Private Full Day Backcountry Hike - Rocky Mountain National Park

Hike Farther 2.0 - Advanced Private All-Day Backcountry Hike 

Once the trail markers thin out and the maintained path gives way to something rougher, that's where this hike really begins. The crowds fall away, the forest goes quiet, and you're moving through sub-alpine terrain that most day-trippers never reach — the kind of backcountry that stays wild because it takes real effort to get there.

Your guide leads the way across a mix of maintained and unmaintained trail, working through changing terrain toward a remote mountain lake tucked well off the beaten path. Along the way, there's history, geology, and wildlife to take in — wildflowers in the meadows, the chance of elk or bighorn sheep in the distance, and scenery that keeps shifting the deeper you go. It's a full day out, covering real ground, and it ends somewhere most visitors to the park will never see.

Duration

1. Total trip length: approximately 10 hours, including check-in, the drive to the trailhead, breaks, and hiking time
   

Location / Where to Meet

1. Guests are picked up directly for groups of fewer than 4 — pickup location entered at checkout, must be within Estes Park
   
2. For groups of 4 or more, your guide establishes a meeting point in Estes Park or at the trailhead instead
   
3. Exact trailhead and backcountry destination are selected by your guide based on trip length, weather, group ability, and current trail conditions
   

Ages & Requirements

1. Minimum age: 16+
   
2. A legal parent or guardian must accompany any participant under 18
   
3. This is the outfitter's most advanced hike offering — best suited to hikers with prior experience at elevation, or who have completed at least two 6–8 mile hikes earlier in the week (or similar recent activity), and who are comfortable on both maintained and unmaintained backcountry trail
   
4. Guests should be injury-free and prepared for a full day of sustained, strenuous hiking
   
5. Group size: 1–9 people per trip; every trip is a private, custom booking for your party only
   
6. Because this hike travels off the main trail network into higher elevation, guests should be prepared for thinner air, exposed and variable terrain, and rapidly changing mountain weather
   

What's Included

1. A private, custom-designed hike built around your group's pace and interests
   
2. A timed-entry permit and park reservation for your group — no need to reserve your own
   
3. A professional, Wilderness First Aid/CPR-certified guide
   
4. Trekking poles for the hike
   
5. Binoculars and/or a spotting scope for wildlife viewing
   
6. Education on the surrounding geology, history, wildlife, and plant life
   
7. Extra layers and packs available if needed
   
8. Snacks and/or a field journal and pencil, sticker, or morning donuts (varies by trip)
   

Not Included

1. Rocky Mountain National Park entrance fee or park pass (a 7-day vehicle pass runs $35; other pass options are available directly through the park)
   
2. Extra snacks or a full meal beyond what's provided
   
3. Gratuity for your guide — tipping is never required, but always appreciated
   

What to Bring / Wear

1. Daypack
   
2. Water bladder or at least a 32 oz (0.9 l) water bottle
   
3. Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes (no sandals, crocs, or similar)
   
4. Comfortable hiking socks
   
5. Comfortable shorts or pants to hike in (jeans not recommended)
   
6. Moisture-wicking t-shirt
   
7. Mid-layer (long sleeve)
   
8. Warm sweatshirt or jacket
   
9. Sunscreen and sunglasses
   
10. Lightweight gloves
    
11. Rain jacket (rain pants optional)
    
12. Snacks
    
13. Camera or phone
    
14. Beanie, hat, and electrolyte drink mix (all optional)