Mountain Series: Colorado Rockies

Hiking in the Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies’ overwhelming natural grandeur have the power to consume the senses. Here colossal mountains, pristine lakes, abundant wildlife and wildflower-filled meadows all challenge your sense of scale. Hike some of the highest peaks in the contiguous United States, explore old mines from past eras and take in views that go on seemingly forever. At night, relax in a charming cabin nestled in the heart of the mountains and reflect on your epic surroundings.

THE JOURNEY

For those who of us who live at sea level, we know hiking at higher altitudes is a challenge that requires time for acclimatization. Our journey is strategically designed so you can maximize your experience in the Rockies. Day one is your travel day and relaxation in your new home at 11,264 feet. Day two is a beautiful intermediate hike to Mohawk Lake, a pristine mountain lake at 12,120 feet. Day three is your first opportunity to “test” your body’s adjustment to altitude as we summit Quandary Peak at 14,265 feet. Day four is a relaxing day in Breckenridge where you can go whitewater rafting, mountain biking or simply take in the charming town. Day five is our final summit challenge as we climb Mount Lincoln (14,286’), Democrat (14,155’) and Bross (14,178’), all connected by a high ridge-line and obtainable in one day. While this is an effective strategy for the altitude, you always have the option of taking it easy and enjoy the mountains at a lower elevation. We will have two Outdoor Bound guides to assist with any changes in plans. Our singular goal is for you to have an amazing and safe experience.

Event Details

FRIDAY, JULY 27
Arrive in Denver, drive to cabin
SATURDAY, JULY 28
Mohawk Lake
SUNDAY, JULY 29
Quandary Peak
MONDAY, JULY 30
Breckenridge
TUESDAY, JULY 31
Mount Democrat, Lincoln and Bross
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1
Final Day, fly out of Denver

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SEASONED GUIDES

As you explore the Colorado Rockies, you will be led by professional trail guides, dedicated to providing safe and educational experiences. Our guides are trained in wilderness medicine and are seasoned leaders, demonstrating good judgement, technical expertise, and environmental consciousness. Our guides are ever aware of their client's needs and work hard to make your trip successful.

LODGING

Each evening you will retire to our backcountry cabin nestled in the heart of the Rockies' dramatic peaks. The cabin, while rustic, is comfortable with room to relax and discuss the conquests of the day. Bedrooms are shared, with single beds as well as bunks. Bathrooms have indoor composting toilets and there are no showers. Amenities include a wood burning stove, sauna, full kitchen and solar-powered lights. Our water comes from a nearby stream.

MEALS

We will have the cabin fully stocked with food and drinks for the entire week. Your guides will prepare a delicious dinner each night and an occasional blueberry pancake breakfast. The only meals not included are during your travel days (dinner at the hut will be included the first night) and your day in Breckenridge.

PACKAGE INCLUDES

Professional trail guides
Almost every meal
Park entrance fees
Backcountry cabin
Roundtrip transportation from Denver International Airport

DOES NOT INCLUDE

Airfare to Denver International Airport
Some meals
Incidentals
Optional activities in Breckenridge
Gratuity for your guides

Five Days in Colorado’s High Peaks

July 27

Arrive in Denver, Colorado

Your flight into Denver might give you a view of the Rocky Mountains where you will soon be spending the next five days. Upon landing, your Outdoor Bound guide will drive you and your fellow hikers to our backcountry cabin, located just south of Breckenridge, Colorado. The afternoon and evening will be a time for relaxing and exploring the area around the cabin while getting to know your group. Over dinner we will go over the itinerary for the days ahead and discuss any questions you have.

THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS

The Rocky Mountains stretch more than 2,980 miles from the northernmost part of British Columbia to New Mexico. The range’s highest peak is Mount Elbert located just southwest of our peaks in Colorado. Though part of North America’s Pacific Cordillera, the Rockies are distinct from the Pacific Mountain System, which are located directly adjacent to the Pacific coast.
The Rockies were formed about 70 million years ago in the Cretaceous, by the Laramide orogeny. Since then, erosion by water and glaciers have sculpted the mountain range into dramatic valleys and peaks. At the end of the last ice age, humans started to inhabit the mountain range. Europeans, such as Sir Alexander MacKenzie and the Lewis and Clark expedition, started to explore the range. Minerals and furs drove the initial economic exploitation of the mountains, although the range never became densely populated.

Five Days in Colorado’s High Peaks

July 28

Mohawk Lake

Celebrate your first full day in beautiful Colorado! Today you will be truly free from all things stressful, including your iPhone. After a hearty breakfast, we will set out for a full day hike to Mohawk Lake. On this relatively low-altitude, yet challenging hike, we will see beautiful water falls, mining ruins and a pristine lake. We will enjoy a relaxing lunch by Mohawk Lake while taking in amazing views all around us.

The trail starts just a short walk below our cabin. Starting in thick forest, the trail has modest elevation gain as a good warmup for what lies ahead. The best part about hiking through this area is the sound of the aspen trees creaking. It’s not very often you hear that sound. After a short distance, the trail turns upward and you begin to gain more elevation. The sounds of Continental Falls increasingly get louder as you approach the beautiful cascades. Just ahead lie the mining ruins from long ago, along with an old cabin used for emergency shelter. A little further and we are at Mohawk Lake, our peak for the day.

