Rocky Mountain National Park Lodge-Based Adventure

Overview

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park on this multi-activity adventure for adults. Hike alpine trails, raft rocky rapids, and fly fish serene mountain pools by day, returning to the comfort and amenities of a YMCA lodge room at night. This experience offers travelers an all-inclusive introduction to the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park through a variety of outdoor adventure activities.

Sample Itinerary

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Arrive at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, meet your trip mates, and check into your rooms. Learn about the surrounding areas, review safety guidelines, and get acquainted with the trip itinerary. 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 majestic 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 lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Cast away! Get ready at the lodge for a day of fly fishing with one of Estes Park’s local guides. On this guided adventure, you'll be instructed and shown where to try your luck catching some of the most beautiful fish in the American West: Brown, Rainbow, Greenback & Colorado Cutthroat Trout. Return to the lodge for a hot shower, dinner, and a cozy campfire outdoors.

Your last full day in the park will be spent with another local guide — this time on the Colorado River! After fueling up with a big breakfast at the lodge, set out for a full day on the river running through Class 2 & 3 rapids. Lunch will be enjoyed on the water at a natural pull off. Once your time on the river is up, you’ll head back to the YMCA for a final dinner and a fireside farewell.

After breakfast, 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 an engaging activity outside, such as fishing, rafting or hiking. Each day’s itinerary is built out to give you the most memorable experience possible. Don’t worry, we didn’t forget to build in some decompression and relaxation time around the fire at the end of each day!

TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: On the trip you will take a Wilderness Inquiry shuttle from activity to activity, unless you wish to bring your own car. 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 in Rocky Mountain National Park can vary from season to season and even with locations of the park on the same day, with higher alpine elevations being much colder, and potential, quick afternoon alpine thunderstorms on a daily basis. Plan for the potential of temperatures from the 50’s at night into the 80’s during the day with possible rainfall, and anything in between.

YOUR GROUP: This is an adult-only experience. Wilderness Inquiry trips are designed to welcome individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. Your group may consist of individuals from a range of adult ages and abilities including folks who may have disabilities. Solo travelers, couples, and groups are welcome to join.

ACCOMMODATIONS: You will be staying in hotel-style rooms in the Emerald Lodge at the YMCA of the Rockies. Lodge rooms are double occupancy, featuring two queen beds and a shared bath. Solo traveling participants are paired in rooms based on gender. If you are a solo traveler who prefers not to share a room with another participant, you may purchase a single supplement for an additional fee upon registration.

MEALS: Breakfasts and dinners will be shared as a group and provided by the YMCA of the Rockies in the main dining hall. Lunches will vary day to day and will mostly consist of picnic-style lunches on the trail. Please make sure to share any allergies or dietary restrictions you may have when you register. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated. If you have questions or concerns about food options, don’t hesitate to reach out!

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: All equipment required for guided activities will be provided except for personal items such as clothing, head/footware, and day packs. Additionally, you will need to purchase a 1-day fishing license for the state of Colorado. You’re welcome to bring your own fishing gear if you’d like. A limited number of hiking poles are available to borrow from Wilderness Inquiry, if desired. You will receive a suggested packing list upon registration that will outline clothing and personal gear recommendations, along with any items that can be borrowed from Wilderness Inquiry. All lodge rooms are complete with bedding and bath towels.

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.