Hiking the Best of Rocky Mountain National Park
from $4968
Duration: 5 Days
Explore the best hiking trails with a trip leader who knows all the best spots in the Rocky Mountain National Park of Colorado with this 5-day walking and trekking trip. From fields of wildflowers and glacier cirques to expansive lakes, volcanoes and waterfalls, this is a nature-lover’s paradise! You’ll explore the Colorado Rockies each day, from a comfortable inn-style base, and take on winding trails at high altitudes. Walk among the alpine forest to The Alpine Ridge visitor centre viewpoint overlooking Colorado River, then delight at the beauty of Calypso Cascades, Ouzel Falls and Lake, Bluebird Lake, Glacier Gorge, Mills Lake, Jewel Lake, Black Lake, Andrews Glacier, Storm Peak, Longs Peak, Chiefs Head mountains and the famed Chasm Lake.
  • Explore the Colorado Rockies and everything they have to offer with diverse hikes through the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park, with a trip leader who knows all the best spots.
  • Take in the imposing cliff faces, glittering lakes, pristine rivers, tall cascading waterfalls and surrounding mountain ranges – all while looking out for diverse wildlife (including moose!)
  • Enjoy a comfortable base from which to explore every day – warm, inviting inn-style accommodation in Estes Park – and every meal taken care of, so you can focus on the views, the nature and the hikes!
  • Acclimatise to the altitude and then take on the impressive Chasm Cirque trail – where you’ll sit down for lunch with epic views of the cliff The Diamond – and all of the ambitious climbers above you.
  • Walk through countless wildflower-filled meadows to the stunning Calypso Cascades, Ouzel Falls and Alberta Falls, sitting among towering alpine forests.
  • Rocky Mountain National Park -Lumpy Ridge via Gem Lake Trailhead Hike - Estes Park
  • Rocky Mountain National Park - Wild Basin to Ouzel Lake Hike - Estes Park
  • Rocky Mountain National Park - Glacier Gorge Mountain Lakes Loop Hike - Estes Park
  • Rocky Mountain National Park -Chasm Lake Hike - Estes Park
  • Rocky Mountain National Park - Trail Ridge Road scenic drive
  • Rocky Mountain National Park - Alpine Ridge Viewpoint Hike - Estes park
  • Rocky Mountain National Park - Ute Trail hike - Estes Park
  • Day 1 Location: Estes Park
    Welcome to Colorado, USA! This morning, you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow group at your accommodation in Estes Park at 8.30 am. Then make your way to the Gem Lake Trailhead. Nestled within the ancient granite cliffs and boulders of Lumpy Ridge, you’ll hike through a labyrinth of rock formations while taking in the amazing views of the country you have walked through so far. Take it all in (and take plenty of photos) and then enjoy lunch at the lake with your group. Make your way back to the accommodation where you can freshen up before we head out for dinner at a local eatery.
    Day 2 Location: Estes Park
    After breakfast, take a drive to the trailhead and set out on today’s hike through the reaches of Wild Basin – a region of the national park that is covered in wildlife, waterfalls and wildflowers. Moose have also recently been seen in this river valley, so keep your eyes peeled. Hike along the North Saint Vrain River, past Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls onto Ouzel Lake and the mountain cirque that surrounds. If time permits, you’ll continue to the higher reaches of Bluebird Lake and take in another view of the Continental Divide. After lunch, exploration and lots of waterfall pics, head back down the trail to your accommodation, where a group dinner awaits.
    Day 3 Location: Estes Park
    Today after fuelling up on breakfast nice and early, head into the land of glaciers, past and present. Take a short drive to Glacier Gorge trailhead and from here, begin your ascent. Hike past the picturesque Alberta Falls and then head into the sub-alpine forest. Among the towering alpine trees, you’ll pass the emerald waters of Mills Lake, Jewel Lake and Black Lake – which sits in a silent and imposing mountain cirque, displaying the powers of glacial ice. Sit down for a hearty lunch and underneath the granite crags Spearhead and Keyboard of the Winds. Head back to your accommodation, taking in the expansive views of Andrews Glacier, Storm Peak and the vast Longs Peak, Pagoda and Chiefs Head mountains on the way.
    Day 4 Location: Estes Park
    Your time spent hiking at a high altitude has now prepared you for an ambitious hike to the Chasm Cirque. After breakfast, you’ll head to today’s trailhead. Start with a steep climb that gradually eases and crest above the tree line, where you’ll be welcomed by a view of Longs Peak. Arrive at Chasm Lake, where you can’t help but be entranced by the 548 m (or 1,800 foot) vertical cliff known as The Diamond. This is a world-famous climb, so you’ll likely see rock climbers high above you on the granite wall while your group sits down for lunch. Take your time walking back the way you came and enjoy the countless wildflowers that bring these mountain meadows to life. Enjoy a well-deserved farewell dinner at your lodging tonight with your group, sharing stories and favourite moments.
    Day 5 Location: Estes Park
    This morning take a scenic drive on Trail Ridge Road and arrive at your trailhead. Then, you’ll enjoy a day of high-country exploration and walking above the tree line on the famous Ute Trail. This trail provides amazing views of summits, volcanoes, glaciers and varied wildlife (if you keep your eyes peeled). Enjoy the vantage point of being 3450 m high (or 11,400 feet) as you stop for a packed lunch. After, continue down the road for a short hike near the Alpine Ridge visitor center. The viewpoint here sits above the headwaters of the Colorado River and offers breathtaking views of the Never Summer range. Make your way back to the accommodation where your trip ends in the late afternoon. If you’d like to stay in the area for longer, just speak to your booking agent.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    10JUN2024
    Return Date:
    14JUN2024
    5520NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    17JUN2024
    Return Date:
    21JUN2024
    5520NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    30JUN2024
    Return Date:
    04JUL2024
    5520NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    15JUL2024
    Return Date:
    19JUL2024
    5520NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    28JUL2024
    Return Date:
    01AUG2024
    5520NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    05AUG2024
    Return Date:
    09AUG2024
    5520NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    19AUG2024
    Return Date:
    23AUG2024
    5520NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    03SEP2024
    Return Date:
    07SEP2024
    5520NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    07 Feb 2024

