Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking & Walking Tour
Rugged Peaks, Emerald Lakes & Wildlife
Experience the Rockies on foot, through alpine trails and past tranquil lakes to cozy mountain retreats surrounded by dramatic Colorado wilderness.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $3,499 - $3,549/person
Saved
Save
Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Be immersed in pine forests and alpine meadows, follow scenic trails and pause at spectacular viewpoints in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Look for mule deer, golden eagles, moose and elk along rugged trails with panoramic views of the Continental Divide
- Stay at welcoming mountain lodges and enjoy fireside lounges and fresh mountain air surrounded by alpine peaks
- Explore the mountain towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake and browse their local artisan shops and cozy cafés with scenic mountain views
- Walk past alpine lakes and jagged peaks and see some of the Rockies’ most breathtaking and dramatic natural landscapes
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Denver Airport & Travel Details
- Hike through the massive granite spires of Lumpy Ridge
- Pause at Gem Lake and take in sweeping views of Estes Park, Longs Peak and the Continental Divide
- Wind your way through evergreen forest and discover Bear, Dream and Emerald Lakes
- Hike to Alberta Falls, where water tumbles over granite ledges in a serene alpine forest
- Explore the mountain town of Estes Park with dinner on your own, keeping an eye out for local elk visitors.
Nights 1-2
Casual Hotel
Refresh yourself after a day of adventure at this reimagined 1950s motor lodge on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Travel along the scenic Trail Ridge Road, cresting at 12,183 feet above sea level, and stop at overlooks to take in high-alpine tundra and timberline
- Cross the Continental Divide, then hike alongside the mighty Colorado River to Rocky Mountain headwaters
- Follow the North Inlet Trail through meadows and forests to Cascade Falls, a 40-foot cascade rushing through granite
- Take a pontoon cruise across Grand Lake, listening to stories of its history and the grand homes along its shores as the sun sets behind the peaks
- Take a final hike through pine forest and wildflower meadows to Adams Falls, where water tumbles 55 feet through a rocky gorge
- Continue past the falls to wide-open meadows with views of Mount Craig.
Nights 3-4
Casual Hotel
A century-old, thoughtfully updated mountain retreat with classic log cabins surrounded by the grandeur of the Rockies. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Denver Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
