Introduction
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The vast and vivid landscapes - mountains, mesas and high plains - of the Centennial State form the backdrop of a dramatic week of fascinating hikes framed by the autumn gold of aspen. Walks include woodland trails with stunning views of the Continental Divide, exploration of Dinosaur Ridge and the tracks left by triceratops and a day spent hiking with a naturalist to explain the ecology of the area. We visit a ranch and meet the owners - descendants of the original homesteaders. We stay in the historic Boulder Chautauqua, a cultural, educational and architectural gem in continuous use and with its original structures intact since the 19th century .
Walk Summary
| Dates | |
| Trip | 7 days, 6 nights |
| Terrain | Walk Rating: Easy-moderate. Well-maintained forest trails and tracks through plains. Some uphill hikes. High altitude. 6-8 miles walking per day. |
| Price |
US$ 2895.00 Double Occupancy |
Arrival and Departure from Denver. Walk beings with rendezvous in Denver and ends in Estes Park.
Walk Itinerary
Sunday
We meet in Denver. En route to our lodging in Evergreen we pause to visit the fascinating Hiwan Homestead Museum, housed in a beautiful 1890’s log home.
Dinner and Overnight at Bears Inn.
Monday
After a healthy breakfast, we spend the day hiking in the Three Sisters Open Space. Our walks enjoy spectacular views of the Continental Divide as we pass through stands of golden aspen trees and ruins of homesteads. Dinner at a lakeside inn.
Tuesday
Today we visit the world-famous geological site Dinosaur Ridge, where we will walk along actual dinosaur prints. We lunch at Red Rocks and visit the renowned Amphitheatre before travelling and hiking on to our accommodations at Boulder’s Chautauqua. The eponymous Chautauqua movement was founded in 1874 in New York. Boulder became part of the Chautauqua movement in 1898 and it is now one of only three remaining in the country. We will overnight in the Chautuaqua Mission House and dine in the award winning Dining Hall.
Wednesday
Today we walk in Open Space and Mountain Parks lands, under Colorado’s iconic Flatirons in a unique “ecotone”, the transition between tall -grass prairie and mountain. We will see evidence of Native American occupation, early homesteading, water rights fights and even a 1902 murder; a local naturalist points out the local flora and fauna. In the evening, we’ll enjoy our very own Chautauqua performance before dinner at an award-winning Pearl Street restaurant famous for serving local, fresh ingredients.
Thursday
We spend the morning in Dowdy Draw with the option of a hike or an escorted mountain bike ride, before a picnic lunch at an historic homestead. In the afternoon we visit a large cattle ranch where we will talk to the family, fifth generation ranchers – real cowboys, these! - about their lives and work, and visit with the critters. We continue to the stunning Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. Dinner in the Dunraven Inn.
Friday
We spend the day hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park where the fall colors should be at their very peak. We will walk through aspen groves and we will enjoy a lakeside picnic lunch. We return to the Stanley Hotel for our Farewell Dinner.
Saturday
After breakfast, we return to Denver and say Goodbye!
This itinerary represents a typical Walk. We prepare itineraries well in advance of the trip and therefore we reserve the right to make changes due to weather, local events or other circumstances - but always to improve the experience of our guests.
Hotels
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This hotel list is a provided as an example. We may use different hotels of the same quality and style on specific trips. The Wayfarers will notify confirmed travelers of any changes to the hotels.
Photo Gallery
Travel Information
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FAQs
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Are there any hidden costs?
Our Vacations do not include the cost of air or rail fares to and from the destination or tips for your walk leader and manager. -
How large are the Groups?
Our maximum group size is 16, but groups average between 8-12 people. -
Will I feel welcome as a single traveler?
Yes! Our walks are the perfect environment of comfortable camaraderie for the single traveler. -
Can you accomodate special diets?
Yes! -
How physically fit do I have to be to do a Wayfarers Walk?
If you are in good health and reasonably fit you will be comfortable participating in a walk.
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What's Next?
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