Boulder Wilderness Shuttle

Through Boulder Wilderness Shuttle's backpacking programs, your group receives roundtrip transportation to and from Boulder, expert local feedback, logistical support, and guided tours.

Guided Backpacking Trips (scheduled and unscheduled)
Supported Self-guided Trips
Backpacker Trailhead Shuttle
Inn to Inn walking or hiking (guided or supported self-guided)

Guided Backpacking Trip(s) 2010

Dates: July 12-17 (trip already meets minimum to run);

This itinerary is specific to North Inlet/Tonahutu loop. This loop is 28 miles in length and is moderate in difficulty. This loop is started and finished on the western side of the park at the Tonahutu/North Inlet trailhead. The two trails meet on the Continental Divide at approximately the half way point of the hike. The hike gains over 2,000 feet in elevation from the western side. You can also achieve this hike from the eastern side of the park out of the Bear Lake Trailhead adding 8 miles to the total distance (an additional 2,000 plus feet of elevation gain) and considerable more difficulty to the hike. From Bear Lake, the first and last days of the hike will be very difficult for most novice and intermediate backpackers. I would only recommend the Bear Lake Trailhead for seasoned hikers and would rate the hike as difficult.

The exact itinerary to be confirmed in April, when the National Park Service lets us know which sites will be closed for the season for tree thinning due to the Western Bark Beetle.

Group campsites on this trail
(possible camps for the hike, will need to link in appropriate sites in accordance to the hiking direction, clockwise, counterclockwise, Bear Lake clockwise, Bear Lake counter clockwise)
1. Summerland Park Group
2. North Inlet Group
3. July Group
4. Timberline Group
5. Tonahutu Group
6. Big Meadows Group

Maps: The best map for this hike is the National Geographic/Trails Illustrated Rocky Mountain National Park.

Permits: Permits for this hike are provided.
Bear Proof Food Containers: Are now the law. All food must be stored in them in the backcountry.

Cost: $900 per person, 2-person minimum.

Cost includes professional guides, park pass and permits, food, transportation Boulder to trailhead, group gear (tents, stoves, bear canisters, group medical and first-aid gear, communication system).

Not include: Personal gear (sleeping bag and pad can be rented), gratuities for guides (10-20% customary), personal items, and trip insurance. Pick-up in Denver is $40 additonal.

Other details: a trip packet is mailed with deposit (includes trainig, weather, what to expect, gear list, recommended accomadation, activies while in town, and any other assistance needed.

1-10 days. Costs are $160 per person per day, 2 person minimum. Private 1 person trips are $300 per person per day. Cost includes professional guides, park pass and permits, food, transportation Boulder to trailhead, group gear (tents, stoves, bear canisters, group medical and first-aid gear, communication system). Not include: Personal gear (sleeping bag and pad can be rented), gratuities for guides (10-20% customary), personal items, and trip insurance. Pick-up in Denver is $40 additonal.