Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides 2018 Backpacking Dates Announced

Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides is proud to present the 2018 Rocky Mountain National Park Backpacking Dates, exploring some of the best and most hidden reaches of the Rocky Mountains. Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides, a concessionaire for technical alpine climbing, mountaineering and skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park, is Colorado’s premier provider of unforgettable backpacking excursions deep in Colorado’s backcountry, from Rocky Mountain National Park to Roosevelt National Forest, and the Indian Peaks and Flat Tops Wildernesses.

Trips We Offer:Wild Basin - Thunder Lake Come explore Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park and get an opportunity to experience the spectacular southeastern section of the park. In the shadow of Mt. Alice, Thunder Lake is set in a majestic basin with wide-open views, abundant animal life, and the rugged unique beauty of the Southern Rockies. We will take two days to ascend to Thunder Lake, allowing time to acclimate to altitude and then retrace our route back down on day 3. This is an ideal trip for those interested in transitioning from hiking to backpacking trips, anyone wanting a great introductory easy/moderate backpacking trip with family or friends, and for exploring this remarkable area in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park. This trip can be done as a 2 day, 3 day or 4 day option. Thursday 6/28 – Monday 7/2 Thursday 7/5 – Sunday 7/8 Thursday 7/19 – Monday 7/23 Thursday 8/2 – Monday 8/7 Thursday 8/16 – Monday 8/20 Thursday 8/30 – Monday 9/3 Thursday 9/6 – Monday 9/10

Continental Divide Traverse (3 day, 4 Day, 5 Day and 6 Day options) The Continental Divide Traverse is one of the most classic backpacking routes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This extraordinary excursion will take hikers into one of the deepest reaches of the park, and some of its most spectacular alpine terrain. This trail combines hiking with thrilling Class 2 and 3 hiking and culminates in an ascent of Mt. Alice, one of the highest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. This trip can be done over four, five, or six days. More days ensure a more leisurely approach and climb, while four-day trips are excellent for those who want to push themselves physically on a quick and challenging ascent. The area around Mt. Alice also provides some of the best alpine fly-fishing in Colorado with high lakes in a breathtaking environment of soaring mountains and pristine waterways. Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides lead the way into this unforgettable Rocky Mountain landscape. Thursday 6/28 – Tuesday 7/3 Thursday 7/5 – Monday 7/9 Thursday 7/19 – Tuesday 7/24 Thursday 8/2 – Tuesday 8/7 Thursday 8/16 – Tuesday 8/21

The Mummy Range Explore the mysterious northern side of Rocky Mountain National Park as the Mummy Range reveals its secrets of towering white-capped mountains, lush forests, shimmering alpine lakes, some of the best kept secret fly fishing in the Rockies, and a vast amount of high adventure in a seldom explored area. We’ll camp at two of the most secluded lakes in the park, and have opportunities to climb peaks such as Mt. Ypsilon and Mt. Chiquita, two of the many gorgeous summits in the area, and down lower, get to fly fish for native Colorado species such as the Cutthroat Greenback Trout. This is the perfect trip for those who want to see a part of Rocky Mountain National Park that is rarely talked about, with some of its most iconic scenery, for Colorado backpacking. Thursday 8/16 – Sunday 8/19  (2 to 4 days)

Big Meadows Big Meadows is perfect for first-time backpackers, families, and children, with a more moderate altitude gain and spectacular scenery overlooking wide-open terrain with wildlife such as moose, deer, elk, coyotes, and elusive black bears. This trail is easier and more leisurely but also offers the same gorgeous Rocky Mountain National Park scenery. For those who would like to fly fish, Big Meadows offers some of the best fly-fishing on this side of the park, with wading both for beginner and intermediate anglers. For families and beginner backpackers, this is the trip for you! Wednesday 7/11 – Thursday 7/12  (2 day) Wednesday 7/25 – Friday 7/27  (2 or 3 days)