Rocky Mountain National Park Family Adventure

Overview

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park through a variety of adventurous and family-friendly activities such as whitewater rafting, hiking, and rock climbing. Experience the thrill of camping under the stars and in the shadows of mountain peaks with your stay at Glacier Basin Campground near Estes Park. This adventure offers something for the entire family and serves as the perfect introduction to the wonders of one of America’s top five most-visited national parks.

Sample Itinerary

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Arrive at Glacier Basin group campground in Estes Park, meet your trip mates, and start to set up camp. Learn about the surrounding areas, review safety guidelines, and organize gear. After your first dinner together, gather around a campfire for s’mores.

Start the day with breakfast before setting off on a hike through the park. Enjoy views of mountains, meadows, and lakes along the way. Stop for lunch at a picnic shelter before heading to the park’s visitor center. In the afternoon, take a short but scenic hike (at Emerald Lake or Lake Hiyaha) before returning to the campground for dinner. Following a delicious meal, gather around the campfire for s'mores!

Start the morning early with a hearty breakfast at your campsite, then set out for an adventure-filled day of rock climbing in the park. You’ll receive expert climbing instruction and be fitted with all the necessary equipment that will allow you to challenge yourself to new heights and views. Routes of varying difficulty will be set up by your local AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) certified guides. With tired arms and legs but filled up by the day’s adventures, enjoy a chill evening in camp with your trip mates.

For your last full day in the park, get up and at ‘em! Fuel up with an early breakfast at camp and head out for an unforgettable day on the river. Enjoy the breathtaking views the park has to offer through the lens of the Colorado River. You’ll be guided through 12 miles of the river by a local guiding company, where you’ll encounter the thrill of Class 2 & 3 rapids. Lunch will be provided by the outfitter and served on the water in a buffet style! After the day trip has ended, head back towards camp, but stop at a local restaurant for dinner. Finally, enjoy your last night in the Park around a campfire with your trip mates.

Pack up and say goodbye to both your trip mates and Wilderness Inquiry guides — you’re headed home today!

Dates & Fees

Wilderness Inquiry leads trips to this area, but currently has no dates scheduled for this itinerary. If you have a group of people interested, we can set up a customized adventure just for you! Please contact us or request a trip quote below if you are interested in a group trip to this destination.

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What to Expect

TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: A good portion of this trip will be spent doing engaging activities outside, such as rock climbing, rafting or hiking. Each day’s itinerary is built out to give you the most memorable experience possible. But don’t worry, we didn’t forget to also include some decompression and relaxation time around the fire at the end of the day!

TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: During the trip you will take a Wilderness Inquiry shuttle van from activity to activity. There should be a good chance for everyone to get their steps in around the park on the trip. Hikes in the park will most likely not exceed 8 miles in length, due to the focus on other activities.

WEATHER: Weather should be absolutely beautiful this time of year, fluctuating between mid 60’s at night into the 80’s during the day. You will be at elevation, which can sometimes lead to cooler temperatures at night, so pack accordingly.

YOUR GROUP: The group size ranges from 6 to 12 participants, plus 2 Wilderness Inquiry guides. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities, including people with disabilities. Our trips are cooperative adventures and people pitch in with camp chores as they are able.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Sleep under the stars in a tent and take in the beautiful views of the Rockies at Glacier Basin group campground in Estes Park. Quiet and early mornings will be spent enjoying coffee around the site, and nights will be spent star gazing around a fire.

MEALS: Enjoy preparing meals together using fresh, healthy ingredients for bountiful dishes. Rise to the smell of freshly brewed coffee to enjoy with your breakfast and pack trail lunches with hearty snacks before heading off to explore. In the evening, we’ll prepare our dinner together over stoves and campfires and then finish with s’mores. IF YOU HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY RESTRICTIONS, BE SURE TO LIST THEM ON YOUR REGISTRATION.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: Pack for both hot summer days and potentially cooler evenings. This time of year should be fairly warm, however the altitude can produce temperatures at night that most wouldn’t expect. Be safe and bring clothing that will keep you warm in breezy 50-60 degree temperatures. On the other hand, don’t forget to pack a sun hoody, swim shorts, water shoes, and plenty of sunscreen as the days will be full of summer heat!

COVID POLICY: We continue to monitor and update our COVID-19 policies. Wilderness Inquiry strongly encourages everyone to be fully up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination and take other necessary steps for the health and wellness of all. We ask you to self-screen for any signs of illness before your trip’s departure. Please contact Wilderness Inquiry if you are exhibiting signs of illness. We will also continue to follow all guidance and requirements of locations that we travel, keeping in mind some international destinations do require vaccinations and/or negative COVID tests. We will update this policy as new information and guidance become available.

SAFETY WHILE ON TRAIL: All Wilderness Inquiry guides possess experience in administering First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety, carry fully-stocked first aid kits, GPS communication devices, and are trained on how to respond to emergencies while on trail. If a loved one is participating in a Wilderness Inquiry experience and you need to contact them due to an emergency, please call the Wilderness Inquiry main phone line at (612) 676-9400. We will work to get in contact with trip leaders as soon as possible.

MEDICATIONS: Please list all of your medications on your registration form. Consider bringing two sets of your medications: one set that can be kept with you, and another set that will be kept by your trip leaders. If you need assistance taking your medications, please explain on your registration form. Wilderness Inquiry will bring a collection of over the counter medications (ibuprofen, advil, anti-nausea, etc.).

CELL PHONES AND OTHER DEVICES: You are welcome to bring cell phones and other devices like cameras, but they are your responsibility to take care of. You may have spotty cell service, so we’d encourage you to take the opportunity to unplug! Wilderness Inquiry isn’t responsible for any lost or broken electronic devices.

CONTACTING TRIP PARTICIPANTS: If there is an emergency and you need to get in contact with your camper, please contact the Wilderness Inquiry main phone line at (612) 676-9400. We will work to get a message to the trip leaders.

EMERGENCIES ON TRAIL: All Wilderness Inquiry guides carry current First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety Certifications and are trained on how to respond to emergency situations while on trail.