Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park
Program Number:
4819RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/8/2012 - 7/13/2012
;
7/21/2013 - 7/26/2013
;
9/1/2013 - 9/6/2013
;
Duration:
5 nights
Location:
Estes Park, Colorado
Price starting at:
$995.00 -
Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type:
Walking/Hiking; National Parks; Natural History
Activity Level:
t (
see description
)
Meals:
13; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Meal Options:
Vegetarian
Experience a hiking adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park, home to emerald-tinted lakes and thick forests of the Continental Divide. Led by naturalist guides, hike the area's unique ecosystems and the heart of the National Park as you observe wildlife and majestic scenery. Travel past glistening streams and waterfalls and above the forests to a landscape opening to the barren moonscape of Mills Lake and the fragile treeless tundra of the Longs Peak massif. A special treat is a drive over Trail Ridge Road, America's highest continuous road at 12,100 feet, where herds of elk graze along the roadside.
Highlights
• Discover Rocky Mountain National Park’s pristine and less-traveled southern portion known as Wild Basin.
• Hike the headwaters of the Big Thompson River to Cub Lake and the amazing alpine glacial valleys Glacier Gorge and Loch Val.
• Hike Alpine road amongst elk herds and alpine tundra flowers, and Kawuneeche Valley, which is home to the park’s moose population.
Activity Particulars
Hiking 8-12 miles a day. Hiking elevations of 8,000-11,000 feet.
Coordinated by Mountains and Plains Institute.
Estes Park
In a high mountain valley 7,522 feet above sea level is Estes Park, a village once home to members of the Clovis culture that first crossed the Bering Strait land bridge into North America. Named for adventurer Joel Estes, the town is a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, a spectacular wilderness protected for millions to enjoy every year.
Accommodations
Comfortable motel with heated outdoor swimming pool.
Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Peter McCarville
Peter McCarville is a consulting geologist, geological instructor and educator who has lived in Colorado for 30 years — on the western slope since 1995. He also works as an instructor and program designer for Mountains and Plains Institute (MPILLS), leading hiking and skiing excursions, while making cameo appearances as a geology expert on other programs. He has a wonderful ability to convey complex natural history in layman's terms.
Meals and Lodgings
Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
Estes Park, CO
5 nights
Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
Type:
Motel
Description:
All 48 rooms are non-smoking, and no pets. They are always exceptionally clean, comfortable, and a great value. We are an older property, recently remodeled and well-maintained. We have a nice heated outdoor pool.
Contact info:
927 Moraine Avenue, US Hwy 36W
Estes Park, CO 80517 USA
phone: 970-586-4585
web:
www.alpinetrailridgeinn.com
Room amenities:
Wireless internet connection, balconies on rooms
Smoking allowed:
Yes
Additional nights prior:
Call for information Call for availibility and prices
Check in time:
3:00 PM
Additional nights after:
Call for information Call for availibility and prices
Check out time:
10:00 AM
Travel Details
Start of Program:
Arrive and check-in by 4:00 pm. Required orientation at 5:00 pm. You will be staying at
Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
that night.
End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast. Room check-out is 10:00 am. You will be staying at
Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
the night before.
Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Acknowledgement of Risk-Liability Waiver Form
Parking availability:
No charge
Transportation
To Start of Program
Location:
Estes Park, CO
Nearest city or town:
Loveland
Nearest highway:
US 34/36
Nearest airport:
Denver International Airport
From End of Program
Location:
Estes Park, CO
(
Additional transportation information same as above
)
Travel Details
Estes Park
From Airport
Service:
Commercial Van/Shuttle
See below
Advanced Reservations Required
Travel Time:
2.5
Distance:
100 miles
Denver International Airport (DEN) is closest airport. Commercial shuttle is Estes Park Shuttle, reservations required, 970-586-5151
Driving Directions
I 25 N/S to US 34/36 W
Estes Park is located approx. 30 miles west of Interstate 25 on US 34 or 45 miles Northwest of Boulder on US 36.
Elevation Note:
Estes Park is at 7,522 ft, hikes will be 8,000-11,000 ft.
Equipment Requirements:
Daypack, water bottles, good broken-in hiking boots, rain gear, layers for wind and cold, recommended list will be mailed.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
Daily Schedule
Day 1:
Safety Orientation/Introductions
(Sunday, July 8)
Arrive To:
Arrival and check-in by 4 pm. Required orientation at 5:00 pm.
Dinner:
Restaurant meal
Evening:
Introductions, planning for the week
Accommodations:
Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
Meals Included:
Dinner
Day 2:
(Monday, July 9)
Breakfast:
Restaurant meal
Morning:
Day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, routes selected will depend upon fitness of the group, and will allow for adjusting to altitude and difficulty as week progresses.
Lunch:
Picnic box lunch
Afternoon:
Continue morning hike, stop at visitor's center
Dinner:
Restaurant meal
Evening:
Free for reflection, relaxation
Accommodations:
Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3:
(Tuesday, July 10)
Breakfast:
Restaurant meal
Morning:
Day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, routes selected will depend upon fitness of the group, and will allow for adjusting to altitude and difficulty as week progresses.
Lunch:
Picnic box lunch
Afternoon:
Continue morning hike
Dinner:
Dinner on own to allow participants to enjoy downtown Estes Park and local restaurants on own
Evening:
Free for reflection, relaxation
Accommodations:
Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4:
(Wednesday, July 11)
Breakfast:
Restaurant meal
Morning:
Day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, routes selected will depend upon fitness of the group, and will allow for adjusting to altitude and difficulty as week progresses.
Lunch:
Picnic box lunch
Afternoon:
Continue morning hike, stop at Fall River Alpine Visitor's Center
Dinner:
Restaurant meal
Evening:
Free for reflection, relaxation
Accommodations:
Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
(Thursday, July 12)
Breakfast:
Restaurant meal
Morning:
Day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, routes selected will depend upon fitness of the group, and will allow for adjusting to altitude and difficulty as week progresses.
Lunch:
Picnic box lunch
Afternoon:
Continue morning hike
Dinner:
Restaurant meal
Evening:
Free for farewells, packing, relaxation
Accommodations:
Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
Departures
(Friday, July 13)
Depart From:
Independent departures after breakfast, end of program. Room check-out is 10:00 am.
Breakfast:
Restaurant meal
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.
As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.
Specifically, this program includes:
5 nights accommodations
13 meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 5
Expert-led lectures
Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 8
Field trips
The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Hands-on experiences: 8
Hands-on experiences
Learn by doing in these "hands-on" activities directed by an expert.
Plus these special experiences...
Discover on foot the alpine majesty of Rocky Mountain National Park including the pristine and less traveled southern portion known as Wild Basin.
Hike the headwaters of the Big Thompson River to Cub Lake and the amazing alpine glacial valleys Glacier Gorge and Loch Val.
Travel the longest stretch of Alpine road (Trail Ridge Road) hiking amongst elk herds and alpine tundra flowers.
Hike the Kawuneeche Valley which is home to the park’s moose population and is the headwaters of the Colorado River.
View the Daily Schedule to see more
And included with all Road Scholar programs:
Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes
© Road Scholar 2013
|
Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768