Adventures in the Rockies 6 Days
Adventures in the Rockies On this action-filled adventure, experience two different sides to the Rockies on the western side, discover hidden gems that few visitors get to see, and on the eastern side find the awe-inspiring views and hikes that made this region famous. The landscape is a nonstop photo op, with alpine tundra, expansive meadows, deep forests, jagged peaks, and permanent snowfields. Spot plenty of wildlife, with luck including moose, bighorn sheep, eagles, and elk. Our knowledgeable guides take care of everything, while you relax, have fun, and enjoy a vacation to remember. Details Testimonials Arrive: Denver, Colorado Depart: Denver, Colorado Duration: 6 Days Group Size: 4-12 Guests Minimum Age: 10 Years Old Activity Level: Level 3. I've taken six MTS trips and they have all exceeded my expectations. The staff, the food, the logistics and the communications have always been exceptional. Thank you for being my "go to" adventure travel company! Margaret I. I have traveled extensively around the world. The experience with MTS was by far the best I have ever had. Thank you for such excellence. Marianne W.
REASON #01 REASON #02 REASON #03 Knowledgeable MT Sobek guides lead all the journey's activities through the wilderness, including hiking, rafting, wildlife encounters, and scenic drives. This expedition covers the best of both western and eastern sides of the Rockies, including classic trails and hidden gems. MT Sobek's legacy of preservation and protection enables us to operate over 30 Global National Park adventures. ACTIVITIES LODGING CLIMATE Miles of scenic hikes, fun rafting, and marvelous drives along alpine tundra, lush forests, breathtaking canyons, and valleys home to magnificent wildlife. Character-filled mountain retreats, in rustic cabins perched at 8,369 feet and inside comfortable hotels with old-world charm. Weather can be quite variable in the summer months, but temperatures usually range from 70 F to 80 F in daytime, and 35 F to 50 F at night. Tim grew up in Taos, New Mexico where he spent 35 years working as a whitewater raft guide, ski instructor, bar manager and sous chef. He also spent 10 years as a wine buyer for a premier ski lodge, where he developed an appreciation for and a vast knowledge of a variety of fine wines. In addition, Tim has a passion for cycling, rock climbing and backpacking adventures and is an avid reader. He is certified as a Wilderness First Responder and Swift Water Rescue Technician. When not leading tours he can often be found exploring ruins and cliff dwellings throughout the Southwest or spending a relaxing day near the beach. His extensive experience in hotels and restaurants comes in handy when preparing a picnic lunch, a camp dinner or selecting a bottle of wine. However, most guests remember Tim for his vast knowledge of the Southwest, his witty humor and cleverly placed jokes. Tim Dice Bethany Cava
Itinerary DAY 1 ARRIVE IN THE HEART OF THE ROCKIES Kick off the adventure in Denver with a brief orientation before heading west into the Rockies. Travel though historic mining towns, over the Continental Divide, and to the lovely town of Grand Lake. Stop at the Kawanuchee Visitor Center before entering Rocky Mountain National Park for a pleasant picnic lunch alongside the Upper Colorado River. After lunch, spend the afternoon hiking to Big Meadow, taking in gorgeous views and spotting deer, elk, or moose. Check into the lodge, enjoy a tasty dinner, and take a stroll through town. Activity: 2 hours/3.6 miles hiking Meals: (L) /(D) DAY 2 HIKE TO LONE PINE LAKE After breakfast, depart for a scenic hike along the East Inlet to Lone Pine Lake. Described by one of the wilderness rangers as 'the most beautiful valley in the park,' the East Inlet is a combination of wide-open valleys, wooded areas, and giant granite shelves. Stop along the way at Lone Pine Lake for a picnic lunch before the return trip. Finish the day with a wildlife drive through the Kawuneeches Valley, home to many moose, elk, and coyotes. Be sure to bring a camera! Activity: 4 5 hours/10.5 miles hiking & 2 hour scenic drive Meals: (B) / (L) /(D) DAY 3 RAFT THE COLORADO RIVER This morning, venture west through classic Colorado ranch land and over the Gore Range to the put-in for the rafting adventure on the famous Colorado River. Floating 11.5 miles downstream, pass through Little Gore Canyon and Red Canyon, likely spotting magnificent bald eagles looking to score a meal of river trout. With a little luck, see river otters, mink, or bighorn sheep along the way. With numerous Class II and III rapids, this section of the Colorado River provides a perfect blend of scenic floating and thrilling whitewater action. Activity: 3 4 hours/11.5 miles rafting & 4 hour scenic drive Meals: (B) / (L) /(D) DAY 4 TAKE A SCENIC ROCKY MOUNTAIN DRIVE This morning, take one of the most beautiful drives in North America while crossing up and over the Continental Divide. Our first stop is the Alpine Visitor Center, at an elevation of nearly 12,000'. From there, walk in the footsteps of Native Americans on a 4-mile hike along Tombstone Ridge on the Ute Trail. Enjoy spectacular views
of Long's Peak, Forest Canyon, and alpine tundra. Afterwards, descend into the eastern side of the park to The Ridgeline Hotel, a short walk from Estes Park. Activity: 3 4 hours/4-6 miles hiking at elevation above 11,000' & 2 hour scenic drive Meals: (B) / (L) /(D) DAY 5 HIKE CLASSIC ALPINE LAKE TRAILS Today's hike features four classic alpine lakes. Start at Bear Lake Trailhead, and hike past the stunning Nymph, Dream, and Haiyaha lakes. Stop for lunch at The Loch, a beautiful subalpine lake situated at 10,190' and located within one of the most studied watersheds in the world. Completing our loop hike, we'll pass by the lovely Alberta Falls on our way to the trailhead. At the end of the day, gather for a well-earned farewell dinner at the elegant Cascades Restaurant at the historic Stanley Hotel. Activity: 4 5 hours/8 miles hiking above 10,000' Meals: (B) / (L) /(D) DAY 6 ENJOY A SUNRISE HIKE BEFORE RETURNING TO DENVER Meet for an optional sunrise stroll at Sprague Lake, to watch the sun illuminate the peaks and cirques of Rocky Mountain National Park while enjoying snacks and hot drinks. Gather for a full breakfast before checking out of the hotel. Drive south to the Wild Basin trailhead for a hike to Copeland Falls, and Calypso Cascades, and head down a narrow canyon for lunch in Lyons. Make the final drive for a drop-off at the host hotel or at Denver International Airport. Activity: 2 3 hours/4.6-mile hiking & 2 hour scenic drive Meals: (B) / (L)
Jul 14-19, 2019 Aug 4-9, 2019 Sep 8-13, 2019
2019 $ 3,595 per person Additional Cost $ 750 Single Supplement PRICE INCLUDES Expert leadership from experienced adventure guides Accommodations as noted in the itinerary Meals as noted in the daily itinerary Potable water and snacks throughout 1 glass of wine or beer at dinner All tips and gratuities for support staff with the exception of your lead adventure guide(s) All necessary rafting gear All group entrance fees, activities, and ground transportation Departure day group airport transfers PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE International airfare, any airport taxes, or excess baggage charges Optional tips to your lead adventure guides Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, phone calls, laundry, or souvenirs Arrival airport transfers and departure transfers outside of Day 6 Optional travel protection