TRAIL STATS

Starting Elevation 10,420 feet
Peak Elevation 12,120 feet
Hiking Distance 7 miles

Five Days in Colorado’s High Peaks

July 29

Quandary Peak

Quandary Peak is the highpoint of Colorado’s Tenmile Range, an aesthetically-pleasing and rugged chain of peaks stretching south from Frisco to the Continental Divide.

The trail begins in a thick forest of pine and aspen before reaching the tree line. Once above the trees, a new world of spectacular views opens up. To the south, a sharp neighboring ridge acts as a divider between Quandary and four neighboring Fourteeners in the Mosquito Range. To the north is an amazing (and huge) natural amphitheater filled with snow surrounding a high mountain lake. Pike’s Peak is also easily seen to the south. Wildlife encounters are common on Quandary and if we are lucky, we may meet local white mountain goats.

Tonight we celebrate and toast to an amazing week of high-altitude adventure.

TRAIL STATS

Starting Elevation 10,836 feet
Peak Elevation 14,265 feet
Hiking Distance 6.8 miles

Five Days in Colorado’s High Peaks

July 30

Day in Breckenridge

Today is yours to relax and give your legs a rest. We will drive into the charming ski town of Breckenridge where you can choose from a number of options including mountain biking, fly fishing, whitewater rafting and shopping. At the beginning of the week, we will get a sense for who wants to do what activities and then get a price based on our numbers.

WHITEWATER RAFTING

Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River is not for the timid. Lots of continuous Class IV and V whitewater and thundering rapids, including Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, Wall Slammer and many others make this one of the most exhilarating trips offered anywhere. The river winds beneath the Royal Gorge bridge providing spectacular scenery and an action-packed ride you won’t forget. Price, $95

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Breckenridge is continually expanding and improving its recreational territory, opening up miles of dirt roads and trails to mountain bikers and hikers, connecting the mountain town with seemingly endless Rocky Mountain wilderness. Breckenridge is an up-and-coming “fat tire” destination boasting countless miles of trails for all abilities, world-class mountain biking events and mountain bike clinics throughout the summer. Mountain Bike Rental, $55

FLY FISHING

The Colorado Rockies contain some of the best fishing waters in North America. The town of Breckenridge and adjacent mountains are no different. Blue Ribbon waters are abundant around Breckenridge. Casting your fly in the afternoon sun, while soaking in the views of the nearby Ten Mile Range, is a great way to spend a lazy day. The Blue River, which flows south to north, meanders directly through the heart of Breckenridge, Colorado. The clear waters of the Blue River contain healthy Rainbows, fat Browns and an occasional Native Cutthroat. Price varies on group size.

Five Days in Colorado’s High Peaks

July 31

Mount Democrat, Lincoln and Bross

Today is a defining segment of the entire trip as three major “Fourteeners” will be hiked. After a full day and a half of acclimatizing our bodies, we should be in good position to summit these great peaks.

The trail starts at a small alpine body of water, Kite Lake, at about 12,000 feet. Much of our day’s work will come in the first mile as we traverse our way to Mount Democrat. After a well-earned break and breathtaking views, our hike continues to Mount Lincoln. Lincoln, at 14,286 feet in elevation is the eighth highest mountain in Colorado and only 208 feet shy of the highest point in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney. Once we have enough pictures (evidence of our bagged peaks) our hike continues to Mount Bross. On a clear day, from the summit of Bross you can spot Pikes Peak, a beautiful mountain near Colorado Springs over 50 miles away. After Bross, we complete our circuit heading down to Kite Lake. Back at the cabin, well-deserved cold beverages and lip-smacking dinner await.

TRAIL STATS

Starting Elevation 12,000 feet
Peak Elevation 14,286 feet
Hiking Distance 5.4 miles

Five Days in Colorado’s High Peaks

August 1

Final Day in Colorado

After sleeping in and enjoying a leisurely breakfast, we pack up our bags and say goodbye to our beloved cabin. Your guides will drive you to the Denver International Airport for your flight home.

Preparation Advice

TRAINING

Hiking the Fourteeners does not require technical climbing skills or experience. It does, however, require a minimum level of physical fitness. We strongly encourage our hikers to experience hiking on rugged trails, particularly on steep up and down hills, since this is much of what you will experience in the Rockies. It is an undeniable fact that those who are in good shape are more likely to enjoy the view from the summit! Those who engage in regular exercise before hiking at high altitude do just fine on the ascent. Give oneself adequate time—at least a couple of months—to prepare, particularly if this form and intensity of exercise is new. For three days a week, focus on an hour or more of aerobic exercise such as running, cycling, swimming, etc. Gym equipment such as stairmasters and rowing machines can supplement cardiovascular training. Day hikes or other longer endeavors will help prepare one for the endurance required in the Rockies. Carrying a 20 to 30 pound pack uphill on trails or stadium steps will simulate the real climb better than anything. Lifting moderate weights to increase core body, leg, and arm strength is also a good idea. Focus on quads and hamstrings—legs need strength and endurance. Being generally fit and having some solid stamina for long days is the overall goal.

