RMNP
Backpacking Trip
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Big City
Mountaineers
We're partnering with Big City Mountaineers for this August 17th - 19th backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park! Join us on this two-night trip as part of their Adventure For Someone program. 10% of proceeds from this trip will go directly to Big City Mountaineers.
This trip starts at East Inlet trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park near Grand Lake, CO. This area is known for its alpine lakes and wildlife sightings.
Hiking Itinerary
The day before your hiking trip, your RMHC backpacking guide will contact you to double-check you have everything you need to make your adventure as enjoyable as possible.
Day 1, August 17th (5.5 Miles): We'll meet at the East Inlet Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park at 8 am and begin our 5-mile hike to the Gray Jay campground - which is located on an island! We'll set up camp and enjoy dinner and dessert surrounded by water.
Day 2, August 18th (6 - 8 Miles): The morning will start off with a mountain breakfast and hot beverage, and then we will begin our day hike to Lone Pine Lake, Lake Verna, and Spirit Lake. We'll also have the option of hiking to fourth and fifth lakes. We'll be leaving all of our gear behind for this hiking adventure so that we can fully enjoy everything the hike has to offer, without carrying extra weight. The hike to Lone Pine Lake is under 1 mile from our basecamp, Lake Verna is 2 miles one-way from camp and sits at an elevation of 10,300 feet, and Spirit Lake (also at 10,300 feet) is 3 miles one-way from camp. We'll enjoy lunch near one of these lakes and soak our feet in the alpine water. We'll then have the option of continuing to Fourth and Fifth lakes (if weather allows), which are approximately 4 miles one-way from camp. After our hike to the lakes, we'll make our way back to our campsite.
Day 3, August 19th (6 Miles): After waking up, we'll head over to Lone Pine Lake to have coffee, tea, and breakfast. Then we'll pack up and hike back to the trailhead.
A Note On Altitude
We recommend arriving in Denver and/or Grand Lake, CO a few days before your trip, as this backpacking trip is high altitude and will range from 9,000 to 10,000+ feet.
What's Included
- All meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners)
- Snacks for 3 days
- Coffee and tea
- Bear canister
- Two Expert Guides, Certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR
- Detailed list of what to bring
- Rocky Mountain National Park Entry Permit and Wilderness Campsite permit
- 2-way GPS communication
- First aid kit
- Communication between you and your guide(s) from the moment the trip is booked to when you arrive in Colorado. We are available to answer any and all questions leading up to your trip.
Gear can be provided at an additional cost for this backpacking trip.
Cost
$750 per person
Capacity: Up to 6 people
This trip requires 3 people for it to run
10% of proceeds from this trip will go directly to Big City Mountaineers.
Book This Trip
To book this two-night backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park, select "Add To Cart" or email us at the below and a member of our team will be in touch to make your trip reservation.
About Big City Mountaineers
Big City Mountaineers provides free, fully outfitted, and professionally led outdoor and backcountry trips to youth ages 12 to 18. Their trips give youth the opportunity to connect with nature and strengthen their communities, skills, and resilience. They engage young people in five regions areas across the country, including Colorado, New England, Minnesota, San Francisco Bay Area, and the Pacific Northwest. Learn more here.
Cancellation Policy
Payment in full is required to book this trip. Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hikes canceled 6 weeks before the trip: Full refund (minus 15% fee). Hikes canceled between 4 and 6 weeks before trip: 50% refund (minus 15% fee). Within 48 hours, a refund will only be offered if Rocky Mountain Hiking Company cancels the basecamp backpacking trip due to severe weather. We hike rain or shine.
We hike rain or shine!
If your guide does an exceptional job, please feel free to show your appreciation with a tip. Industry-standard gratuity for a guided backpacking trip is 15-20% of the trip price.
Our trip itinerary is subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
RMNP Backpacking Trip: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own gear to this backpacking trip?
We can provide camping and hiking gear to you for an additional cost during your Rocky Mountain National Park basecamp backpacking trip. Of course, if you have your own gear and prefer to use that, you definitely can!
How many miles will we hike each day?
The number of miles you'll hike each day on this guided backpacking trip will range from 5.5 miles to 8 miles.
Where do we meet?
We'll meet at the East Inlet trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park near Grand Lake, CO. This is approximately a 2-hour drive from Denver, CO.
Do I need to bring food for this Rocky Mountain National Park backpacking trip?
We provide all your meals (and snacks) for this Rocky Mountain National Park guided backpacking trip! Examples of food consist of instant oatmeal, dried fruit, nuts, dehydrated meals, and much more. We also provide pour-over coffee and tea for breakfast. Our team is more than happy to accommodate any dietary preferences during your basecamp backpacking trip.
How do I know what to pack for this Rocky Mountain National Park backpacking trip?
We'll provide you with a complete list of what to pack for your basecamp backpacking experience once you book your trip. We're also available to answer any specific questions leading up to your basecamp backpacking trip to ensure you have everything you need to have a comfortable adventure. We do our best to place an emphasis on keeping your pack weight light since in our years of experience, we've learned that carrying 10 to 20 pounds is much more enjoyable than 40 pounds.
What happens if it rains during this backpacking trip?
We hike and backpack rain or shine! If we decide the conditions are not safe, we will cancel the trip and give you the choice of a full refund or a new trip. Our trip itinerary is subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen circumstances.