Compare Continental Divide Loop by Colorado Wilderness Rides & Guides vs Sunsets & Southern Charms by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 1,315 | $ 1,579 |
| Price Per Day | $ 263 | $ 316 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
4 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners |
| Description |
This is the quintessential on-trail circular route along the Continental Divide Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. The day up to the divide increases the challenge but rewards backpackers with amazing views and spectacular alpine scenery. We’ll have the opportunity to take a day hike and summit an 12,000’ mountain or hike off trail along the continental divide. The locations will afford the opportunity to see wildlife such as moose and elk, and optionally fish in some of the local lakes and streams while taking in wide-open, majestic views. |
Experience the charms of the South by horse and carriage, tour the only tea plantation in North America, see pristine Antebellum Mansions up close, shop in markets that date to 1700s… and dine on unforgettable Low Country cuisine…these are all the ingredients for an unforgettable trip! |
Day 1: We meet in the early morning and drive 3-4 hours to Grand Lake on the Western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. This drive takes us on Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States. We start at the trailhead at an elevation of 8,800-feet. The trail then ascends several moderate to steep climbs before entering a series of meadows where elk and moose frequently graze. The trail then meanders through forests of Lodgepole and Ponderosa Pines and follows flowing rivers up to our sub-alpine campsite. This area is the best area of the park to see Moose. Elevation gain: 1810′. Distance: 9 miles and 6.5 hours. Camp Altitude: 10,000-11,000’.
Day 2: Starting in the subalpine zone, we hike up to the alpine zone on the Continental Divide. This day will afford us an opportunity to take a day hike up to the Continental Divide and experience some of the most amazing views high in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are three main options for days hikes: 1. Ascend Hallett’s Peak (12,713′), a 9.5 mile round-trip hike. 2. A circular off trail hike tracing the backbone of the Continental divide where we pass Haynach Lakes , traverse the continental divide to Cracktop Peak , follow the divide south past Sprague Mountain and then back to camp for 6-9 miles.3. An ascent of Mt Ida and/or Nakai Peak with day packs involving 6-9 miles hiking and some 3rd class scrambling. Camp Altitude: 10,000-11,000’.
Day 3: From the campsite, we follow a trail skirting Ptarmigan Pass and arriving at the top of Flattop Mountain, which sits 1 mile and 800 feet below the famed Hallett Peak. From here we descend and follow the trail to our campsite at the confluence of Ptarmigan Creek and North Inlet. While hiking we may spot bears, moose, elk, and bighorn sheep as well as a variety of birds. From this campsite, there are opportunities to explore peaks, alpine lakes, and waterfalls. Elevation gain: 2330′ and Elevation loss: 1610′. Hiking mileage: 7.4 miles. Altitude: 10,000-11,000’.
Day 4: This day will afford us an opportunity to explore the peaks and valleys below the Continental Divide and take a 7-9 mile day hike (with small day packs) into a secluded and beautiful valley.
Day 5: On day 5 we complete the loop by hiking approximately 8 miles (and 6.5 hours) back to the trailhead. We will skirt Grand Lake and get one last view of Green Mountain before making our way back to Boulder for the post-backpack celebration! Driving time 3-4 hours.
Day 1 - Arrive Charleston, SC
Today, depart on a journey south to enjoy a taste of southern hospitality. See the beautiful architecture and history that Charleston and Savannah are known for, and take in some beautiful southern sunsets! Transfer to the airport for your flight to Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Upon arrival in Charleston, we check into our hotel for the next two nights, the Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant. Tonight, dinner is included at Hyman’s Seafood Restaurant. (D)
Day 2 - Charleston
Today, after breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a guided tour of Charleston, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the south. Admire the beautiful architecture of the historic buildings and colorful houses throughout the city. The tour will conclude at the Charleston City Market to enjoy some free time and lunch on own. This afternoon, we will travel to Wadmalaw Island, where we enjoy a guided tour at the beautiful Charleston Tea Plantation, then we make a stop at the Deep Water Vineyard. While here, we enjoy a wine tasting of 9 different wines. After, it’s back to Charleston, where we will board The Spirit of Carolina for a dinner cruise! (B, D)
Day 3 - Savannah, GA
After breakfast, we’re off and out again, making our way to Beaufort, SC! Historic Beaufort, was founded in 1711, and stands strong as a living landmark, handcrafted from the storied history of the south. We will enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour of Beaufort, have time for lunch and to do some shopping before resuming our journey south to Savannah, GA. We check into the Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District, before dinner at Belford’s Seafood & Steak. (B, D)
Day 4 - Savannah
This morning, we meet our guide following breakfast for a full day of touring. Our travels include a visit to the Andrew Low House, former home of Juliette Magill Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of America, and Andrew Low himself. This afternoon, we stop at the Savannah City Market for lunch, on own, before our tour to the Atlantic Low Country and Tybee Island. This evening’s dinner is included at the Crab Shack on Tybee Island, followed by a relaxing sunset dolphin cruise. What a way to complete this wonderful tour!
(B, D)
Day 5 - Depart Savannah
Breakfast is included this morning, before we start making our way home and say our farewells to Georgia & South Carolina. We will be dropped off by our motor-coach at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport for the flight home. (B)
