Rocky Mountains Backpacking – East Inlet
4 days
From $ 999
Duration4 days
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  • Etepia
  • Rocky Mountains Backpacking – East Inlet

Spend four days backpacking amongst stunning views and true tranquility in the Rocky Mountains. Follow in the footsteps of ancient Native Americans on a challenging route that begins on the shores of Grand Lake and takes us all the way into a glacially carved valley dotted with many more crystal blue lakes. Along the way, we move past waterfalls, through meadows, along rushing creeks and over giant granite 'steps'. We keep our eyes peeled for moose, elk and fox, letting the soothing songbirds be the soundtrack to our journey. We begin from our base camp, nestled near a clear wilderness stream filled with trout. It is only a short stroll up the trail to the first of five alpine lakes we explore. From there, weather permitting, we follow a primitive trail slope to the Continental Divide and the Boulder-Grand Pass, a route used for centuries to pass from the Great Plains into the cool mountains. Our guides lead the way, giving us backpacking tips and tricks to hone our skills. Each evening after dark, we enjoy the abundant, star-filled skies, reveling in the day’s adventure with new friends. See our Rocky Mountains Backpacking – North Inlet trip for another great option in Rocky Mountain National Park.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 4 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Doubletree Grand Key Resort
    Ages: 18+
Rocky Mountains Backpacking – East Inlet - Tour Map

Itinerary

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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 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 up a valley to a mountainside bench where our campsite awaits.
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 of 8,400', we start our hike by going past Adams Falls and along the East Inlet into the park's backcountry. After a brief period of rolling wooded hills, the trail overlooks a pristine meadow with a crystal clear creek winding through the tall grass. In the distance, high peaks and cliffs frame the valley we will explore. Keep your eyes open for the plentiful wildlife that lives in this pristine area. At our lunch stop we are rewarded with incredible views down the valley and of Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake. The trail alternates between climbing up large rock bands and gentle stretches along the stream in a series of giant stairs before reaching our campsite situated in a gentle bend in the river. All meals included.
Backpacking: 5 miles; elevation gain: 1,400'.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Day hike to a series of alpine lakes and possibly the Continental Divide.
Today, with only the weight of our daypacks, we have several options for all levels. Just a short distance up the trail is Lone Pine Lake, the first of five lakes accessible from our base camp. Weather and fitness levels permitting; it is possible to continue all the way to Fifth Lake or to the Boulder Grand Pass astride the Continental Divide at 12,061' above sea level. On the slopes of nearby Mount Alice look for a resident herd of bighorn sheep that come for the rich grazing and unique mineral deposits. Fantastic displays of wildflowers, rising trout, and a parade of peaks, crags and cirques greet us along the trail. Those with an interest in fishing can try their luck in the lakes and creek for trout (licenses and equipment not provided). In the afternoon we return to our same spacious camp. While the guides prepare another tasty backcountry meal, take advantage of the large plunge pool next to camp for a refreshing dip or soothing foot soak before dinner. At night this site is perfectly situated for awesome stargazing! Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: 4 to 10 miles with multiple options, elevation gain: 1,000 to 2,200'.
Meals: D
Day 4: Backpack down to Grand Lake and drive along the Trail Ridge Road.
Wake up to the soft murmur of the mountain stream and the serenade of songbirds. Take a last stroll to nearby Lone Pine Lake before enjoying a hot breakfast and coffee. After we break down camp and pack our packs, we head towards the trailhead. It is a whole new trail as we descend and perhaps see moose feeding among the willows. 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 new found friends. If flying out tonight, flights out of Denver shouldn't be made earlier than 8pm. Breakfast and lunch included.
Backpacking: 5 miles; elevation loss: 1,400'.

End place: Doubletree Grand Key Resort

Meals: B, L

Inclusions

Included

  • Professional instruction and guiding
  • all meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • snacks
  • group cooking gear
  • group first aid kit
  • water filter
  • transportation from store to trailheads
  • campsite and permit fees

  • Accommodation

    Group Camp 1 night, Backcountry Camping, 2 nights

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