ALTITUDE

The high elevations in the Rockies have stopped otherwise fit people who did not take the time to acclimate. To help one’s body adjust to the thinner and drier air, you must first hydrate. Drinking enough water markedly improves athletic performance and helps to prevent altitude mountain sickness. Before and during your hike, aim for 4-5 quarts of fluid a day. Make sure your water is readily accessible. During the ascent, hydration systems like Camelbacks, or a water bottle on your hip will provide easy access to your water. Sport drink mixes like Gatorade are highly recommended; they promote drinking and help replenish electrolytes. Avoid too much alcohol and caffeine, as these have the effect of dehydrating your body. If you have never been to high altitude before, do not worry, everyone has a first time. Keep your guide posted on any physical symptoms you may be experiencing. If you have had trouble with altitude in the past, please let us know ahead of time and consult with your physician before you come.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

The high mountain areas have extremely variable weather. The evenings can turn cold and the days can warm up substantially, even in the alpine environment. Strong winds, rain, hail, even summer snow showers may be encountered. Expect early morning starts to avoid afternoon thundershowers!

FOOD

All breakfasts and dinners will be provided including coffee, teas, and hot chocolate. If you have food intolerances or allergies, please notify our office. Lunch ingredients will be laid out in the morning for you to make your own, perfect sandwich or wrap. Plan for a half pound of trail/lunch food per day with a variety of many small snacks. Delicious dinners will be prepared for you in the evenings.

PACKING

If you are unsure of what to bring, give us a call or send us an email! Our staff is happy to help ensure you are comfortably outfitted for your trip. To prepare yourself for the activities, join Outdoor Bound on any of our local day trips. Our trained guides will coach you and offer helpful tips in preparing for your big adventure. Below is a list of equipment for this trip. The specific gear considerations are designed to prepare you for all possible conditions. For questions about the gear list, please contact our office at 212-579-4568 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

LAYERS

Please, no cotton. Cotton or cotton blends are not acceptable layers, except for a short sleeve hiking shirt and shorts. Wet cotton cools your core body temperature quickly and this can become a serious safety issue. Make sure that your insulating jackets and rain gear, both tops and bottoms, can fit over other layers. Do not omit layers; we actually wear them all on many occasions. If you would like an extra layer, a vest is a nice light addition. Rain ponchos are not acceptable. Gloves may be used while climbing; they must be both dexterous and warm, and leather is not a good idea.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS

Two water bottles or Camelback
Backpack
Hiking boots with sturdy soles
Hiking socks, four pairs
Gloves, two pair
Warm hat
Sun-blocking hat (baseball cap)
Base top layer (wicking t-shirts)
Heavy layer (sweater or fleece)
Pants, hiking shorts
Long underwear/thermals
Waterproof jacket
Underwear
Casual wear for around the cabin
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees (beds have mattresses, but no linens)
Biodegradable soap and shampoo
Medications, prescription and non-prescription
Small towel and washcloth
Flashlight or headlamp

RECOMMENDED ITEMS

Binoculars for viewing wildlife
Camera
Book
Journal

GENERAL INFORMATION AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Please read our terms and conditions and call us with any questions you may have about the trip before booking. A gear and departure check-list will be sent to you upon booking confirmation. You may receive a full refund or credit for cancellations with one month notice. Cancellations within a month are non-refundable.

Why Outdoor Bound?

Experienced, Fun & Qualified Guides

From cycling across the United States to leading horse treks through New Zealand to scaling Nepalese peaks, Outdoor Bound guides have real-world outdoor experience. Collectively, they have hiked, biked, climbed and kayaked tens of thousands of miles around the globe.

Whether their professional backgrounds are as teachers, personal trainers, artists, environmentalists or business leaders, they all have an extensive knowledge of the natural world and local history. Each guide has also passed a rigorous guide certification program and is trained in wilderness first aid or as a Wilderness First Responder.

Diverse & Interesting Groups

There is no typical Outdoor Bound participant. While ages typically range from 20 to 50, those who come to experience outdoor adventure range from singles to couples, from lawyers to waiters. They are a mix of women and men. While the group is always diverse, you will certainly feel welcome. Our guides go the extra mile to make the atmosphere of each trip social and fun. Many people in the Outdoor Bound community have forged lasting friendships as a result of our trips.

New Experiences

Skydiving, ice-climbing, hot-air ballooning, skiing and hiking every weekend are just a few of Outdoor Bound’s year-round adventures. These trips are accessible to everyone, including the novice, who might feel a little uneasy, the young urban professional trying to get away and even the adrenaline junkie looking for a new rush.

Environmental Awareness

“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures,” is the Leave No Trace motto embraced by Outdoor Bound. From purchasing bamboo T-shirts to printing with soy-based inks on recycled paper, Outdoor Bound strives to create the least environmental impact possible while on trips and in the office.

Outdoor Bound Mountain Series: Colorado Rockies

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