Hiking in Colorado, USA – A Taste of the Northern Front Range

August 29 – September 4, 2023

Trip Leader- Deirdre Butler

Colorado is blessed with it’s four national parks, 11 national forests, 2 national grasslands, 42 national wilderness areas, 42 state parks and much more.

Established in 1915 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Rocky Mountain National Park Act, RMNP’s 265,807 acres encompass a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows to radiant alpine lakes to impressive mountain peaks. And with good fortune, the opportunity for incredible wildlife viewing. At this time of year we might prove lucky and hear the elk bugling.

Extending both north and south of RMNP, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest established in 1908, includes 723,744 acres. Within this National Forest is the James Peak Wilderness. The James Peak area became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 2002. James Peak (13,294 feet) was named after an American physician and botanist, Edwin James, who in 1819 traveled to Colorado on the U.S. Army expedition led by Major Stephen Long (of 14nr Long’s Peak). Many of the plants of the Rocky Mountains were first described by James. Several peaks over 13,000 feet and more than a dozen alpine lakes are found in the James Peak Wilderness with elevation ranges from 9,200 to 13,294 feet, which include upper montane, sub-alpine, and alpine ecosystems of the Rocky Mountains.

This trip is focused on hiking and will be most enjoyed by those in great to excellent physical condition. Hikes are moderately difficult to strenuous with trail mileage ranging from 7 to 10 miles and elevation gains of 1,200–2,100+ feet. Elevations will range from 7,900 feet at several trail heads to 11,000+ feet at our days’ destination. High-altitude experience is not necessary, but you must be comfortable hiking at a high altitude on steep trails with steep drop-offs. We will be hiking everyday. Participants who want to take a break may opt to stay behind, exploring the area on their own and relaxing. As we are hiking at relatively high elevations, you may want to consider arriving a day or two early to help you adjust to the altitude.

Click here - Day hikes may include:

What's Included:

What's Not Included:

We recommend purchasing travel insurance.

Trip Logistics

The closest airport is Denver. The drive from Denver airport to the hotel is under an hour.  Participants are encouraged to share rental vehicles, but these arrangements need to be made independently. Contact information for group members will be provided in advance of the trip. Please note: Whether passenger or driver, when you carpool, it is at your sole risk. Big Round World does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them; carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among drivers and riders.  

Hotel accommodation is in twin occupancy en suite rooms with kitchenettes.  A gym and laundry within the hotel are available for your use. Check-in: 3 pm. Check-out: 11 am. 

You will be greeted with a Welcome Food Hamper at the start to cover your first breakfast and lunch. Money will be provided for your purchase of groceries to make your remaining breakfasts and lunches. Local grocery stores are within a short walk. All dinners on trip are included. Each days’ hike will end with dinner at a nearby restaurant as we return from our hike in the back country. After dinner, the evenings are free to spend time on your own or with the group. 

Bring your Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass, Inter-agency Pass, Golden Age/IA-Senior Pass, or Golden Access/IA-Access Pass to avoid paying the entrance fee per entry into Rocky Mountain National Park.

Trip Staff - Deirdre

Trip Dates: August 29 - September 4, 2023  |  7 day trip

Small group size 10 participants 

Trip Price and Deposit:   $1,795 per person | Deposit $449 | Single supplement $504

If there is no roommate available, you will be charged a single supplement of $504.

Remainder to be paid by May 28, 2023

Price is based on double occupancy of rooms. Same gender roommate will be assigned to participants traveling solo. Single supplements are limited. Your non-refundable deposit will hold your reservation. Either pay on line (credit/ debit cards accepted) using our secure PayPal payment system or write a check, payable to “Big Round World”, and mail it to: PO Box 1337, Lyons, CO 80540.

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