Adventure Hiking & Packrafting with Rewilding Expeditions in Estes Park - Denver, Colorado

Adventure Hiking & Packrafting with Rewilding Expeditions in Estes Park

Denver, Coloradomoderate to challenging

Difficulty

moderate to challenging

Duration

2 hours to 4 days

Fitness Level

Participants should have good endurance, experience with mountain hiking or paddling preferred for longer or technical trips.

Overview

Experience rugged alpine hikes and tranquil packraft trips around Estes Park with Rewilding Expeditions. From multi-day traverses to night paddles, their trips connect you with Rocky Mountain National Park’s wild heart.

Details

Set against the rugged backdrop of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, Rewilding Expeditions offers an invigorating menu of outdoor adventures centered around hiking and packrafting. Operating out of Estes Park, this company specializes in trips that take you deep into some of the region’s most striking alpine terrain — from shimmering glacial lakes to craggy mountain ridges. Whether you’re embarking on a day hike to Chasm Lake or committing to the multi-day Northern Traverse trek, each journey delivers authentic encounters with the park’s diverse ecosystems and geological features.

The hiking trips range in challenge and length, including routes up Mount Chapin for sweeping summit views, the wildflower-abundant Ute Meadows, and the reflective waters of Bierstadt Lake. These treks provide opportunities to spot native wildlife like marmots and elk amid dense spruce-fir forests and granite outcrops. For a different pace, the Lily Lake and Sprague Lake packraft excursions let adventurers glide across quiet alpine waters, offering perspectives on the landscape often missed from land alone. The night packraft experiences on Lily Lake add an ethereal dimension under star-filled skies.

Rewilding Expeditions stands out in the Estes Park outdoor scene by blending guided comfort with rugged wilderness immersion. Their multi-day Forest Canyon treks deliver deep backcountry exposure, carefully balanced with expert local knowledge and safety practices. Despite some packraft trips currently unavailable, the broad variety of hiking and paddling options ensures a rich range of outdoor challenges suitable for intermediate to advanced adventurers.

The location itself, Rocky Mountain National Park, stretches over 415 square miles of alpine peaks, glacial lakes, and forest, and was designated a national park in 1915. This area remains a vital natural refuge with ongoing conservation efforts focused on preserving native wildlife corridors and fragile tundra ecosystems. For visitors aiming to move beyond the familiar trails of Estes Park, Rewilding Expeditions offers a doorway to untamed wilderness and lasting memories.

Adventure Tips

Bring layered clothing

Mountain weather changes rapidly—pack layers to stay comfortable from sun to wind and sudden storms.

Check trail conditions before you go

Snow can linger on some high-altitude routes well into summer; verify trail accessibility, especially for alpine hikes.

Pack lightweight rain gear

Afternoon thunderstorms are common mid-summer—rain protection keeps you dry and prevents hypothermia in cooler temps.

Use bear-aware practices

Wildlife is abundant; carry bear spray and store food securely when on extended overnight trips.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • The quiet, less-trafficked Cow Creek trail offers peaceful forest trekking.
  • Ute Meadows showcases delicate wildflower species often missed on popular routes.

Wildlife

  • Marmots are frequently spotted sunning on exposed granite slabs.
  • Elk herds move through the lower valleys, especially at dawn and dusk.

History

Rocky Mountain National Park was established in 1915, preserving a vast remnant of alpine ecosystems central to Colorado’s natural heritage.

Conservation

Rewilding Expeditions emphasizes Leave No Trace principles and supports ongoing habitat preservation efforts within the park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Early morning
Late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • Summit of Mount Chapin for panoramic mountain vistas
  • Shoreline of Lily Lake during sunrise or sunset
  • Overlooking Chasm Lake’s dramatic cliff walls

What to Photograph

Alpine lake reflections
Mountain wildlife
Wildflower meadows

Recommended Gear

Waterproof hiking boots

Essential

Supportive boots provide traction and protect your feet on rocky and wet terrain.

all specific

Insulating layers

Essential

Fleece or down layers keep warmth during cool mornings and high elevations.

all specific

Bear spray

Essential

Essential for encounters with wildlife, especially on remote backcountry routes.

spring|summer|fall specific

Packraft gear

Dry bags, paddle, and helmet for safe navigation on alpine lakes.

summer|fall specific