family friendly hikes. It is imperative that we are off the
trails by early afternoon due to lightening storms that pop up almost
everyday (rain gear is to be carried on all hikes). Returning to the YMCA
in the early afternoon will allow folks to enjoy the variety of activities offered
at the camp or just relax before dinner.
Listed below are a variety of hiking areas that departure points for numerous
hikes of all difficulties.
Bear Lake Corridor Trails
Craggy peaks and stunning lakes reward visitors to the montane ecosystem
of Moraine Park and the subalpine ecosystem of Bear Lake—one of the most
visited lakes in the park. From the Park entrance Bear Lake Road leads 9.3
scenic miles to the
trailhead. The Bear
Lake Trail is level and
easy to walk. A
changing panorama of
dramatic peaks rises
behind the Lake (which
is already at an
elevation of 9,475 feet).
From the east side the
sheer north face of
Hallett Peak (12,713’) is
most striking. From the
north side of the Lake
you see Longs Peak (14,255’), the highest mountain in the Park, in addition
to the spires of the Keyboard of the Winds and aptly name Pagoda Peak
(13,497’). These three distinctive mountains are prominent fixtures in the
landscape of the Park.
A trail winding around the Lake includes strategically placed decks and
benches. Trails from Bear Lake lead to other high-altitude lakes: Nymph,
Dream, Emerald, and the Pool of Jade. There is also a loop that brings you
to Glacier Gorge.
Arch Rocks, The Pool, and Cub Lake Loop
The trail to Arch Rocks is a fine hike, especially for children. It offers a level
trail, great diversity of vegetation, climbable boulders, access to a clear river,
and good picnic spots. Just a short steep climb behind Arch Rocks is The
Pool. The Big Thompson River flows between steep rock walls and the
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water’s motion has eroded a pool. The sun-drenched flat rocks by the pool
are popular for picnics.
The Pool and Cub Lake Loop hike is a jewel. Few trails in the park offer such
diversity. The trail sparkles with wildflowers of innumerable variety. It is
rich with birds and wildlife. Beautiful and interesting sites and sounds appear
at every bend including beaver dams, rushing streams, lily-filled ponds, and
climbable boulders of all shapes and sizes. Cub Lake is wonderful and
covered with yellow pond lilies. Stones Peak (12,922’) rises majestically
above the Lake.
The Wild Basin
This wetland area of the Park is about 12 miles south of Estes Park on scenic
Colorado Highway 7. Numerous Alpine lakes dot the area with Thunder and
Bluebird among the most dramatic in the Park. Mountain peaks reaching
over 13,000 feet form a rock boundary on the north, south and west side of
this high mountain valley. Big horn sheep, mountain lions, bear, elk, mule
deer, and many smaller mammals and birds live in the area. This area also
has a variety of falls worth visiting: Copeland Falls (8,500’), Hidden Falls
(8,920’), Calypso Cascades (9,280’), and Ouzel Falls (9,460’).
Lumpy Ridge
Lumpy Ridge is the most prominent natural landmark in Estes Park. It flanks
the town on its north side and forms a dramatic rocky backdrop for the
famous Stanley Hotel (where “The Shining” was filmed). The natural
formations of weathered granite oddities, towering blocks and shapely domes
ornament the Ridge as it
stretches from east to
west. The shallow
waters of Gem Lake
(pictured) are cradled
high among the rounded
granite domes of Lumpy
Ridge. Untouched by
glaciation, this outcrop of
1.8 billion-year-old
granite has been
sculpted by wind and
chemical erosion into a
backbone-like ridge.
Signs of these erosional
forces--pillars, potholes, and balanced rocks--appear midway along the trail
to Gem Lake. Other highpoints include spectacular views of the Estes Valley
and Continental Divide, and a curious balanced rock called Paul Bunyan's
Boot. Gem Lake's elevation is 8,800 feet.