    Trip title

    Hiking the Best of Rocky Mountain National Park

    Trip code

    SKTR

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2024

    Introduction

    Explore the best hiking trails with a trip leader who knows all the best spots in the Rocky Mountain National Park of Colorado with this 5-day walking and trekking trip. From fields of wildflowers and glacier cirques to expansive lakes, volcanoes and waterfalls, this is a nature-lover’s paradise! You’ll explore the Colorado Rockies each day, from a comfortable inn-style base, and take on winding trails at high altitudes. Walk among the alpine forest to The Alpine Ridge visitor centre viewpoint overlooking Colorado River, then delight at the beauty of Calypso Cascades, Ouzel Falls and Lake, Bluebird Lake, Glacier Gorge, Mills Lake, Jewel Lake, Black Lake, Andrews Glacier, Storm Peak, Longs Peak, Chiefs Head mountains and the famed Chasm Lake.

    Style

    Comfort

    Themes

    Walking & Trekking

    Transport

    Private vehicle

    Physical Rating

    4

    Physical preparation

    You’re in for a walking trip and a good level of fitness is essential. Please read through the trip notes carefully to ensure that this trip is the right trip for you. If you’re already a regular exerciser, it might be an idea to up your game a little. Run those extra laps, or take few longer walks, ideally with a day pack on your back. If you’re not exercising so regularly (2-3 times a week), it’s important to start in the weeks leading up to your departure (4-6 weeks prior at least). Your best choice would be to start walking regularly 2-3 times a week including at least one longer walk (up to 15 km). It’s important to not only walk on flat surface, so if you cannot access a hilly terrain easily, walking up and down the stairs is a good replacement. Top that up with some general fitness exercises and any other cardio related classes and you will see a huge progress in your fitness levels. On this tour you will hike at higher elevations on well-maintained trails, ranging from gradual to steep inclines. Our hike on Day 1 is not too strenuous in order to help you acclimatise. The difficulty of this trip (hiking distance and elevation change) may vary based on the group’s abilities, therefore distances and elevation loss/gain reflect maximum hiking distances. You can expect to hike uphill and downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 5-7 hours and maintain balance and footing on lightly rugged terrain.

    Joining point

    Estes Park

    Estes Park

    UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    Finish point

    Estes Park

    Estes Park

    UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    Important information

    1. Please note this trip requires a minimum number of booked customers to guarantee the departure. Your Booking Agent will advise at time of booking if the departure has met minimum numbers. If minimum numbers are not met, you will be advised no later than 30 days out from departure. We recommend arranging flights and related travel services once your departure is guaranteed. In the event that your departure is cancelled due to minimum numbers not being met, a full refund will be provided of monies paid. 2. A completed registration form is required to join these trips. You will not be confirmed for the trip until your form has been received and reviewed. We may ask for a medical release signed by your physician for medical conditions or circumstances which could possibly compromise your safety or the safety of others on this trip – please speak to your agent for further details. 3. A signed disclaimer (Acknowledgement of Risks Form) is required at the time of booking for this trip – please speak to your agent for further details. 4. To help ensure this trip is right for you, this trip is subject to additional ‘Essential Eligibility Requirements’ – see the ‘Itinerary Disclaimer’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details 5.This trip is operated and run by Wildland Trekking, an Intrepid company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Wildland Trekking customers and Intrepid customers. 6. You will meet your guide and group in Estes Park, Colorado at 8:30 AM the first day of the trip (if staying in Denver, Estes Park Shuttle offers a 5:00-8:00 am shuttle). Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip and will specify the exact location of the orientation meeting at that point. This trip will conclude at approximately 5:00 PM on the last day. 7. We recommend guests arrive in Estes Park (or another nearby location that is 7500′ or higher) 1-2 days before your trip starts. This will help you acclimatize to the higher elevation, and make for a more enjoyable experience during your tour. This is especially important if you have never been to higher altitude, or are flying in from sea level. 8. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

