Rocky Mountain: Peaks & Tundra

This is one of our most challenging trips, and altitude is the reason why. Our camp near Estes Park sits around 8,000 feet, and our hikes climb well above that — to about 10,100 feet at Emerald Lake, 10,900 at Sky Pond, and 11,760 at Chasm Lake, with Trail Ridge Road cresting at 12,183 feet. The trails are rocky and the thin air makes everything work a little harder. That's exactly why we take it smart: we spend our first couple of days on gentler, lower hikes to let your body acclimate before we take on the big-elevation days. Come in good physical condition, hydrate like it's your job, and take it at a steady pace — you'll feel strong and do wonderfully.

Expect classic Colorado high country: rocky alpine trails, sparkling glacier-fed lakes, and a famous waterfall scramble on the way to Sky Pond. We start low and build up — easy lakeside walks and the Emerald Lake trail first, then the bigger climbs to Sky Pond and Chasm Lake once everyone's found their mountain legs. And the drive over Trail Ridge Road delivers the tundra experience with hardly any effort at all — just endless views above the clouds.

Your first and last nights are spent at the same comfortable hotel near the Denver airport (the Fairfield Inn), with your own bed and time to settle in. Your final night's stay is included in your trip.

For the heart of the trip, we glamp near Estes Park, the charming gateway town right at the edge of the park (and a famous spot to watch elk wander right through the meadows at dusk). You'll share a large, walk-in tent (two women per tent) outfitted with cots, sleeping mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, a rug underfoot, and a shared nightstand with a lantern — and you'll always have your own bed. Flushing toilets are available at camp, with shower facilities nearby in Estes Park.

A note on weather: late September in the high Rockies is glorious, but it's genuinely cold — nights often drop below freezing, and an early-season snow is always possible up high. Please bring warm layers, a hat, gloves, and a good jacket. We'll have extra blankets at camp so you stay toasty, and we'll keep an eye on the forecast and adjust if the mountains throw us a curveball.

Fly into Denver and settle in at our hotel. This evening, meet Michele in the lobby for a welcome dinner, where you'll meet your fellow adventurers and we'll walk through the exciting week ahead. (Dinner included.)

After breakfast, we'll drive up into the mountains to Estes Park (climbing from Denver's 5,280 feet to about 7,500) and set up our basecamp. To start adjusting to the altitude, we'll take a gentle walk around one of the park's beautiful lower lakes and keep our eyes peeled for elk in the meadows. Easy does it today — the mountains reward patience. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

A gorgeous acclimatization hike: we'll walk the Bear Lake corridor past Nymph and Dream Lakes to Emerald Lake (3.3 miles, 715 ft; topping out around 10,100 feet), a string of alpine jewels beneath the peaks. Moderate, beautiful, and the perfect way to find your mountain legs. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

Today we go high the easy way. We'll drive the incredible Trail Ridge Road, climbing above the treeline to 12,183 feet across a rare alpine tundra with the Continental Divide spread out in every direction. On the far side, we'll stretch our legs on the gentle Coyote Valley Trail (1.9 miles, nearly flat) along the Colorado River, a lovely spot for moose and elk. The high drive also helps our bodies keep adjusting for tomorrow. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

Now for a showstopper. The hike to Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge (9 miles, 1,765 ft; around 10,900 feet) leads past the Loch and up a fun scramble beside Timberline Falls to a breathtaking alpine cirque ringed by jagged spires. It's a big, rewarding day and one of the finest hikes in the park. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

Our grand finale hike, in the shadow of a giant. The trail to Chasm Lake (8.4 miles, 2,542 ft; around 11,760 feet) climbs through tundra to a stunning lake tucked directly beneath the sheer 1,000-foot east face of Longs Peak. Standing there, with that wall towering over the water, is a moment you'll never forget. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

On our final morning, we'll have breakfast, break camp, and begin the drive back to Denver, stopping for lunch along the way. We'll arrive back at our hotel for your final, included night. (Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own tonight — go toast to an incredible week!)

Planning your flights home: Your final night's hotel is included, so most guests fly out on Saturday. If you'd rather head home Friday evening, just be sure to book your flight for after 5:00 PM so we have time to make the drive back.