Rocky Mountain Backpacking
Spend six days backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll explore the park’s hidden gems with a naturalist guide and finish with a night at the historic Stanley Hotel!
Trip Length
6 Days

Intensity
Moderate

Group Size
8 Persons

Trip Dates
August 18 – 23, 2023 – SOLD OUT
Activities
Hiking & Interpretive Tours
Camping & Backpacking
Included
Medically-trained, naturalist guides
Round-trip transportation
Accommodations
Tent, sleeping pad, and group camping equipment
All meals
Park entry fees
Not Included
Gratuity for your guide
Sleeping bag (available to rent for $50)
Personal camping gear (see pack list)
$2050
Trip Info
Six days of Rocky Mountain backpacking! Rocky Mountain National Park is a backpacker’s paradise, known for its towering peaks, stunning waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and alpine lakes.
Weather
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.
Group
Good Trippers can be any age but most of our travelers are in their 30s – 50s.
We get families, couples and friends, but most of our travelers come solo! We have backpacking tours for all abilities, just make sure to review the Intensity section for information about what to expect on your trip.
All public trips are 18+. If you’re traveling with kids, we’d be happy to make any itinerary private! Email info@goodtripadventures.com.
Intensity – Moderate
Expect to spend up to 6 hours per day walking or hiking (up to 10 miles and 2,500ft elevation change) while carrying a loaded pack.
Several days will include slackpacking with just a daypack full of water and snacks! Suitable for most fit people with a bit of hiking experience.
Accommodations
- One night frontcountry camping in Estes Park
- Three nights backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park
- One night in a hotel in Estes Park
- Pricing is based on double occupancy accommodations
- Single supplement is available for an additional $500 per person
Accomodations for Rocky Mountain Backpacking
Flights
You will be flying into the Denver Airport. You’ll want to pick a flight that arrives before 12pm MST on the first day. Alternatively, we can collect you from your accommodation in Denver at around 11:15am if you’ve arrived early.
At the end of your trip, your backpacking guide will drop you back at the Denver airport at 12pm for your travel home (or back at your accommodation if you’re staying to explore.)
Rocky Mountain Backpacking Flights
Rocky Mountain Backpacking Itinerary
Day 1
Your adventure begins today! You’ll meet your group and backpacking guides in Denver, and get to know each other over lunch at a local restaurant. Then, set off for our campsite just outside Rocky Mountain National Park. We’ll set up camp, make a delicious dinner, and organize our packs together for the next day’s adventure!
Meals: L, D
Day 2
Get an early start in Rocky Mountain National Park to begin the backpacking portion of our trip. We’ll make the 4.3 mile journey to Finch Lake with a steep incline to get warmed up! Upon arrival, we’ll set up our basecamp for the next several days. We’ll cook a delicious camp dinner and tell ghost stories around the fire!
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3
After a relaxing morning, we’ll slackpack 11.5 miles to Ozuel Lake. We will leave our tents and heavy gear at camp so we’re able to hike quickly and have plenty of time to enjoy our day splashing around in an incredible alpine lake!
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4
We’ll enjoy another day of slackpacking, this time to Pear Lake. We’ll hike 5 miles roundtrip with plenty of time to relax, learn about the park’s ecological history from your naturalist guide, or take a refreshing dip!
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5
On this morning, we’ll pack up camp and hike out of the backcountry. Head to the historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. We’ll have a chance to freshen up before enjoying a farewell dinner with your new friends and backpacking guides!
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6
Enjoy breakfast at a local cafe in Estes Park before departing for the airport and bidding farewell to a new group of friends!
Meals: B
Rocky Mountain Backpacking Packing List
- Required Gear
- Backpacking pack (60 liters recommended)
- Day pack (15-30 liters 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 and 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
Packing List for Rocky Mountain Backpacking