    Group leader

    Your leader will provide basic information about the sights and cities you'll be visiting but please note that our leaders are not 'tour guides' in the traditional sense. They are adventure travel specialists and are there to organise your trip, arrange activities and help with questions or problems you may have while on your tour. Your leader will provide you with all the important information you need to embark on your own explorations. They are also responsible for driving the van and navigating across the country. The allowable driving times for drivers is strictly controlled in North America. This ensures our drivers are well rested and are not over-tired from too many hours on the roads. While your group will have a minivan for all included activities on the trip, please note that the services of the van and the driver may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. It's strictly forbidden for non-qualified rangers to present any information about some National Parks in North America, therefore we adopt a system (as requested by the park rangers) where our leader will encourage travellers to visit the information centres in the National Parks for details about the site. All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

    On this trip, as well as the standard remote first aid kit, our leader will always carry a communication device designed to operate outside of regular cell phone signal range (e.g. InReach Explorer or satellite phone)

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

    Why we love it

    Explore the Colorado Rockies and everything they have to offer with diverse hikes through the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park, with a trip leader who knows all the best spots.

    Take in the imposing cliff faces, glittering lakes, pristine rivers, tall cascading waterfalls and surrounding mountain ranges – all while looking out for diverse wildlife (including moose!)

    Enjoy a comfortable base from which to explore every day – warm, inviting inn-style accommodation in Estes Park – and every meal taken care of, so you can focus on the views, the nature and the hikes!

    Acclimatise to the altitude and then take on the impressive Chasm Cirque trail – where you’ll sit down for lunch with epic views of the cliff The Diamond – and all of the ambitious climbers above you.

    Walk through countless wildflower-filled meadows to the stunning Calypso Cascades, Ouzel Falls and Alberta Falls, sitting among towering alpine forests.

    Is this trip right for you

    This is a walking trip, so a good fitness level will help you enjoy all included walks and activities.  On this tour, you’ll have to carry a daypack weighing approximately 3.5 to 5.5 kg or 8 to 12 lb. Our leaders are trained to spot the symptoms of altitude sickness, but it’s very important that you make yourself aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly. You can find our guide here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us/altitude-sickness. Weather or other factors may require an itinerary change, but your trip leader will always have great alternatives ready. It’s essential to dress in layers and prepare for cold and windy conditions above the tree line.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. The most convenient way to access money is via ATMs, which are plentiful throughout North America. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. Most optional activities can be paid for with credit card. TIPPING Tipping is part of the culture in North America – while it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of many industries including the tourism industry, in North America. YOUR LEADER You may consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline US$10-20 per person per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tipping is always appreciated. LOCAL GUIDES During your trip you may have a local expert guide for an included activity. As a guideline we suggest $5-$10 per person per local expert as a tip. TIPPING WHILE OUT AND ABOUT Restaurants: We suggest 18% to 22% of your bill. Bars: We suggest US$1 per drink. A charge that isn’t normally listed in North American menus or pricing are the state and federal taxes. Keep this in mind when your bill comes out slightly higher than the original price listed. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

    What to take

    LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS All luggage is carried in trailers or inside the vehicle so please don't bring more than one medium-sized bag, backpack or suitcase (20kg maximum) per person. Your suitcase/rucksack may get some rough handling, so make sure it's a tough one. A small daypack and camera may also be carried inside the vehicle. As well as your underwear, toothbrush and other items you always need to pack for travel, below are some items that you specifically need for this trip. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list INCLUDED GEAR We provide all group gear which includes the following: • Deuter or Osprey backpacks • Leki trekking poles • Company-issued first-aid kit • Emergency communication device(s) ESSENTIAL ITEMS YOU NEED TO BRING - Trekking clothing: A mixture covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers is recommended. Your activities will take place in the outdoors, where weather may change quickly. Lightweight, comfortable, and quick drying clothes for the activities are best. Laundry facilities may not be available on every day basis, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes. - Hiking boots with a good grip, ankle support and waterproof membrane that are comfortable to walk for an entire day - Comfortable shoes for shorter beach walks or evenings spend around accommodation/campsite - Sport sandals - Light jacket, fleece and base layers - Wind and waterproof jacket - Breathable, non-cotton hiking t-shirts - Long hiking pants or zip-offs - Nylon hiking shorts - Water bottle or bladder: you will need water during activities and it’s best to avoid buying unnecessary plastic. - Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat or bandana - Torch/flashlight/headtorch - Toiletries - Walking Poles if you would prefer to use your own - Quick Dry Towel RECOMMENDED ITEMS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BRINGING - Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your leader, but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, antihistamine tablets and any personal medication you may need - Ear plugs & eye mask - Camera with spare batteries/power bank: You will have access to power to recharge your electrical items daily - Travel eco-friendly wipes/hand sanitizer OPTIONAL ITEMS - Swimwear - A good book, a journal and music player VALUABLES Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. It’s also recommended to bring a copy of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list. HYDRATION SYSTEM Please bring your own hydration system of2 or 3 liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle to refill along the way.

