Rocky Mountain Backpacking

Expect to spend up to 6hrs per day walking or hiking (up to 10 mi and 2,500ft elevation change) while carrying a loaded pack. Several days will include slackpacking with just a daypack full of water and snacks! This trip is suitable for most fit people with a bit of hiking experience.

REQUIRED GEAR - Backpacking pack (60L recommended) - Day pack (15-30L recommended) - Luggage (can be left in the vehicle, 1 small suitcase per person) - Sleeping bag (also available to rent), rated to 15 degrees - Pack cover - Headlamp - Reusable water bottles RECOMMENDED GEAR & PERSONAL ITEMS - Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (optional, recommended if renting) - Travel pillow - Sunscreen - Earplugs - Insect repellent - Toiletries (please choose biodegradable and scent-free items) - Small, personal first aid kit (including blister treatment) - Small, quick dry towel REQUIRED CLOTHING - Warm jacket (down, puffy, fleece) - Rain jacket or shell - Breathable wicking base layers - Lightweight hiking pants - Warm clothes to sleep in - Warm hat - Sun hat with a brim - Wool socks (1 pair per day of trip) - Hiking boots - Sunglasses RECOMMENDED CLOTHING - Rain pants - Buff or neck scarf - Comfortable clothes for camp - Sandals or camp shoes

You will have you carry your kit most days, however there will be one day where you will "slack pack", meaning we'll leave most gear at our campsite.

It depends on the day. The longest day will be about six miles with some steep incline.

Yes, but we will be filtering water in the backcountry.

We spend: - 1 x night frontcountry camping in Estes Park - 3 x nights backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park - 1 x night in a hotel in Estes Park N.B. Pricing is based on double occupancy accommodations.

Start: Fly into the Denver Airport. You’ll want to pick a flight that arrives before 12:00 PM MST on the first day. Alternatively, we can collect you from your accommodation in Denver at around 11:15 AM if you’ve arrived early. End: At the end of your trip, your backpacking guide will drop you back at the Denver airport at 12:00 PM for your flight home (or back at your accommodation if you’re staying to explore).

There may be some steeper sections of the trail, but please reach out if you have any concerns and we'll be sure to set expectations and work with you to find a solution!

We'll be eating campfire meals (pending fire restrictions in Rocky Mountain National Park) like chili, mac and cheese, and/or breakfast burritos. Lunch might be something like sandwiches and other easy to-go options. Please indicate any dietary restrictions so we can be sure to accommodate.

We may be able to accommodate some small extra luggage. Please reach out to inquire about this.

Most of our travelers are in their 30s – 50s. We get families, couples, and friends, but most of our travelers come solo!

The Rocky Mountains have very extreme weather – August can be warm and sunny in the day, but cold in the evenings with highs in the 70s and lows in the high 40s. Expect brief afternoon thunderstorms almost every day.

All of the open guided trips are 18+. If you’re traveling with kids, reach out to get a quote for a private trip.

Yes, it is available for an additional US$500 per person. If you'd like to upgrade to the single supplement, let your guide know by messaging them from your Skyhook dashboard. You can settle this directly in country.

Yes. Please reach out if you'll be staying in the area longer than the designated trip.

Yes! We can accommodate pretty much any dietary restrictions. Please indicate your dietary requirements on the trip form that you fill out on your Skyhook dashboard.