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Rocky Mtn Continental Divide Hike
Colorado
USA
Rocky Mountain National Park is the showpiece of the Colorado Rockies, and we have selected the finest, most exhilarating mountain trails in this magnificent land! Within the park are columbinesprinkled meadows, emerald lakes, shimmering peaks, and herds of elk and bighorn sheep. At lower elevations we will walk through stands of pine and juniper and encounter spruce and aspen alongside peaceful streams. We will also venture high above tree line and explore the fascinating tundra ecosystem.
This one-of-a-kind tour is designed for both first-time hikers as well as enthusiasts. Each day's hike is 3-8 miles in length with elevation gains of 600 - 1000’, with longer and more challenging options available. So lace up those hiking boots, grab your knapsack and head to the Rockies for the ultimate western hiking holiday.
Activities:
Hiking (5 full days)
Inn Highlights:
Black Bear Lodge is just minutes out of Grand Lake and offers mountain and lake views. The Baldpate Inn, built in 1917 and perched on Twin Sisters Mountain at 9,000 feet, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts the world's largest key collection.
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Walking Tour
Meeting:
Boulder
Airport:
Denver
Transfer:
Denver to Boulder by 'Super Shuttle'
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
All meals (lunch Day 1-lunch Day 5), all accommodations (double occupancy), support vehicle, national park fees, T-shirt, water bottle, and professional guides.
| A | 2013 | 5 day trip, AP | 5d / 4n | $1598 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer is included from hotel in Boulder
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$0
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2013
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Single supplement
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$350
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Rates do not include:
Airfare, personal insurance, miscellaneous hotel expenses (phone, fax, laundry, etc.), additional optional tours, services not specified in the tour itinerary, and guide gratuities
Day 1. Hiking Flagstaff Mountain, Black Bear Lodge
Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast, as our group assembles in the sitting room of the elegant Hotel Boulderado, a local historic landmark, at 8:00 a.m. After a short orientation, we hike one of Boulder's most scenic footpaths, the Gregory Canyon Trail. Our walk takes us from the foothills of the Rockies and the Flatirons, Boulder’s signature rock formations, to the top of Flagstaff Mountain and magnificent views of the Continental Divide high to the west and the city below. Welcome to the Rocky Mountains!
After lunch, we will shuttle into Rocky Mountain National Park. From the highest continuous motorway in the United States at 12,100-feet, we hike on the Upper Ute Trail through delicate alpine tundra in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. After a scenic drive, we arrive at our home-away-from-home for the next two nights at the cozy Black Bear Lodge in Grand Lake, a summer resort town nestled on the shore of a gorgeous alpine lake at over 8,000 feet.
• Gregory Canyon and Flagstaff Trails [5 miles; 1400 feet
of elevation gain/loss]
• Upper Ute Trail [4 miles; 700 feet of elevation loss]
Day 2. Hike Adams Falls & Inlet Creek, Black Bear Lodge
We will hike along the Inlet Creek towards the snow-capped summits of the Continental Divide. On our way, we will view the cascading Adams Falls before opening to the marshlands where moose are frequently seen. We continue upwards on granite and forest paths, following the creek towards Lone Pine Lake. We break near the river for a well-earned lunch and an opportunity to soak our feet before making our way to the alpine meadows and lake.
East Inlet Trail to Adams Falls and Lone Pine Lake [up to 11 miles round trip; 1700’ elevation gain, then loss]
Day 3. Hike Glacier Gorge, Baldpate Inn
Today we head back over Trail Ridge Road towards Glacier Gorge for a 7-mile loop that boasts views of some of the most iconic glacial lakes and peaks in the park. We enjoy a picnic lunch at Mills Lake before spurring off the beaten track towards Lake Haiyaha and Chaos Canyon, aptly named for the enormous boulder field that surrounds the lake. After a little break relaxing on the rocks, we will make our way downhill towards Bear Lake via Dream Lake and Nymph Lake to finish the loop back to the shuttle. Our home for the next two nights is nestled along the Peak-To-Peak Highway, one of Colorado's designated Scenic Byways. Located in this high alpine setting is our charming secluded lodge for the next two nights, the Baldpate Inn.