    Climate and seasonal

    The high country of Rocky Mountain National Park is noted for extreme weather patterns. Shaped by elevation, slope, and exposure, these patterns can change rapidly. Temperatures are often moderate at elevations below 9,400' (2,865 m). At higher points, such as Bear Lake, Trail Ridge Road, or Longs Peak, it may snow even in July. A wide variation between day and night time temperatures is also typical of mountain weather. Summer days in July and August often reach the 70's°F or 80's°F and drop into the 40's°F at night.

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader or local representative, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders or local representatives and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ POLICE AND AMBULANCE In case of an emergency, local authorities can be contacted by calling 911 – this is the toll free phone number for the police, fire department and the ambulance in the USA and Canada. In case of doubt, call the operator on 0. In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid's Local Operator: +1 928 224 0699

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than $14million dollars and supported more than 160 communities worldwide. Now, with over 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

    Accommodation notes

    The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

    Transport notes

    TRAVELLING TIMES: All travel times mentioned in our itinerary are intended as a guide only and do not allow for traffic congestion, adverse weather conditions or any last minute alterations to the itinerary for any unforeseen circumstances. Please note that there are some long travel days on this tour - we'll have some early starts and late arrivals at our final destination (sometimes after dark). We recommend you are fully prepared for these long travel days by reviewing our notes and indicated times. Some travellers prefer to bring pillows on board for added comfort, others prefer reading material or games and puzzles. The reality is that to get from one fabulous location to another, the distances are great and we like to think at least some of the adventure is in the journey - not just the destination.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services This trip includes snowshoeing or winter/snow trekking activities as part of the itinerary, in sometimes remote locations. Please ensure that you travel insurance specifically covers these activities.

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. In order to travel on this trip, you: 1. Must be able to understand and recognize the risks and hazards inherent in the activities of the trip, must be able to decide to assume those risks and hazards and must actually and voluntarily assume those risks and hazards. 2. Must be able to withstand exposure to the outdoors including exposure to diverse climactic conditions during the trip, including temperatures ranging from below freezing to +100 degrees F, potentially rapidly changing precipitative conditions from dry conditions to precipitation including monsoons and flash floods, for the duration of the Program. 3. Must be able to monitor and evaluate changes in personal health condition including the onset of dehydration, hyponatremia, heat illness or stroke or hypothermia and must be able to communicate any changes in personal health condition or safety concerns to the guide(s). 4. Must be able to participate in all activities at the time scheduled for each activity; e.g. to beat the heat, guest pick-up and hike start times during summer months may range between 3-6 a.m. 5. Must be able to manage all personal care and mobility during extended periods of exertion of 10-plus hours per day, either independently or with the assistance of a companion or an approved assistive device. 6. Must be able to enter and exit a multi-passenger vehicle either independently or with the assistance of a companion or approved assistive device. 7. Must be able to withstand up to eight hours as a passenger in a multi-passenger vehicle, transporting up to 14 passengers at a time, either independently or with the assistance of a companion or an approved assistive device. 8. Must be able to immediately comprehend and follow verbal instructions either independently or with the assistance of a companion or approved assistive device. 9. Must be able to traverse wet and dry, sandy, rocky, uneven and/or unstable ground over a distance of 10-plus miles per day including elevation differential (gain and/or loss) of +3,000 feet per day, for a period of up to 10 hours per day, while carrying: a) BACKPACKING/BACKCOUNTRY TRIPS- a backpack weighing 25-50 pounds, b) FRONTCOUNTRY/LODGE, BASECAMP AND INN-BASED TRIPS - a fully loaded backpack weighing 10-15 pounds, either independently or with an assistance companion or an approved assistive device. 10. Must be able to self-manage and self-navigate unsupervised while in the designated camp area either independently or with the assistance of a companion or approved assistive device. 11. Must be able to perform basic camping activities including sleeping on the ground, consuming water from back country sources, consuming food prepared in a backcountry setting and maintaining personal health and hygiene in accordance with guide directives either independently or with the assistance of a companion or approved assistive device. The use of an assistive device to meet any element of the essential eligibility criteria must be approved in advance by Intrepid Travel.

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