Colorado Summer Escape

4 days / 5 nights  - August 4th to August 9th

 

Escape the Texas heat and join us for our Colorado Summer Escape to Estes Park 
and Rocky Mountain National Park!

 

 

Breathe fresh mountain air, hike the Rockies, bicycle in North Fork Canyon, picnic in the park, and play in the cool summer nights. We've secured lodging for 8 lucky members in Estes Park, Colorado - the gateway to Rocky Mtn. Natl. Park. We'll spend 4 full days in the park having fun.

Regina Kubelka and Charlie Riou will be your trip leaders. They did this trip a few years ago and it's a great time! Check out the itinerary below:
 

Day 1 - Fly  to Denver, Colorado on Saturday, August 4th. At the airport, we'll pick up our rental cars and head to Estes Park - an easy 2 hour drive into the mountains. Check into our lodging, Brynwood on the River, where we'll stay for 5 nights.

Our rooms have kitchenettes, with two burner electric stove, microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, and dishes;  two queen beds, color TV (HBO), VCRs, room phones, tub/shower bath, and daily maid service. 
And did I mention a beautiful view of the Rockies?

(Optional) If you prefer to drive rather than fly, allow enough travel time to meet us in Estes Park Saturday night. It is a 17-hour drive from Austin to Estes Park.

 

Day 2 - A full day of exploring Rocky Mountain National Park! After breakfast we'll hike the Dream Lake trail system including Bear Lake, Dream Lake, Lake Hiayaha, and Emerald Lake. 

    
Regina on hiking trail in RMNP

 Day 3 - A second full day of exploring Rocky Mountain National Park! After breakfast we'll hike the Glacier Gorge trail system and Cub Lake. Glacier Gorge is spectacular!

 
Charlie at Glacier Gorge

 Day 4 - Explore Trail Ridge Road. See alpine tundra, lava cliffs, ptarmigan, marmot, and pika along the many point-of-interest srops and interpretive trails along the road. Trail Ridge Road is one of the highest roads open to autos in the country. The road spans the entire length of the park from Estes Park to Grand Lake.  We'll plan to spend some time in the afternoon in Grand Lake. It's a lovely town to visit! 

Alpine tundra surrounding Trail Ridge Road

Day 5 - After some morning shopping and lunch in Estes Park, we have a special treat in store for you. A downhill bicycle tour to the charming mountain villages of Glen Haven and Drake. An adventure bicycling outfitter will provide us with bikes, helmets, an experienced guide, and a shuttle back to our starting point.

More about this fantastic bicycle ride: 

Our famous "cinnamon roll tour" begins from Estes Park with a scenic ride down the North Fork canyon. Experience the canyons of Colorado up-close with steep stonewalls, rushing water, and breathtaking views as you descend along the riverside. Shortly after passing through the quaint mountain town of Glen Haven you can enjoy homemade cinnamon rolls, coffee and juice on the banks of the North Fork River. The tour continues as you return to your bikes and let gravity take you to your final destination, the small town of Drake. If you can ride a bicycle and use handbrakes you can do this tour! This tour is not strenuous biking, it's a very scenic, laid-back ride.

 

We'll wind down after an exciting afternoon with a final dinner in town.

Day 6 - Pack up and head to Denver International Airport. We'll catch our flights back to Austin on Thursday, August 9th.

 

Trip cost: $573.00

 

What's included:

5 nights lodging w/ kitchenette & refrigerator (double occupancy)

Entrance fee into national park

North Fork downhill bicycle tour - a.k.a. the famous "cinnamon roll tour"

(Airfare is not included in the price listed for this trip. Please make your airfare arrangements pronto if you plan to join us.)
Last time I checked airfare on Orbitz.com, the price was $200 to $250 for our dates. Not bad!

RSVP with full payment deadline: 5:00 PM on July 3rd, 2012

Cancellations after July 3rd will be charged a fee of $150.

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BOOKING YOUR AIRFARE: 

I reserved my airfare at Orbitz.com: 

http://www.orbitz.com/ 

Last time I checked airfare on Orbitz.com, the price was $200 to $250 for our dates. Baggage fees: First 2 checked bags are $20 each.

Please choose the 6:15 AM departure from Austin if it's available.

When booking your airfare, try to find times similar to these below. Here is a screen shot of what you are shooting for. I reserved my flights on Frontier airlines both ways leaving Austin at 6:15 am on Aug. 4th.

Learn more about Brynwood on the River: 

http://www.brynwood.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=phrasebrynwoodestespark&utm_campaign=brand&gclid=CMehqMCRqbACFWrptgodZxTRUg

Learn more about Rocky Mountain National Park:

http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/index.htm

Learn more about Estes Park, CO: 

http://estes-park.com/