• Glacier Gorge [6.9 miles, 750 feet of elevation gain then loss, starting at 8,800 feet of altitude]
Day 4. Hike East Longs Peak Trail to Chasm Lake, Baldpate Inn
Up with the sun, we soon find ourselves surrounded by the peaks of the Continental Divide as we begin our hike into the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. Longs Peak has long been considered America's Matterhorn. At 14,255', it is the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park and has fascinated writers, artists, climbers and explorers since the first recorded American sighting in 1820 by Stephen Long. The first six miles of our hike are the easiest – don’t be fooled, though, this is a hearty hike - following an ever-climbing trail through beautiful forests of pine and aspen up to timberline. We then venture onto Chasm Lake that sits beneath the “diamond” on Longs Peak's sheer, spectacular 1675-foot east face. You'll be amazed at the views!
• Hike to Chasm Lake [8.4 miles round trip, 2360' elevation gain , then loss; 11,760 feet of altitude at the lake]
• Easier Option: Lily Mountain [4 miles round trip, 1000’ elevation gain, then loss]
Day 5. Hike to Lake Isabelle, Boulder
After a special breakfast, we are off for a hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Walking through a lush river valley, we pass a number of cascading streams en route to Lake Isabelle. The view from the lake is incredible, and includes Isabelle Glacier and the craggy Indian Peaks: Apache, Pawnee, Paiute, and Shoshoni. We will enjoy a leisurely lunch and the high country's colorful flowers that line the lake's edge: showy daisy, alpine gentian, bistort and elephant head. Following our hike, we shuttle to Boulder for the conclusion of our trip.
• Lake Isabelle [5 miles round trip; 600' of elevation gain, then loss]
-- itinerary subject to change --
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Meeting:
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Boulder
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Airport:
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Denver
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Transfer:
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Denver to Boulder by 'Super Shuttle'
Meeting at hotel at 8 am on Day 1. Trip concludes at 5 PM on last day. A shuttle service is available from Denver to Boulder,CO - hourly during the day for about $25 each way pp
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Level:
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Easy to Moderate
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Moderate pace - suitable for all in physical good condition
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Participants:
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Min
4
participants
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Max
14
participants
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the. more
Summer is prime time in the
mountains. You can expect low humidity with highs in the 70’s and lows
in the 40’s. However, as in other mountainous regions, weather in the
Rockies is very changeable - sunny skies can turn stormy in minutes,
afternoon thunderstorms are common and snow, while rare in the summer,
is possible anytime of the year.
Luggage Requirements: How to Pack
Due to the space constraints in our vehicles and custom trailers, we ask that you pack reasonably, including limiting your luggage to ONE MEDIUM-SIZED piece and a small daypack. Soft-sided luggage or a duffel bag works great or a larger backpack if you are on a camping trip. Please do not bring excessively large suitcases or hard-sided baggage. Clearly mark each piece of luggage with your name for ease in identification. Your daypack will be kept handy in the support vehicle and used for extra clothing, camera or other miscellaneous gear that you may need throughout the day.
We caution participants not to bring fragile or breakable items as the luggage can get bounced around in our support vehicle. Also, due to the type of roads and trails that we follow, it is not uncommon for baggage to get quite dusty.
Clothing:
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A warm jacket, sweater, or fleece top
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1 Long sleeved thermal shirts that insulate well even when wet. These can be used for layering in the morning when it is cool, and, also if the temperature drops later in the day.
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Pair of non cotton, thermal bottoms, cycling pants, or sweat pants
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Short sleeved shirts (one for each day of your trip is recommended)
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Pairs of shorts for hiking and around town. Bring 1 quick-drying pair if your tour includes rafting.
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Multiple pairs of wool or synthetic blend socks for hiking and biking.
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Pairs of polypropylene or capilene liner socks for use while hiking. The number of pairs may be altered depending upon the number of days that you will be hiking.
