Rocky Mountain National Park's snow mantled peaks rise high above verdant valleys and glistening lakes. One third of the park lies above tree line, a fascinating world of rare and fragile alpine flowers. The lower levels of the park are home to impressive stands of ponderosa pine, juniper, Douglas firs and Aspen groves that gracefully mark the routes of clear rushing streams. Across this landscape passes an intricate network of over 350 miles of trails with hikes to suite all levels.

Over a five day period we will explore an enormous variety of trails.

The fascinating land of the tundra with its rare plants and big horn sheep. The flower-filled meadows of the first homesteaders. A hike that passes five lakes in one day and another that passes magnificent falls. The list is endless!

As always there will be choices of routes and paces with challenging paths leading up to the alpine zones as well as more gentle routes along streams, and to waterfalls and glacial lakes.

For this trip we base ourselves at two different lodges, one just outside the famous town of Estes Park, one in the quiet splendor of Allenspark. The Inn on Fall River, as the name suggests, hugs the banks of the Fall River, near Estes Park. Though not a country inn, the inn offers rooms with a patio or balcony, a fireplace and private bath. Innkeepers Ron & Sharon Weiss contend that guests "arrive a stranger, depart a friend."

The western style lodge is to the Colorado Rockies what the country inn is to New England. The Allenspark Lodge is certainly one of the most welcoming places you'll ever find. The decor is charmingly rustic with log beams, shiny wood floors and a huge fireplace.

Trips begin with dinner Sunday and end after hiking and lunch Friday.

• Alpine hiking in a national park
• Hiking through rare tundra vegetation
• Spectacular glaciers
• Gourmet European dining at Fawnbrook Inn
• Western style lodges

Please contact us today for more information