Welcome to the Rocky Mountains! Make sure to drink plenty of water to accommodate the altitude as Denver is 5,430 feet above sea level. Upon arrival to Denver International Airport, you will be met by your guide to be whisked away in a comfortable SUV towards the West, climbing steadily into the Rocky Mountains. Along the way, we will reach the first historic gold rush settlements, Idaho Springs, to walk the Main Street and learn about Colorado’s gold mining history.

As a former mining town, Idaho Springs offers many activities surrounding the town’s history including mining tours and walking the historic district, filled with shops and restaurants. Visitors can also opt to explore the famed nearby hot springs and take part in exhilarating rafting opportunities.

Our journey continues over Berthoud Pass at a staggering 11306-foot elevation where the air is crisp. Be sure to take in the vast views abound in all directions as we cross the Continental Divide then descend into the Valley of the Fraser River, Grand County. Passing by a series of beautiful lakes, we soon reach Grand Lake. This historic little town is nestled on the largest natural lake in the state of Colorado.

In the afternoon we search for elusive wildlife such as bear, elk, moose and osprey along the shores of Shadow Mountain Reservoir alongside your guide who knows all the best places for wildlife viewing in the area.
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Today will be spent in the national park with a drive-up Trail Ridge Road, a national designated All American Road that takes explorers up 12,183 feet in elevation, just above the treeline. Visitors will not only appreciate the changing scenery and thrilling views but will also have fun keeping an eye out for elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goats.

Advance hikers may choose to hike the Ute Trail and explore the alpine splendor above treeline to take in the stunning views and beautiful flora of the area.

The early morning finds us in the Kawanuche Valley, hiking towards the Colorado River in search for North America’s largest land mammal, the North American moose. With some male moose or “bulls" reaching up to 1,500 pounds and a rack width of 70 inches or more, the moose is quite the spectacle to witness in person. Along with possible sightings of bald eagles and elk along the Colorado River, moose can be seen frequently in this area.

In the afternoon we leave the Grand Valley for one the most affluent neighborhoods of Colorado, Roaring Fork Valley. Over Vail Pass we soon reach the valley of the famously rich, arriving to our hotel for the evening in the ski resort of Snowmass near Aspen.
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Today will be spent enjoying the amazing sight of the Maroon Bells. These red mountains rise from a beautiful valley above clear mountain lakes in the signature bell shapes from which they owe their name. Many postcards grace this perfect mountain view as it is one of the most photographed sites in Colorado and arguably the most beautiful. We can walk around the lakes, hike towards the Maroon Bells, or enjoy the area on a more leisurely walk down hill, grabbing a shuttle on the return. The afternoon is reserved to explore Aspen on your own. ...read less

This morning you will be met by your guide for a scenic transfer to Denver for your flight home. On the way, you will climb over the Continental Divide 12,095 ft above sea level along Colorado’s most stunning road, Independence Pass. Descending to Twin Lakes, we enjoy a glorious mountain scenery before reaching Leadville to spend time exploring the fantastic National Mining Museum to learn about the mining industry and its history in the United States. After walking the museum, you will be brought to the airport for your flight home. ...read less