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This delightful hike among the weird and wonderful rock formations of Lumpy
Ridge offers beautiful views, diverse vegetation, and a child-sized lake. Two
miles beyond Gem Lake is the fascinating Balanced Rock, and many other
interesting formations.
The Needles (10,068’) are the highest points on the Ridge, while the most
famous shape is the pronounced Twin Owls formation. Seen from Estes
Park, these two granite towers resemble a pair of birds perched on a
diagonal slab which is called The Roosting Ramp.
Old Ute Trail Tundra Walk
Explore the Alpine Visitor Center and hike a top-of-the-world trail through the
high altitude tundra off the Trail Ridge Road (see below). A short steep trail
from the visitor center to a highpoint of 12,005 ft provides spectacular views.
Scenic Drives
The area of Rocky Mountain National Park has a wide variety of spectacular
drives. Drive up Trail Ridge Road to the alpine tundra and sample the air at
12,000 feet. Enjoy the scenic Peak to Peak Highway. Watch for bighorn
sheep in the narrows of the Big Thompson Canyon.
Bear Lake Road
Bear Lake Road runs between Upper Beaver Meadows and Bear Lake in
Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the way you will pass hiking trails,
picnic areas, campgrounds, the Moraine Park Museum and Sprague Lake.
There is a large picnic area at Sprague Lake (elevation 8,710 feet), portable
rest rooms, a stable, and a wheelchair-rated trail around the lake. The view
to the west from just around the curve of the trail is fabulous. The road ends
in the Bear
Lake parking
lot. Park your
car and walk
the few yards
to the famous
lake. There are
rest rooms a
few yards from
the parking lot
for summer
visitors.
Several popular trails begin at Bear Lake. Some are short and moderate
hiking for families with younger children, while others are more strenuous.
The trail circling the lake is easy, and photographic opportunities abound
around the clear, smooth waters of the beautiful lake.
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Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road spans the Park and connects Estes Park on the east side to
the town of Grand Lake on the western slope. It's the highest continuous
paved road in the United States, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet. It
follows a path that the Ute and other Native American peoples used for
thousands of years. It is open to vehicle traffic from Memorial Day weekend
in May through Columbus Day in October. The many turnouts along Trail
Ridge Road provide scenic overlooks and tremendous photographic
opportunities, day or night. The night time view from Rainbow Curve is
spectacular. City lights from Fort Collins to Denver are visible.
Trail Ridge Road travels through forests, above tree line, over the alpine
tundra, reaches the high point, and crosses the Continental Divide before
winding its way down to the town of Grand Lake. There are numerous trails,
short hikes and scenic pull-off spots. The entire trip crosses about 50 miles of
spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery and can take anywhere from 2 hours of
non-stop driving to an all day trip with scenic and meal stops.
Just west of the high point is Fall River Pass, elevation 11,796 feet, and the
Alpine Visitor Center. Many elk, deer and bighorn sheep move to the high
country in the summer and can sometimes be seen from the deck of the
Visitor Center. Rest rooms, a restaurant and a gift shop are also located in
this area.
A note concerning the alpine tundra - This is an extremely fragile ecosystem.
Please stay on the marked trails. Crushed growth takes many decades to
heal.
Trail Ridge Road factoids:
48 miles long, 11 miles above treeline, Highest elevation, 12,183 feet
Normally windy and 20 to 30 degrees colder than Estes Park.
See elk, pikas, marmots, ptarmigans and bighorn sheep
Crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass, elevation 10,120 feet
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CULTURAL & FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
YMCA of the Rockies
The Estes Park Center offers fun and excitement for everyone. Some of the
activities available at no added cost include:
 Basketball
 Mini-Golf
 Indoor Pool
 Horseshoes
 Tennis
 Disk Golf
There are also many hiking trails on the vast campus, as well as a library and
museum. Or you’re welcomed to just relax and enjoy the awesome views!