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Pairs of cotton socks for evenings
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A Good waterproof rain jacket and pants. Items made from breathable waterproof fabrics such Gore-Texä are preferred. Do not bring plastic ponchos.
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Wool or fleece hat
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Sun hat or baseball cap
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Full fingered gloves or mittens. These are absolutely necessary for any trips in mountainous regions as it can snow even in the summer. Many people just bring their winter gloves. (Mountain Trips Only)
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Pair of water shoes/sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet to wear for stream crossings or rafting. For example Tevas or Chaco's.(Lewis and Clark Multisport especially)
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Pair of shoes that you can wear if your other shoes are wet
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A Swimsuit (Bring a towel if your tour includes rafting.)
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Sets of evening apparel (Casual dress and jeans are the norm.)
- Wind shell jacket and pants (optional)
Hiking Equipment:
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Ankle-supportive lightweight hiking boots or cross training shoes that are already broken in are a necessity. Smooth bottomed tennis shoes are not recommended, as they are not comfortable for extended hikes.
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Hiking daypack to carry items such as a camera, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, and a jacket. Exterior pockets are great for easy access to water bottles. The World Outdoors can loan you a daypack at no additional cost. Just let us know several weeks before your trip.
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At least two, 1 liter, water bottles or a Camelback. Camelbacks carry 70 or 100 oz. water bladders and larger camelbacks may double as a daypack.
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Gaiters are especially useful for early summer trips in mountainous regions.
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Bandanna (optional, but quite handy)
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Handy-wipe towelettes
Personal Items:
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Sunglasses with UV protection and retainer leash (such as Croakiesä)
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Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
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Lip balm with UV protection
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Insect repellent
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Toiletries: towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, hairbrush, etc…
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Hand lotion or skin moisturizer
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Personal first aid kit: aspirin, ibuprofen, Band-Aids, moleskin (for blisters), antihistamine tablets, prescription medications clearly marked in their original containers, eye drops, tampons, etc…
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Musical instrument (Please let us know if you would like to bring a guitar.)
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Camera and film with extra batteries for your camera.
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Watch with an alarm or a personal alarm clock, as some of our inns do not provide wake up calls.
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Binoculars
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Earplugs (optional), especially if you’re a light sleeper and will be matched with another traveler
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Pocket knife (optional, but sometimes handy)
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Journal and/or books
Evening Attire: Casual dress is the standard in all our destinations.
As we will be on our feet each day, it is extremely important that you take the necessary precautions in caring for your feet. To prevent injury and discomfort, here are some guidelines:
- Wear comfortable, well fitting shoes.
- Always wear good hiking socks. In hotter regions, at least one pair of synthetic athletic socks is advised.
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- If you start to notice irritation or start to feel pain or a "hot spot" forming on your feet, this is usually an indication that a blister is forming. It is best to treat a problem area before blisters form and increased pain develops. Depending on the severity and type of irritation, you can:
- Cover the entire irritated area with moleskin; make sure the moleskin lies flat on your foot.
- Cut a doughnut out of the moleskin and place it around a blister that is forming.
- Use a piece of second skin to cover the problem area.
Other things to consider before leaving:
- Contact lenses: If you wear them, you may want to bring prescription glasses as they may become more convenient to wear.
- Prescription glasses: If you wear them, bring an extra pair.
- Prescription medicines: Bring an adequate supply in the original container.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Day 1 and 2. Black Bear Lodge --
Black Bear Lodge is just minutes out of Grand Lake and offers mountain and lake views.
Day 3 and 4. Baldpate Inn ( shared baths)
The Baldpate Inn, built in 1917 and perched on Twin Sisters Mountain at 9,000 feet, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts the world's largest key collection.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Moderate pace - suitable for all in physical good condition
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Level:
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(2
to
2.5
out of 5) Easy to Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
4
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Max
14
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Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).
The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.
New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.
For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
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Rocky Mtn Continental Divide Hike
Tour Code:
ZZ-HKW13
5 days /
4 nights
~$1,598.00
Dates: July to Sept
Trip Rating :
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
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1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
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5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Airport:
Denver
Activities:
Hiking - 5 full days
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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