Compare Rocky Mountains Backpacking – North Inlet by REI Adventures vs American Parks Trail 2022 End Denver Classic Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 4 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 999 | $ 3,989 |
| Price Per Day | $ 250 | $ 443 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included |
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 2 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
Spend four days backpacking amongst the majestic Rocky Mountains. A backpacking trip through the Rocky Mountains is the perfect way to relax and recharge the soul. Our journey takes us from cascading creeks to towering peaks, instilling us with a sense of amazement and rejuvenation. As each step carries us deeper into the wilderness, we take time to drink in our surroundings and discover the natural wonders of the Rockies. |
Experience the rugged and wild West during this 9-Day tour. Start in Salt Lake City from where you will continue to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park, where you will walk beside the rainbow hot springs and watch Old Faithful spew water more than 120 feet into the air. In Cody, see a firearms collection at the Buffalo Bill Centre. Travel to Devils Tower, a butte of igneous rock jutting from the craggy Black Hills mountains. Visit Badlands National Park, a hidden gem in the national park system, then head to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where the visages of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt are carved into the mountainside. And ascend 563 feet to the top of Crazy Horse Memorial, named for the Lakota warrior, and stand face-to-face with the world’s largest mountain carving. |
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: Arrive Salt Lake City
Welcome to Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. Situated between Wasatch Range and the Great Salt Lake, this mountainous city is perfect for outdoorsy types, with a strong focus on skiing and fishing. At 18:00, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with wine, where you will meet your fellow guests. If time permits, visit Temple Square and the State Capitol.
Day 2: Jackson and the Tetons
Before leaving Salt Lake City, take in the State Capitol building. Drive along the scenic Logan Canyon, over the Wasatch Mountain Range, and up to the Bear Lake Summit. Stop for lunch at Garden City, Utah while enjoying views of the beautiful turquoise waters of Bear Lake. You will then head north across the Oregon Trail to historic Jackson. Have your cameras ready for the famous elk antlers the central square, while eager shoppers will find a number of charming traditional boutique galleries to browse. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, with your hotel located only a short walk away from Jackson's Town Square.
Day 3: Yellowstone National Park
Wake up to a mountainous view like no other and witness the striking Grand Tetons thrust skyward 6,562 feet (2,000 metres) from the valley floor. This morning, you have the opportunity to partake in an optional scenic float (8) down the Snake River inside Grand Teton National Park. In keeping with today’s rustic country charm, you’ll enter Yellowstone, the world’s first National Park. Known for its unique geothermal activity, spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife, you’ll experience Wyoming in all its glory. Keep an eye out for black bears or wolves. Tonight you’ll stay in the National Park Lodges, allowing you to experience the park after hours, in its natural habitat.
Day 4: Geysers and Colourful Mudpots Relaxed Start
Savour the surreal surroundings of Yellowstone with a relaxed start. Walk among the rainbow tinted hot springs and watch the erupting geysers as you take in the history of the park on an informative stroll with your Travel Director. Catch the renowned colourful bubbling mud pots and observe Old Faithful geyser shooting water over 120 feet (37 metres) into the air. In the afternoon, enjoy the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone as you take in stunning natural wonders. While driving through Hayden Valley, famous for its wildlife, keep an eye out for wolves, bears, elk and hundreds of bison. The rest of the evening is at leisure for you to relax.
Day 5: The Ranch at Ucross Relaxed Start
Set off on your travels through the stark Shoshone Canyon and Absaroka Rocky Mountains, leading you to the Wild West Town of Cody. Channel your inner showman and learn more about America’s great Western legends at the Buffalo Bill Centre, known for its Western art collection, firearms, and natural history. Travel through the Bighorn National Forest to the Ranch at UCross. Take in the rustic charm as you're hosted at a traditional Wyoming Family ranch. Start off the evening with a cocktail hour in the historic Ranch House bar. After a home-cooked dinner, enjoy a fire pit with live entertainment, including country, folk and bluegrass music.
Day 6: Devils Tower into the Black Hills Relaxed Start
Live the American frontier dream and begin your day with a scenic country horseback ride accompanied by a Ranch Hand. If playing cowboy isn’t your thing, perhaps go fishing or merely relax and take in your beautiful surroundings, the choice is yours. Make your way to Devils Tower, an astounding geological feature that protrudes out of the surrounding the Black Hills. This symbolic landmark is considered sacred to the Lakota and other tribes. Experience Spearfish Canyon, a favoured spot among wildlife enthusiasts and one famous for its elvish woodland beauty. The limestone palisades of this creek-carved gorge are more ancient than the Grand Canyon itself.
Day 7: Custer and the Wild, Wild West
A day for those looking to explore the Wild West, try to spotting the fastest mammal in North America, the pronghorn antelope as you cross the great high plains to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Once in Deadwood, you’ll have the opportunity to join Kevin Costner’s Original Deadwood Tour. A Local Expert will tell you tales of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, who made this once lawless town famous during the Gold Rush of the 1870s. Continue on to Custer State Park, renowned for its beautiful landscape and abundant wildlife.
Day 8: Mountain Monuments of the Black Hills Relaxed Start
Travel to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Here, carvings of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt overlook the landscape. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Crazy Horse Memorial- the world's largest mountain carving created in honour of the Lakota warrior. Curated with a with a view to help protect and continue the living heritage of the Native Americans, this experience details how the memorial was carved from land sacred to the tribes. With exclusive access not available to the general public, guests ascend 563 feet (172 metres) and have the opportunity to face the monument up close.Join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a Celebration Dinner with wine, as you reflect on your adventure across the wide-open spaces of America's national parks.
Day 9: Depart Denver
Travel south from Custer State Park where your trip ends on arrival in Denver. A transfer is available to Denver International Airport. Airport arrival in Denver will be at 16:30.
