Compare Rocky Mountains Backpacking – North Inlet by REI Adventures vs Wild Southwest USA by Culture Trip

Day 1: Meet at Denver REI for orientation before heading to the national park.

Our trip begins today at 1pm 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 last minute items. Be sure to bring your pack and gear, as we will depart in our van from here. Following a scenic drive up and over the Continental Divide to our site in the Rockies we pitch our camp. After the tents are erected, we will 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. Camp dinner and all camping fees are included tonight.

Day 2: Backpack to a remote, wooded site near North Inlet where our campsite awaits.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Backpacking: 7 miles; elevation gain: 800'.

We depart our camp after breakfast for a short drive to our starting point on the shores of Grand Lake on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Beginning at an elevation approximately 8500', we make our way into the park's backcountry where lush meadows lead to soaring peaks. Civilization is just a few miles away, but we might as well have stepped back in time and fallen in stride with the explorers of yesteryear. We stride along the rocky trails that follow the course of this glacial valley, stopping often to soak in the views of our new home. As you walk, be sure to visually inspect every meadow and rocky out cropping as this area abounds with moose, elk, and the comical and entertaining marmot. Our destination today are the pines near a lively stream where the jagged peaks and pine ridges frame the sky where the clean air and soft, natural sounds welcome us to our home for the next two nights.

Day 3: Hike up the side of the valley to stunning overlooks and two alpine lakes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Hiking: 8 to 10 miles with multiple options; elevation gain: 2,000 to 2,600'.

Today, wearing only light day packs, we explore the Park's array of natural destinations. Fantastic manifestations of geological history and current processes of nature await us around every bend or rise in the trail, impressive treasures we enjoy mostly alone; we can relish not having to fight tourists fumbling with cameras to capture the stunning beauty. We'll explore beautiful alpine lakes nestled in mountain cirques, delighting in taking a less-traveled path. Despite the grandeur of your surroundings, take time to examine the intricate details of this harsh alpine environment, from the colorful lichen, wildflowers and cute pika seeking out a life here, to the evidence of powerful winter avalanches. Tonight we return to the same camp for another great meal and evening under the stars. Those with an interest in fishing can try their luck next to camp in a creek teeming with cutthroat trout (licenses and equipment not provided).

Day 4: Backpack through a glacial valley and drive Trail Ridge Road.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Backpacking: 7 miles; elevation loss: 800'.

Wake up to the quietness our mountain hideaway offers, and savor a few moments over a steaming cup of coffee as the dew dries and steams in the morning sun. After breaking camp, we once again tread through the ancient glacial valley following the free flowing water that will eventually find its way into homes throughout the western United States—we have been camping and exploring in the literal birthplace of the mighty Colorado River. Arriving at the trailhead does not mean the trip is over as we take a different route back to Denver across the Rockies on Trail Ridge Road. 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. The glory of Rocky Mountain National Park unfolds for us, beckoning to us for further exploration. 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.

DAY 1

Welcome to Denver, Colorado

On arrival in Denver, you’ll be greeted by our Local Insider who will accompany you throughout the trip. Meet your fellow travellers at 6pm and spend the evening mingling at an authentic Denver brewpub, where dinner and a selection of local beers will be served.

ACCOMMODATION

• The Curtis

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Welcome dinner

DAY 2

Transforming landscapes and hiking in Arches National Park, Utah

The adventure really begins on Day 2, as you journey from the American plains and across the Colorado Rockies, where you’ll stop off for wine tasting in Grand Junction. Continuing on, watch the landscape transform from sky-grazing granite peaks into the canyonlands of Utah. You’ll be staying in Moab, gateway to the Arches National Park. Spend the afternoon hiking to the Delicate Arch, where you’ll tuck into burritos as you watch the sun set over the desert. Bed down in a hotel overlooking the Colorado River later that evening.

ACCOMMODATION

• Red Cliffs Lodge

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Wine tasting
• Arches Park Avenue walk
• Delicate Arch sunset hike

DAY 3

Rafting the Colorado River and off-roading in Moab

After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, you’ll spend the morning rafting the Colorado River. There are no rapids in this part of the waterway, so expect a calm trip with ample time to marvel at the red-rock scenery. Following a river swim, you can opt between hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and canyoneering back in the national park or exploring downtown Moab instead. Come nightfall, take an off-road Hummer tour through the surrounding slickrock to really experience Utah.

ACCOMMODATION

• Red Cliffs Lodge

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Rafting on the Colorado River

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Sunset Hummer tour
• Hiking
• Mountain biking
• Horse riding
• Canyoneering

DAY 4

Devil’s Garden and Dead Horse Point State Park

Receive a sunrise wake-up call to beat the desert heat on your early hike in Arches National Park. You’ll be taking the Devil’s Garden route, which leads past the Landscape Arch, the longest naturally formed stone arch in the world. There will also be a chance to go wild swimming here. After exploring, you’ll head back to Moab for downtime in the hotel pool and hot tub before driving to Dead Horse Point State Park. Watch the sun set over Canyonlands National Park, a bucket list-worthy sight.

ACCOMMODATION

• Red Cliffs Lodge

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Devil’s Garden sunrise hike
• Dead Horse Point State Park sunset hike

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Horseback ride

DAY 5

Steamboat Springs and soaking under the stars

It’s back over the border to Colorado today; the pretty alpine village of Steamboat Springs is your destination. On the way, you’ll stop for lunch in the quiet town of Rifle before continuing into the Colorado Rockies. Take some time to explore downtown Steamboat before heading into the mountains for a soak at Strawberry Hot Springs. Tucked amid a pine forest, these natural thermal pools are the perfect vantage point to stargaze come nightfall.

ACCOMMODATION

• Residence Inn

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Strawberry Hot Springs entry

DAY 6

Hike Rocky Mountain National Park

You’ll be making your way into the Rocky Mountain National Park this morning, traversing the Trail Ridge Road which stretches up to 12,000ft (3,658m) above sea level. Expect magnificent vistas along this route – and keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats, elk and black bears on the way. Inhale fresh mountain air while enjoying a picnic lunch, combined with a short walk along the Tundra Communities Trail. You’ll then continue on to the mountain town of Estes Park, where you’ll spend the next two nights.

ACCOMMODATION

• Hotel Estes

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Trail Ridge Road scenic drive

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Guided Tundra Communities Trail hike

DAY 7

Swimming in Bear Lake and cocktails at Stanley Hotel

Your last full day sees you hike the Bear Lake trailhead, which is dotted with picturesque waterfalls. There are easy, moderate and challenging routes from which to choose – and don’t forget your swimsuit as there might be an alpine lake you can’t resist along the way. Later, movie buffs will be in their element as cocktails are served at the supposedly haunted Stanley Hotel, famous for its appearance in the film The Shining (1980). Dinner tonight comes courtesy of the food trucks at The Barrel; regulars include a lobster shack, waffle lab and wood-fired pizza van.

ACCOMMODATION

• Hotel Estes

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Guided hike from Bear Lake trailhead
• Farewell dinner

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Cocktails at Stanley Hotel

DAY 8

Return to Denver with a Boulder detour

There’s a short drive back to Denver today, but not before stopping at the mountain community of Boulder for lunch. Here, you’ll have a few hours of free time to visit one of the best farmer’s markets in the United States, pop into a local brewery and browse shops along historic Pearl Street. You’ll also swing by the famed Red Rock Amphitheatre – which has seen the Beatles, Stevie Nicks and U2 grace its stage – before returning to Denver and saying your final goodbyes to the group at 4pm.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Red Rock Amphitheatre visit