The Rocky Mountains of Colorado with The Adventure Girls Club

Dates

Sep 19–24, 2023

Group Size

8–12 Travelers

Duration

6 days, 5 nights

Activity Level

Adventure

About This Trip

Get ready for a week of adventure on this epic trip through the Colorado Rocky Mountains. You’ll be camping near and exploring three National Parks, as well as beautiful rivers and mountains. Sandboard in Great Sand Dunes, stare down the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, raft the Taylor River, bike to Maroon Bells, and marvel at the alpine tundra of 12,000ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. The majestic mountains await! Please Note: This is a participatory camping trip, in which all travelers will be assisting in setting up camp and cooking meals. Guides will teach you the best methods for quick set up and take down of tents and will lead the cooking, providing clear instructions and oversight. If you’ve never set up camp or cooked outdoors before, this is the perfect opportunity to learn under expert supervision!
$2,195USD
$2,295USD
Sep 19–24, 2023
6 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

Alice Keegan
Alice Keegan

Alice, Founder of The Adventure Girls Club - a space for women to build confidence, gain experience, get inspiration and find a community in the outdoors.

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Trip Activities

  • Sand Boarding in Great Sand Dunes National Park

  • White Water Rafting the Taylor River

  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Visit and Hike

  • E-Bike to the Maroon Bells

  • Hiking in Grand Lake and Kawuneeche Valley

  • Scenic Drive on the Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Alpine Ridge Hike

  • Emerald Lake and Dream Lake Hike

Included in Your Trip

  • Double occupancy in tents

  • Local Guide throughout trip

  • All city transfers

  • Arrival airport transfer (noon first day)

  • Departure airport transfer (evening of last day, please book flights for after 6 pm)

  • All camping and cooking equipment (except for sleeping bag and pillow)

Not Included

  • Flights

  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas (if needed) and travel insurance

  • Airport transfers outside of designated times

  • Tips for Guides

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Welcome to Colorado! Meet your Guide and the rest of the group at the airport and set off for your six-day Rocky Mountain adventure!

Airport Transfer

4 Hours

(~4 hours)

dinner

Enjoy a welcome dinner with your group.

Camping near Great Sand Dunes (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park.

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Day 2

Info

It's full a day of adventure today, as you get an early start into the park before the heat of midday. You'll be picking up sand boards and wax before setting off into the largest sand dunes in North America! After taking some time to explore, scale dunes and sandboard down, you'll leave the park and take a breathtaking drive into the Rocky Mountains.

breakfast

Your breakfast at the campsite is included.

Sand Boarding in Great Sand Dunes National Park

2 Hours

The largest dunes in North America towering over you, a wooden board in hand, and new friends by your side. It's an entirely different desert landscape inside Great Sand Dunes, and there's no better way to experience the most famous feature than by sliding down. You'll pick up rental boards just outside the park and then drive in, hike over and up dunes, board down, and then repeat. (~2 hours)

lunch

Included pack lunch.

Transfer to Gunnison

3 Hours

Your trip through the Rockies starts as you make your way to Gunnison. (~3 hours)

dinner

Your dinner at the campsite is included.

Camping near Gunnison (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight camping in Gunnison, CO

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Day 3

Info

It's another action-packed day, focused on two great rivers: the Taylor and the Gunnison. In the morning you'll grab a paddle and challenge the Class III rapids on the Taylor River. After lunch, you'll take the short and scenic drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where you'll marvel at the many viewpoints of the spectacular canyon.

breakfast

Your breakfast at the campsite is included.

White Water Rafting the Taylor River

2 Hours

On this two-hour rafting trip, you'll challenge the Class III rapids amidst beautiful scenery. (2 hours)

lunch

Included pack lunch

Transfer to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

1 Hour 30 Mins

Continue on to reach one of Colorado's more remote and beautiful national parks, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. (~1.5 hours)

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Visit and Hike

40 Mins

Carved out of the volcanic igneous rock by the Gunnison River below, marvel at the striking black canyon walls on your flat, one-mile hike to the South Rim Visitor Center on the one-way Rim Rock Trail. Your Guide will drop you off on the south end of the trail and meet you at the north side to save you the return trip, then take you further into the park to the various viewpoints. Distance: 1 mile one-way / Elevation gain: 187 ft / Duration: 30-40 minutes / Difficulty: Easy

dinner

Your dinner at the campsite is included.

Camping near Black Canyon (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

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Day 4

Info

Travel deeper into the Rocky Mountains this morning as you make your way to the stunning resort town of Aspen. Known equally for its world-class skiing in winter and its beautiful summer and fall scenery, today you'll be hopping on an e-bike as you visit the popular Maroon Bells.

breakfast

Your breakfast at the campsite is included.

