Rocky Mountain Women's Backpacking

Our adventure begins today at REI Co-op's flagship store in Denver, where similarly minded intrepid travelers gather to begin the expedition of a lifetime. After an orientation by our experienced trip leaders, we have an opportunity to put their advice to good use and pick up any last-minute items. We then travel as a group from the heart of Denver to the scenic basins and wild cliffs of Rocky Mountain National Park. Our front-country campground tonight helps us bridge the transition from urban to wilderness, providing ample opportunity to experiment with our gear as we eagerly anticipate the miles we're about to share. Tonight's dinner, prepared by our guides under the stars of the Milky Way, feeds body and soul alike. We then cap off our evening with a sunset hike to breathtaking Sprague Lake before turning in for a cozy night's sleep in our nylon cocoons. Dinner included.

Hiking: 1.8 miles, Elevation gain/loss: Minimal; Van transfer: 2 hours

After a warm and nourishing breakfast, we leave civilization behind and begin our trek into the craggy heart of one of the nation's highest national parks. Carrying everything we need on our backs, our guides lead the way to our first steps on the Wild Basin Trail. Today we ease into the weight of our packs with a steady and rewarding climb along the North St. Vrain River, from 8,500' to our camp at 10,600' of elevation. Fern-lined meandering paths, blue skies, ponderosa pine and the stunning Copeland Falls help keep our minds off our burning legs and lungs. This gratitude for a place that offers equal parts challenge and reward will carry us through each mile to Thunder Lake, our home away from home for the next two nights. Our guides serve up a hearty dinner as we settle in for the night. All meals included.

Backpacking: 5.4 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +2,188' / -90'; Van transfer: 1 hour

We awake to the sun breaching our tents, the smell of freshly brewed coffee or tea, and the knowledge that we have nothing to do today except explore nature. After breakfast, we pack our daypacks, leaving camp and our heaviest gear behind—we'll sleep here again tonight. We hike toward the Continental Divide, a natural boundary that separates North America's river sheds to the east and west, where they flow into the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans respectively. As we hike, our guides will impart their knowledge of this verdant ecosystem and its native wildlife: pika, marmot, black bear, bighorn sheep, bobcat, mountain lion and everyone's favorite: moose. As we search for these local residents, we approach the rocky shores of high alpine lakes, where the brave can take a chilly dip in deep blue waters. Today we explore a part of the national park where trails end and few venture further. We return to our cozy camp for dinner and the incredible sight of sunset fading to twilight as a deep black, star-filled night emerges. All meals included.

Hiking: Up to 8.4 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +2,267' / -2,267'

Sunrise in the backcountry just can't be beat. We rise from our tents, cradle our hot beverages and breakfasts, and join our fellow backpackers in welcoming the day. As we pack up camp, we reflect on all we've done and all we've learned. For some, this has been their first expedition, while for others it's part of long obsession with Earth's most serene and silent places. We've all added an unforgettable page to the scrapbook of our lives, learning new things and making new friends along the way. While pondering all this we follow our guides on a new route that takes us past towering Ouzel Falls and roaring Calypso Cascade. When we return to our starting trailhead we enjoy a picnic lunch while reliving some of our favorite moments from the trip. We then make our way back to Denver, arriving at REI Co-op's flagship store between 4 - 5pm. Outgoing flights should be booked no earlier than 8:30 pm. Breakfast and lunch included.

Backpacking: 6.1 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +325' / -2,414'; Van transfer: 1.5 hours