Rocky Mountains Backpacking – Thunder Lake

Rocky Mountains Backpacking – Thunder Lake Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Meet at the REI store in Boulder, CO for a trip orientation. Enjoy dinner together while eagerly anticipating the adventure ahead!

  Our trip begins today at 6 p.m. at the Boulder, CO REI store. The store is approximately 2 miles away from our host hotel (see driving directions below), or you may choose to meet in the lobby at 5:30pm for a complimentary shuttle to the store (please advise your Adventure Specialist if you'd like to shuttle from the hotel, and keep in mind that the shuttle must leave by 5:40pm). Be sure to bring your pack and gear with you to the orientation, as you'll meet your guides and fellow trekkers at the store for a rundown of the trip itinerary, gear check and packing of group food and gear. We'll enjoy a light dinner and non-alcoholic drinks while we get to know each other in eager anticipation of our adventure. Dinner is included tonight. Accommodations not included – please see the trip details for our host hotel.

• Day 2 Stunning waterfalls and majestic peaks await as we journey into the backcountry.

  We depart the host hotel at 8 a.m. and drive one hour to our starting point on the southwestern side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Beginning at an elevation of approximately 8500 feet, we make our way into the park's backcountry where lush meadows lead to soaring peaks. We'll pass beautiful cascading Copeland, Calypso, and Ouzel Falls before continuing up the North St. Vrain Creek to Thunder Lake. Bluebird skies and picturesque surroundings will be our companions as we nestle in to our home for the next two nights in the Thunder Lake vicinity, notable for its beautiful backcountry campsites. Lunch & dinner included

  Hiking: 7 miles with approximately 2,000 feet of elevation gain.

• Day 3 With only a daypack on our back, we'll explore magnificent alpine lakes, marvel at the incredible geological history of the Rockies, and possibly even hike up to the backbone of our continent.

  Today, wearing only light day packs, we explore the awe-inspiring beauty of the high country's alpine lakes. Our climb today will take us through the subalpine forest to the wildflower-filled alpine zone. The afternoon is spent taking in spectacular views from Trio Falls, connecting the Lion Lakes and exploring the shores of Snowbank Lake. We'll keep a sharp eye out for ptarmigan, mule deer, and elk, and have the chance to appreciate the incredible geologic history of the park as we clamber about the igneous and metamorphic rock that composes our surroundings. Weather and fitness levels permitting, we may be able to hike up to the Continental Divide and peer into the Pacific Watershed. Stunning views of Long's Peak, the Never Summer Range, and the upper reaches of the North Inlet await those strong enough to make the additional 1,000 foot climb to the backbone of the continent. A delectable backcountry meal awaits us this evening as we settle in for another night under the stars. Those with an interest in fishing can try their luck today at Thunder Lake, famous for large greenback cutthroat trout (licenses and equipment not provided). All meals included.

  Hiking: 5-7 miles with approximately 1,500 - 2500 feet of elevation gain and loss.

• Day 4 Another sunrise savored with our morning coffee, our final hike brings us back to our trailhead before shuttling back to Boulder.

  There's nothing quite as beautiful as waking up to a view of glacially carved peaks artfully speckled with wildflowers and enhanced by the smell of hot coffee. We'll enjoy our last quiet backcountry morning before breaking camp and packing up. After hiking back to the trailhead, we'll shuttle back to Boulder, arriving at the host hotel around 6pm where we bid our farewells to our new found friends. If flying out tonight, flights out of Boulder shouldn't be made earlier than 8pm. Breakfast and lunch included.

  Hiking: 7 miles with approximately 2,000 feet of elevation loss.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions. This trip is operated rain or shine.

Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Professional instruction and guiding; all meals as noted in the daily itinerary; snacks; group cooking gear; group first aid kit; water filter; transportation from host hotel to store meeting (upon request); transportation from host hotel to trailheads; campsite and permit fees.

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; insurance of any kind; first night accommodations; energy drinks; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated Vigorous [4] as we plan to hike for 5-8 hours per day most days on steep, rocky, sometimes exposed terrain, gaining and/or losing from 1500 to 2500 feet in elevation some days. We will carry packs weighing 30-35 lbs while we hike, and will consistently be at elevation of 8,500 feet or more. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.

The high country of Rocky Mountain National Park is well-known for extreme weather patterns. These patterns can change rapidly due to elevation, slope, and exposure. Afternoon thunderstorms and wind are typical of most summer days. Always be prepared for a sudden temperature plunge of 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit and a sudden rainstorm. A wide deviation between day and nighttime temperatures is also characteristic of mountain weather on Colorado. Daytime temperatures can range between 80-50 degrees F, with evening temperatures dropping into the 30s - 40s.

Denver International Airport, Denver, Co. - 25 minutes

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

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