Gold Adventure

Fall in the Rockies

It’s wonderful to see your interest in our Rockies Trip with Gold Adventure.

Fall in the Rockies

Price

$850

Duration

6 Days/
5 Nights

Difficulty

Moderate to Challenging

Group Size

15 Guest

Max Altitude

14,400ft

🍁 Fall in the Rockies:

Mid-September is a special time—aspens begin their golden glow, mornings are crisp, and wildlife is active preparing for winter. It’s the perfect window for high-country exploration, with fewer crowds and unforgettable light.

With Gold Adventure, you’re not just hiking—you’re discovering. From pacing and trail interpretation to mindful moments along the way, we make sure your journey is more than just a summit—it’s a story worth telling.

Trip Highlights:

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies in peak fall season, with perfect hiking weather and golden aspen leaves painting the landscape. Trek to some of the region’s most iconic alpine destinations, including Sky Pond, Emerald Lake, and Chasm Lake, passing cascading waterfalls, breathtaking views and scenic overlooks along the way.

Cap off your adventure by summiting an iconic 14er — a true badge of honor for any mountain lover.

Celebrate your achievement with a well-earned day of relaxation in downtown Denver. Unwind with a microbrewery tour and sample some of the city’s finest craft beers at top local breweries and the graphitic art, then explore the bold, graffiti-style murals of the RiNo Art District—where walls come alive with works by renowned street artists like Shepard Fairey, Jeremy Burns, Pat Milbery, and Detour.

What’s included:

5 Days Stay on a shared basis
5 breakfasts
5 Lunch (brown bag lunch)
3 dinners, plus drinks
Snacks, water, fruits, bars
Transportation from airport and back.
National Park fees/permits

What’s not included:

  • Airfare
  • Personal expenses

Trip Cost:

Total: $850
Deposit: $300 (non-refundable, due at booking)
Balance: $550 (due by July)

Payment mode: Zelle

Zelle to mihikersgold@gmail.com

What to bring:

  • Layers! (Think: base layer, fleece, windbreaker)
  • A beanie or hat—mornings can dip into the low 40s°F (5–8°C)
  • Gloves and a rain shell—just in case
  • Good hiking shoes with traction (trail can be slick with frost or mud)

Our experienced guides monitor weather conditions closely, adjust pace to the group, and ensure safety every step of the way. We also share insight into local ecology, geology, and wildlife—bringing each view to life.

Trail & Trip Advisory:

While we aim to follow the planned itinerary as closely as possible, please understand that adjustments may be necessary due to weather, trail conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Flexibility is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

🏞️ Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail – A High-Alpine Masterpiece

Expert-Guided Hike with Gold Adventure

Distance: ~9.5 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,780 feet
Trailhead: Glacier Gorge (9,240 ft)
Highest Point: Sky Pond (~10,900 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Terrain: Well-marked trail with a mix of forested paths, alpine lakes, rock steps, and a short Class 2 scramble beside Timberline Falls

Embark on one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most iconic alpine adventures with Gold Adventure’s expert-guided hike to Sky Pond. This trail is a favorite among seasoned hikers for good reason—dramatic waterfalls, stunning lakes, jagged peaks, and a true high-country feel without technical climbing.

Beginning at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, we’ll guide you through lush pine forests and cascading creeks, with early stops at Alberta Falls and the photogenic Mills Lake—often mirror-still in the morning light. The trail then leads past Jewel Lake, through rugged glacial valleys where the alpine environment begins to unfold in full splendor.

At Timberline Falls, where a short but thrilling Class 2 rock scramble takes us above the cascade—a fun and safe challenge made easier with our guidance. Just beyond lies Lake of Glass, a shimmering alpine basin, and shortly after, Sky Pond reveals itself—cradled beneath the soaring spires of the Sharkstooth and The Cathedral.

In mid-September, this trail is nothing short of spectacular. Golden aspens light up the lower valleys, wildlife is active, and the air is cool and crisp—perfect for high-elevation trekking. Fewer crowds and soft autumn lights make this one of the most magical times to experience Sky Pond.

This isn’t just a hike—it’s an experience that leaves you changed. Our guides ensure you move safely, at your own pace, while sharing insights into the land, geology, and wildlife along the way. Whether you’re chasing a summit, a still mind, or simply a beautiful day, Sky Pond delivers it all.

🏔️ Chasm Lake Trail – A Classic High-Altitude Alpine Approach

Expert-Guided Hike with Gold Adventure

Distance: ~8.5 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: ~2,600 feet
Trailhead: Longs Peak Ranger Station (9,405 ft)
Highest Point: Chasm Lake (~11,823 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Terrain: Well-maintained trail with steep switchbacks, rocky alpine terrain, and a final boulder scramble to the lake

Join Gold Adventure for an expert-guided journey to one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s crown jewels: Chasm Lake. This high-elevation hike delivers a thrilling mix of challenge, beauty, and alpine solitude—guided safely and thoughtfully by seasoned professionals who know these mountains intimately.

