Rocky Mountain National Park Lodge-Based Adventure
Price
Activity Level
Between 2-3
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
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.
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Delicious, healthy meals & snacks prepared together
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Double-occupancy or group rooms by gender or request
- Limited single-occupancy rooms available for extra cost
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
Location Map
Day 1 – Welcome to Rocky Mountain National Park!
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.
Day 2 – Mountains, Meadows, and More
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.
Day 3 – Try Your Hand at Reeling in the Big One
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.
Day 4 – Whitewater Rafting the Colorado
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.
Day 5 – Pack Your Bags and Memories
After breakfast, pack up and say goodbye to both your trip mates and Wilderness Inquiry guides — you’re headed home today!
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.Â
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
To view our full cancellation policy, please click here.
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