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Overview

Colorado Camp, Hike, Raft
Granby, CO 80446, USA
Jun 26 - 29, 2025
Plot Twist Adventures image
Plot Twist Adventures
$1,850
Deposit: $500

About your trip


Join us for a Plot Twist Adventure to camp, hike and raft in the Rocky Mountains!  Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover.



Basecamp will be on the beautiful Apraphoe Bay in the Arapahoe National Forest  in Granby Colorado. 


We will pick you up from the airport and head to base camp.  All camping gear, meals,  permits/entrances to the parks, transportation to all activities, and memories of a lifetime! You just bring yourself, your crew, some clothes, and a toothbrush!!! Of course, the most important thing is to bring your sense of adventure!! 

What to expect

Payment Plans Available!!!


A detailed packing list will be provided in your welcome email after booking.



Plot Twist Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips for mechanical or construction failures of vehicles and equipment, acts of god, acts of terrorism, forces of nature, unpredictable weather conditions, and other unpredictable occurrences.

Plot Twist Adventures guests will be required to submit a $500 deposit at the time of booking.  The remaining balance will be due 60 days before their trip date. 

Cancellations

There are no refunds for our trips.  If for some reason a guest has to cancel we will credit the deposit and apply payments to a future trip.  We recommend guests purchase travel insurance to cover unexpected changes in their travel plans. 


What's included

Transportation

Roundtrip transportation from Denver Airport and trip specific destinations

Camping Gear

Top-quality tents, comfortable sleeping pads, sleeping bag, pillow

Meals

All meals included prepared by our guides with adventure fuel ingredients

Fee

All National Park, State Park & Recreation Fees

Guides

Expert guides in basecamp and on adventures

What's not included

Airfare

Getting to and from rendezvous points will be the responsibility of the guest

Pre/Post Accommodations

If guests are arriving before or departing after designated tour transportation schedule they are responsible for those accommodations

Gratuity

Guide gratuity (Recommended 15-20% of trip cost)

Day 1

Day 1 image

Scenic Drive Along the Famous Trail Ridge Road

8am guest pick up at Denver International Airport.


We will head to Rocky Mountain National Park via the Estes Park entry point to drive the famous Trail Ridge Road.


Trail Ridge Road is a scenic highway located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, renowned for its breathtaking views and unique alpine environment. It is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet (3,713 meters) at its highest point.

Key Features:

Spectacular Scenery:
The road offers panoramic views of towering peaks, deep valleys, and rolling tundra. It traverses a variety of ecosystems, from montane forests at lower elevations to alpine tundra above the tree line.

Length and Accessibility:
The road spans approximately 48 miles (77 kilometers), connecting the towns of Estes Park on the east and Grand Lake on the west. It is typically open from late May to mid-October, depending on weather conditions.

Wildlife Viewing:
The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, marmots, and various bird species. Wildlife sightings are common, especially in the early morning or late evening.

Trailheads and Pullouts:
Numerous trailheads and scenic pullouts line the route, allowing visitors to explore hiking trails or simply enjoy the view. Popular stops include Forest Canyon Overlook, Rock Cut, and Milner Pass.

Alpine Environment:
Above the tree line, the road offers a unique opportunity to experience the fragile and rare alpine tundra ecosystem. Interpretive signs and the Alpine Visitor Center provide insights into the area's natural and cultural history.




Day 2

Day 2 image

Bear Lake Corridor Hikes

 A full day of hiking along the Bear Lake Corridor. The Bear Lake Corridor in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular and scenic areas in the park. Renowned for its stunning alpine views, rich wildlife, and accessible trails, the Bear Lake area is a hub for visitors seeking outdoor adventures and breathtaking landscapes.


Bear Lake Hike

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: ~0.6 miles round trip
  • Elevation Gain: Minimal (~50 feet)
  • Highlights:
    • A quick, family-friendly loop trail that encircles Bear Lake.
    • Offers spectacular views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.
    • Ideal for photography and wildlife spotting.
    • Accessible year-round, though winter may require snowshoes or spikes.

Nymph Lake Hike

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: ~1.1 miles round trip
  • Elevation Gain: ~225 feet
  • Highlights:
    • A short but rewarding hike starting from the Bear Lake Trailhead.
    • Leads to a picturesque lake dotted with lily pads, especially vibrant in summer.
    • Scenic views of Longs Peak and the surrounding forest.
    • A popular stop for hikers continuing to Dream Lake or Emerald Lake.

Dream Lake Hike

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: ~2.2 miles round trip
  • Elevation Gain: ~425 feet
  • Highlights:
    • Stunning alpine lake framed by dramatic mountain peaks.
    • A great destination for sunrise photography.
    • Trail continues from Nymph Lake and offers views of Tyndall Glacier.
    • Often icy in winter, so microspikes are recommended.

Emerald Lake Hike

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: ~3.6 miles round trip
  • Elevation Gain: ~605 feet
  • Highlights:
    • Considered one of the most iconic hikes in the park.
    • Passes by Nymph and Dream Lakes before reaching the emerald-green waters.
    • The lake is nestled beneath Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, creating a dramatic backdrop.
    • A popular trail year-round; crowded in summer but breathtaking in winter.

Haiyaha Lake Hike

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: ~4 miles round trip
  • Elevation Gain: ~745 feet
  • Highlights:
    • A serene and less-crowded alpine lake.
    • The trail branches off near Dream Lake and features rocky terrain.
    • Known for its unique turquoise-colored waters due to glacial silt.
    • Offers a tranquil setting for those seeking solitude.
    • Best enjoyed in summer or early fall, as snow can make navigation challenging.

These hikes are interconnected and can often be combined for a longer adventure.

Day 3

Day 3 image

White Water Rafting

Upper Colorado Rafting Half-Day Adventures

Scenic half-day Colorado white water rafting trip launches at the Pumphouse launch site and we raft to the Radium take out.  We will raft approximately 5.5 miles of mostly Class I/II water, with one Class III rapid.  This trip consists of a beautiful scenic float down to the canyon, and in the canyon is where we will experience most of our rapids.  At the end of the canyon we typically stop at the famous Jump Rockand Punk Rock (all ages) for a jump into the river for those who are inclined.

Day 4

Day 4 image

Waterfall Hike

Morning hike to Adams Falls is a stunning waterfall located near the town of Grand Lake on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. It's a popular destination for visitors seeking a short and scenic hike with beautiful views of waterfalls and surrounding landscapes.

Key Features of Adams Falls:

Location:

  • Near Grand Lake, at the entrance to the park's west side.
  • Accessed via the East Inlet Trailhead.

Trail Details:

  • Distance: About 0.6 miles round trip.
  • Difficulty: Easy, with a well-maintained path.
  • Elevation Gain: Approximately 80 feet.

Scenery:

  • The falls cascade through a narrow gorge, offering spectacular views.
  • Surrounding the trail are pine forests and wildflower meadows.
  • The East Inlet Trail continues beyond Adams Falls for those seeking a longer hike into the alpine scenery.

Wildlife and Nature:

  • The area is rich in wildlife, including elk, moose, and various bird species.
  • Beautiful aspen groves turn vibrant gold in the fall.


Depart back to Denver

Location

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1. Granby, CO 80446, USA

Granby, CO 80446, USA

About your organizer

Delicious, nutritious adventure fuel, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, chairs, guided hikes, other guided activities, and MORE are included in our trips. Just bring yourself, your peeps, and your go bag!! Let Plot Twist Adventures become your bucket list ambassador in 2023! Sign up for updates about our all-inclusive small group camping & hiking trips at www.plottwistadventures.com

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