There are also some activities available in Estes Park for an additional fee
(paid at check-out). These activities include:
 Craft Center
 Climbing Wall
 Horseback Riding
 Ropes Course
Estes Park Village
Even though there is no need to leave our campus, Estes Park Village offers
many activities great for families. It is home to over 200 stores, galleries,
and restaurants. There is a scenic river walk, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks,
sculptures, and free summer entertainment. It is also home to the famous
Stanley Hotel, which offers historic tours for a fee that include going down
into the tunnels underneath the hotel. There is also a small museum on the
property.
In fact, there are a few museums in Estes:
 Dick’s Rock Museum
 Estes Park History Museum
 MacGregor Ranch Museum
And as if all this wasn’t enough, there is an Aerial Tramway that takes you to
the top of Prospect Mountain where there is an observation deck, gift shop,
and hiking trails.
There are also two beautiful golf courses (an 18-hole and 9-hole executive
course) on Estes Lake. There is even a winery and a brewery.
We have planned an afternoon and evening (or two) on our own to explore,
shop, and dine is Estes Park Village.
More information will be provided as we get closer to the trip.
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Estimated costs and Cancellation
The estimated cost of this trip will be $2,300 per person adult double
occupancy (single supplement $700), children (6-12) $800, and children
under 6 $575, plus airfare. This will include all lodging, park permits,
breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, rental vehicles, insurance, gas and
evacuation insurance. Airfare is not included but will cost approximately
$350-$500. Plan to bring about $200 per person for additional snacks and
personal spending money.
The approximate costs for the excursion are based on estimates for trip
expenses. The final cost of the trip will be adjusted in accordance with the
best arrangements the leaders can make. Any savings they achieve, as well
as any cost increase, will be returned or passed on to you.
Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing a
portion of the leader’s expenses, but not all of them. In accordance with AMC
rules, the leaders may not realize a profit from this excursion. Any unspent
funds resulting from negotiating better rates for lodging, local transportation,
etc. must be refunded to all the participants. The trip fee also includes an
AMC overhead cost covering the administrative expenses of offering Major
Excursions, including the trip’s publication in Outdoors and liability insurance.
A registration deposit of $400 is due with the application. You must also
submit the two Confidential Medical forms, and the signed Acknowledgement
and Assumption of Risk and Release form for the AMC. The rest of the
payment will be due on June 18, 2011 which is 60 days in advance of
departure. Please make check payable to the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Our cancellation policy is based on the precept that your cancellation shall
not raise the cost to any of the other participants or the leaders. Therefore, if
you cancel, we will refund any money you have paid, less any expenses
already incurred, or future expenses that will be incurred, that have been the
result of your registration and that cannot be avoided. Refunded money will
also be less a $50 cancellation fee. For the situation where the person can
not be replaced you may forfeit the entire trip fee. Hhowever, if you cancel
and the trip still realizes full participation, then any and all fees you have
paid will be refunded to you, in full, minus the cancellation fee. If you cancel
after your airline tickets have been purchased, you still own the ticket and
will be subject to the airline’s cancellation policy.
When registration is complete, we will send all participants the names,
addresses and phone numbers of those going on the trip. We will be using
email as our primary source of communication. If you prefer snail mail
and/or telephone communication, please note that on your registration form.
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If you have any questions, please call us so that we can discuss them. Our
numbers are: Steve & Heather DePaola at Heather@UnpackingSolutions.com
or 508-785-1977.
Experience and Risks
Physical & Mental Preparation
Taking the family on an adventure vacation is an exciting way to strengthen
family bonds. People wishing to participate in this trip must have previous
hiking experience. The family oriented hikes will proceed at a slow to
moderate pace with plenty of time for pictures and exploration. The longer
hikes will be at a moderate pace, and should not be attempted by people
who have not hiked for several years. Keep in mind that we will be at a
higher elevation than any of us are used to, and our tolerances will be lower.
You should be in good physical condition at the time we depart. Children
should either be small enough to be carried or be capable of keeping up with
the hikes as described. If they are to be carried, you must be in shape to
carry them and have experience.