Starting from the Longs Peak Trailhead, the trail climbs steadily through pine forest and tundra, opening to breathtaking views of Mount Meeker, Twin Sisters, and the surrounding Front Range. Around 11,000 feet, we’ll break above treeline and follow the rugged contours of the alpine zone, where every step brings new vistas.

Our guides lead you through Chasm Junction and up the final stretch—a moderate scramble across rock and scree that rewards with a dramatic arrival at Chasm Lake, sitting beneath the vertical Diamond Face of Longs Peak. This is true alpine wilderness, made accessible with expert support, steady pacing, and mindful planning.

Whether you’re a strong intermediate or a seasoned trekker, this hike with Gold Adventure offers a powerful blend of challenge, safety, and soul-stirring scenery—all with professional guidance, detailed trail knowledge, and a love for the land that goes beyond the hike. Chasm Lake awaits—are you ready?

🏔️ Nymph, Dream, Emerald & Lake Haiyaha – Alpine Lakes Loop

Expert-Guided Hike with Gold Adventure

Distance: ~6.5 miles round-trip (loop option via Lake Haiyaha)
Elevation Gain: ~1,100 feet
Trailhead: Bear Lake (9,475 ft)
Highest Point: Lake Haiyaha (~10,220 ft)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Well-maintained trails with packed dirt, stone steps, short inclines, and some rocky sections near Haiyaha

Join Gold Adventure for a guided journey through one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most accessible yet awe-inspiring alpine lake trails. This hike is perfect for hikers of all levels who want to experience dramatic views, pristine glacial lakes, and high-mountain serenity—all in a half-day adventure packed with beauty.

Starting at the Bear Lake Trailhead, we ascend gradually through pine and spruce forests, with golden aspen groves shining in September’s fall color peak (Sept 11–16). The first stop is Nymph Lake, a tranquil pond often covered in lily pads and reflecting the surrounding peaks.

From there, we head to Dream Lake, a long, narrow alpine lake famous for its mirrored mountain reflections and peaceful shores. The trail continues to Emerald Lake, nestled beneath the towering Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, offering dramatic views and crisp alpine air.

From Emerald, the adventure continues via a less-traveled path to Lake Haiyaha—a striking, boulder-framed lake with deep turquoise waters, uniquely colored due to glacial silt. The final approach to Haiyaha includes some moderate rocky terrain, adding just the right amount of adventure to this otherwise easygoing trek.

This route is especially stunning in mid-September, when golden aspen trees line the trail, wildlife sightings are frequent, and the cooler temperatures make for perfect hiking conditions. With fewer crowds and nature in full autumn expression, it’s a photographer’s dream and a hiker’s reward.

🏔️ Mt. Elbert – Colorado’s Highest Peak

Expert-Guided 14er Ascent with Gold Adventure

Distance: ~9 miles round-trip (via North Elbert Trail)
Elevation Gain: ~4,400 feet
Trailhead: North Mount Elbert Trailhead (10,040 ft)
Summit Elevation: 14,440 ft – the highest point in Colorado
Difficulty: Challenging
Terrain: Well-defined dirt and rock trail with steady ascent, high-altitude switchbacks, and exposed alpine tundra above 12,000 ft
Trail Class: Class 1 (non-technical, no scrambling required)

Take on the crown of Colorado with our professionally guided hike to the summit of Mt. Elbert, the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountains and the second-highest in the lower 48. This is a bucket-list 14er—a true test of endurance, mental strength, and mountain spirit.

Starting in subalpine pine forests, the trail quickly begins its steady climb, gaining serious elevation with every mile. As you rise above treeline (~11,500 ft), the world opens up to panoramic views of the Sawatch Range and beyond. The upper section winds through alpine tundra, where the trail narrows and the oxygen thins—but every step brings you closer to the sky.

By mid-September, the air is crisp, the crowds are thinner, and the fall colors blaze below the high ridgelines. With Gold Adventure guides, you’ll benefit from expert pacing, high-altitude safety awareness, and encouragement every step of the way.

The summit of Mt. Elbert offers 360° views across Colorado’s greatest ranges—a hard-earned reward, and a powerful moment of personal achievement.

With Gold Adventure, you’re not just summiting a mountain—you’re rising into your own strength, guided by passion, experience, and care.

Let us take you to the top—safely, confidently, and fully present.

Trek Location

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