Transfer to Aspen

3 Hours

Travel through the scenic Rocky Mountains to reach Aspen this morning. (~3 hours)

E-Bike to the Maroon Bells

4 Hours

See the Maroon Bells in style as you skip the shuttles and take an e-bike through the mountain roads up to Maroon Lake and the Maroon Bells Amphitheater. Park the bikes and take the short hike to the lake for great views of the towering peaks and to enjoy your packed lunch, then head back to town on your e-bike back to town before you head back to the campsite. (~4-5 hours) Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail: Distance: 1.5 miles loop / Elevation gain: 160 ft / Duration: 30-40 minutes / Difficulty: Easy

lunch

Included pack lunch

dinner

Your dinner at the campsite is included.

Camping near Aspen (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight camping in Carbondale, CO

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Day 5

Info

It's finally time to explore the crown jewel of Colorado's national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll start off with a guided hike on a trail by Grand Lake, the western gateway to the park. Afterward, you'll drive one of the best roads in the country, the Trail Ridge Road. Stopping often for incredible photos and short trails to overlook some of the tallest mountains in the country, you'll make your way down to Estes Park for the night.

breakfast

Your breakfast at the campsite is included.

Transfer to Grand Lake

3 Hours

Continue on to Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park. (~3 hours)

Hiking in Grand Lake and Kawuneeche Valley

1 Hour

There are plenty of trails to choose from, ranging from an easy mile to a moderate three or four, all with incredible scenery and possible elk sightings! Your Guide will choose a hike based on the season and your group. *In order to comply with Rocky Mountain National Park regulations, the group will be split into two, with staggered start times.

lunch

Included pack lunch

Scenic Drive on the Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

1 Hour

One of the premier drives in the entire United States, you'll pass through alpine tundra, forests, and mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, moose, bear, and more. Stretch your legs on the Alpine Ridge Trail to the high point of 11,900ft, and marvel at the various views as you head lower down towards Estes Park. (~1 hour)

Alpine Ridge Hike

1 Hour

This short, intense hike up stairs will take you to the high point of the road, with expansive views over the alpine tundra and nearby peaks. *In order to comply with Rocky Mountain National Park regulations, the group will be split into two, with staggered start times. Distance: 0.6 miles / Elevation: 162ft / Difficulty: Moderate

dinner

Your dinner at the campsite is included.

Camping near Estes Park (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight camping in Estes Park

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Day 6

Info

It's our final day to explore the Rocky Mountains before you'll be dropped back at the Denver airport for your late flight out. Head back into the park to hike to Emerald Lake and Dream Lake, then transfer down to Denver.

breakfast

Your breakfast at the campsite is included.

Emerald Lake and Dream Lake Hike

2 Hours

From the Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park, Emerald Lake is a steady climb through aspen groves and ponderosa pine. At just over a half-mile, you will reach Nymph Lake, a charming lake filled with pond lilies that bloom throughout summer. Another half-mile in, you will reach the east end of Dream Lake as well as a junction – from here Emerald Lake is about another mile with steady elevation gain. The trail to Emerald Lake continues around the north shore of Dream Lake, traversing deeper into Tyndall Gorge. As you gain elevation you'll pass through a fairy-like pine forest with Tyndall Creek gently flowing down the gorge. Upon arrival, the jagged spires of Flattop Mountain can be seen across this iconic alpine lake. *In order to comply with Rocky Mountain National Park regulations, the group will be split into two, with staggered start times. Distance: 4.1 miles / Elevation: 744ft / Difficulty: Moderate / Duration: 2hrs

lunch

Included pack lunch

Airport Transfer

2 Hours

(~2 hours)

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Physical Activity Level:Adventure

These trips are great if you want to get moving. These itineraries may include scenic hikes and/or exercise. A moderate level of fitness is required to enjoy these trips.

Cancellation Policy

We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:

Spot Pending

100% refundable
Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.

Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip

Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip
You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.

Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip

Non-refundable
At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind

We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events—from illness to emergencies—that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

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FAQ

Traveling with TrovaTrip

What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?

Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.

What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?

Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:

  • The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
  • The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
  • TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.

In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.

I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?

First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:

    • Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
    • Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
    • Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
    • Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
    • We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.

We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”

Can I book solo?

Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:

  • Spot pending100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
  • Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your tripPartially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment. 
  • Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your tripNon-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

What's included in the trip cost?

Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.

Will I have free time?

Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.

What do the activity levels mean?

Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:

  • Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
  • Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
  • Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
  • Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
  • Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)

You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!

Accommodations

What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?

When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.

Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?

Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.

Trip Operations & Compliance

Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?

Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.

Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?

If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.

General Travel Questions

Do I need any documentation to travel?

It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise. 

Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.

Do I need any vaccines?

It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!

Are flights included in the trip cost?

Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.