When you participate in this activity you should be both physically and
mentally prepared and equipped with the appropriate gear. You should
always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. We
are not responsible for your safety: you are. Please expect us to inquire
about your hiking experience. If you have any questions about your
potential success on this trip, ask before filling out the application.
Being a Flexible Team Player
We will be more than just a group, we will be a team. Even though we may
offer two different hiking or cultural activities daily, you must enjoy being
part of the group, and will be expected to participate in most or all planned
group activities. There may be some free time, but for the most part we will
be together in one or two groups.
This is a family oriented trip, and everyone is expected to understand that all
families travel differently and have unique needs. Therefore flexibility and
patience are essential. If you cannot be flexible, patient, understanding,
helpful, and group-oriented then please do not sign-up for this trip.
Furthermore, every parent is expected to take complete responsibility for
their children at all times. The leaders and other participants do not expect
to baby-sit your children, though we certainly encourage members of the
group to share responsibilities where appropriate. If you cannot or will not
control your children or if you or they do not play well with others, then this
is not the trip for you. Please give careful consideration to these
concerns. Your flexibility is encouraged and appreciated!
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To facilitate our team development prior to the trip, we plan to schedule a
one or two pre-trip local hikes to get to know each other. Although not
required, this will be a great way to meet the leaders and other participants.
Wildlife
Elk bugling in the fall, bighorn sheep
lambing in the spring, coyotes howling,
and eagles soaring aloft - Rocky
Mountain National Park is one of
America's best places to see wildlife and
birds. Will you be sure to see bighorn
sheep? Maybe not, but while looking for
sheep you might catch sight of a coyote
or a hawk. That's the adventure of
watching animals in the wild instead of in
a zoo. We might also see deer, moose,
mountain lion, bears, coyote, fox,
marmots, picas, and all types of birds.
As in any park where wildlife is
abundant, we must be cautious and
respectful of the wildlife at all time. This
includes being “bear aware” and
understanding how to be safe in a wild
habitat. We will review proper “wildlife
etiquette” with the group during in a
future newsletter or while we are in the Park.
Weather
The average high temperature in August is 77 degrees, and the average low
is 45. But these averages don't reveal the high variance. It can snow in
town any summer month, but it won't last long. Outdoor swimming pools
must be heated to offset the nighttime cool-down. Temperatures at higher
elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park are colder; come prepared to
dress in layers. Precipitation averages 2.0 inches.
High variance is the only constant about the weather. There is not a single
month of the year which is historically snow-free. On the other hand, there
is not a single month in which they do not have picnic lunches on sunny
decks.
What to wear at this time of year? Layers, layers, layers. Sunny days, you'll
be in short sleeve shirts. Mornings and evenings outdoors, you'll add a
sweatshirt or light jacket. For trips around the National Park forget the
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sandals, take a sweatshirt, jacket, windbreaker. A cap and sunglasses are
good too.
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Vans, Luggage, and Child Equipment Rentals
We will be driving minivans. We will not have a tremendous amount of
luggage storage in the back, so please be conservative in your packing. A
medium size duffle and a daypack is all you will need since you do not have
to bring a sleeping bag or tent. There are laundry facilities available, so you
will have a chance to wash your clothes.
With strict luggage requirements and fees, one might consider renting
baby/toddler equipment, if needed. This option could make your traveling
easier and perhaps even save some money. We found these companies in
Estes Park with a simple Google search. Other options may be available.
The Happy Kid Traveling Company
Phone: 303-847-6403
www.happykidtraveling.com
Traveling Babies
Phone: 970-577-1277
www.travelingbabies.com
Equipment and Gear
Please carefully review the Recommended Clothing and Gear
List provided separately. There are some required items
(like sturdy hiking boots, non-cotton hiking clothing, and
waterproof outer layers) which you MUST have to join the
group hikes. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO HIKE IN
COTTON OR WITHOUT WATERPROOF JACKET AND
PANTS. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS ALLOWED.
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