Itinerary
- Day 1
Denver to Trappers Lake
You'll meet your guide and group at Union Station in Denver at 9:00 AM, then head out on a shuttle across the Rocky Mountains for roughly 5 hours with a picnic lunch break along the way. The drive takes you to a mountain lake sitting at 9,600 feet, where you'll set up camp, get your gear and food sorted, then have dinner and watch for stars if the weather cooperates.
- Meals
- Lunch (Picnic lunch along the shuttle route), Dinner
Included Activities
- Meet at Union Station in Denver
- Shuttle across Rocky Mountains
- Picnic lunch along the way
- Set up camp at mountain lake campground (9,600 feet)
- Receive camping equipment and food distribution
- Dinner
- Campfire and stargazing (if no fire ban)
Landmarks Union Station Trappers Lake 
- Day 2
Trappers Outlet Trailhead Hike
After breakfast, you'll hike 7 miles south along the lakeshore starting from Trappers Outlet Trailhead, climbing 2,000 feet as you go. The first part of the trail cuts through forest that's been recovering since a 2002 fire, with wildflowers and young trees coming back in. The path then leaves the lake and gradually climbs to 11,300 feet onto the plateau, where you'll get views that make clear why this region has its name. By evening, you'll set up a new camp and have dinner under some really clear night skies.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Trappers Outlet Trailhead
- Hike south along lakeshore (7 miles, 2,000 feet elevation gain)
- Explore forest recovery area
- Hike to plateau at 11,300 feet
- Set up camp
- Dinner
- Stargazing
Landmarks Trappers Outlet Trailhead Flat Tops Plateau - Day 3
Island Lakes Region Exploration
Start early from camp and take just day packs to check out the Island Lakes Region, which is pretty secluded. You'll hike 6.5 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation change, exploring a nice cirque of cliffs that's good for fishing or just spending time. After exploring, head back to the same campsite where you spent the previous night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Early morning departure from camp
- Day hike to Island Lakes Region (6.5 miles, 1,000 feet elevation change)
- Explore Island Lakes cirque
- Fishing opportunity
- Relaxation time
- Return to camp
Landmarks Island Lakes Region - Day 4
Wall Lake and Trappers Peak Summit
Pack up camp and head northwest 5 miles on Wall Lake Trail, moving through rolling meadows with great mountain views around you. You'll gain 1,300 feet along the way. Once you reach Wall Lake, switch to day packs and push for the summit of Trappers Peak at 12,002 feet, which gives you a really good view of all the terrain you've covered the last few days. Get back to camp in time to catch the evening sunset.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Pack camp
- Hike along Wall Lake Trail northwest (5 miles, 1,300 feet elevation change)
- Hike through rolling meadows
- Reach Wall Lake
- Summit Trappers Peak (12,002 ft.)
- Scenic viewpoint from summit
- Return to camp
- Sunset viewing
Landmarks Wall Lake Trappers Peak - Day 5
Exit Hike and Return to Denver
Have your last campsite breakfast, break down camp, and hike north 5 miles along the trail while dropping 1,700 feet. Watch for wildlife in the forests, meadows, and creeks you pass. You'll reach Trappers Lake Trailhead in time for lunch, get your gear organized, then board the 5-hour shuttle back to Denver, arriving usually before 6 PM.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Last campsite breakfast
- Break camp
- Hike north along trail (5 miles, 1,700 feet descent)
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Reach Trappers Lake Trailhead
- Lunch at trailhead
- Gear sorting
- Shuttle return to Denver
Landmarks Trappers Lake Trailhead
