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Trip itinerary
DAY 1
Meet at Denver REI for orientation before heading to the national park
Our trip begins this afternoon at REI's Denver store. Here we meet our guides and fellow travelers, have a chance to go over the gear list and pick up any lastminute items. Be sure to bring your pack and gear, as we will depart in our van from here. Following a scenic drive from bustling Denver to the pristine valleys
of Rocky Mountain National Park, we pitch our camp among the pines. Once the tents are up we gather for a rundown of the trip itinerary, distribution of
group items, gear check, as well as packing tips and demonstration. While the guides prepare dinner, we get to know each other in eager anticipation of our
adventure. After a delicious dinner we set off on a short sunset hike to explore Sprague Lake. Camp dinner and all camping fees are included tonight.
Transfer: 2 hours, Hiking: 1.8 miles; minimal elevation gain/loss
DAY 2
Backpack up a valley to a mountainside bench where our campsite awaits
We depart our camp after breakfast for an iconic drive to the start of our backpacking adventure. Our drive takes us up and across the Rockies on Trail Ridge
Road, nicknamed the Highway in the Sky. Stunning vistas of glacier valleys, Longs Peak, and immense alpine tundra fields open up as we savor every bend in
this famous highway. Herds of elk, distant lakes, and endless views unfold along the way. We reach the trailhead at an elevation of 8,400' and start our hike by
going past Adams Falls and along the East Inlet into the park's backcountry. After a brief period of rolling wooded hills, the trail overlooks a pristine meadow
with a crystal-clear creek winding through the tall grass. In the distance, high peaks and cliffs frame the valley we will explore. Keep your eyes open for the
plentiful wildlife that lives in this pristine area. At our lunch stop we are rewarded with incredible views down the valley and of Grand Lake, Colorado's largest
natural lake. The trail alternates between climbing up large rock bands and gentle stretches along the stream in a series of giant stairs before reaching our
campsite situated in a gentle bend in the river. All meals included.
Transfer: 1.5 hours, Backpacking: 5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +1791' / -408'
DAY 3
Day hike to a series of alpine lakes, each one more stunning than the last
Today, with only the weight of our daypacks, we have options for all levels. Just a short distance up the trail is Lone Pine Lake, the first of five lakes accessible
from our base camp. Weather and fitness levels permitting; it is possible to continue all the way to Fifth Lake, perched across a boulder field at an elevation of
11,000' above sea level. On the slopes of nearby Mount Alice look for a resident herd of bighorn sheep that come for the rich grazing and unique mineral
deposits. Fantastic displays of wildflowers, rising trout, and a parade of peaks, crags and cirques greet us along the trail. Those with an interest in fishing can
try their luck in the lakes and creek for trout (licenses and equipment not provided). In the afternoon we return to our same spacious camp. While the guides
prepare another tasty backcountry meal, take advantage of the large plunge pool next to camp for a refreshing dip or soothing foot soak before dinner. At
night, this site is perfectly situated for awesome stargazing! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Hiking: 7-9 miles with multiple options, Elevation gain/loss: Up to +/- 1700'
DAY 4
Backpack down to Grand Lake and return to Denver
Wake up to the soft murmur of the mountain stream and the serenade of songbirds. Take a last stroll to nearby Lone Pine Lake before enjoying a hot breakfast
and coffee. After we break down camp and pack our packs, we head towards the trailhead. It is a whole new trail as we descend and perhaps see moose
feeding among the willows. Arriving at the trailhead, we enjoy a picnic lunch near beautiful Grand Lake before setting off to Denver. We arrive back to Denver
around 6pm where we bid our farewells to our newfound friends. If flying out tonight, flights out of Denver shouldn't be made earlier than 8pm. Breakfast and
lunch included.
Transfer: 2.5 hours, Backpacking: 5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +408' / -1790'
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather
and terrain conditions. This trip is operated rain or shine.
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REI is a registered seller of travel in the following states: Washington (WST 578027004); Iowa (784); California (CST 2076080-50). Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute
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