With hundreds of parks in the United States, it’s difficult to narrow down which hikes are for you. Some people prefer rigorous trails to satisfy that desire for adventure and pushing one’s limits. Others want to enjoy everything Mother Nature has to offer, but still unwind comfortably at the end of the day. No matter what you desire, Wildland Trekking offers it all.
Expanding over six continents, eleven countries and forty-one locations, the staff at Wildland Trekking provides outstanding itineraries, knowledge and a trip of a lifetime. I love experiencing different hikes and have conquered many trails all over the U.S. This September, we went to Colorado to hike the Continental Divide tour and had an experience we will truly remember forever.
Arriving to Denver International Airport, we headed to The Estes Park Resort. Being we’d be departing for our hike very early the next morning, we had to stay locally. The resort was the perfect home away from home to start our adventure. When we arrived, our hiking backpacks provided by Wildland were set up in our room, we enjoyed the most delicious food at their restaurant, Dunraven, and drifted off to sleep in our heavenly beds that overlooked the lake. If you’re in the area or book a Colorado tour, I highly suggest you stay at The Estes Park Resort! See more details here: Estes Park Resort – A Rocky Mountain Gem
The next morning we were amped! The tour company kept all guests constantly informed with additional recommendations needed for the snow (yes, it snowed!!). They also advised where we can get last minute necessities in town, extra items they’ll be providing and information about our route. With 40-50 pound backpacks on and multiple layers, Corey, our tour guide, picked us up. We remained Covid safe as we enjoyed meeting our new family for the next five days. I call them family because not only did we immediately get to know each other, but what we were about to endure would be strenuous. Listed as a moderately difficult tour, we also faced challenges adding new weather factors to the mix. Once the hike began, we had felt a bond to help one another, look out for each other and get some laughs in.
Corey was exemplary! As we arrived to the trailhead he guided us through properly packing our backpack and was full of interesting facts regarding wildlife and the nature surrounding us. An aspect that was highly valued was the ease of accommodation. If one or more hikers needed a break, we would stop. Corey would continue to entertain us with park information and what to expect during our first overnight experience. We felt safe as his tribe and like everyone else we encountered with Wildland Trekking, in good hands.
I’ve personally never been backpacking in these conditions before. Being a lover of nature and camping I assumed it would be difficult, especially with the packets and notifications Wildland emails to all guests. To me, I carry kids around often, I’m very active and am mentally strong to handle most of what life throws at me. The weight of the packs, walking in an incline and altitude change from Florida made this hike arduous. But…very exciting to conquer. We wanted to push our limits and each step made us proud and determined.
Not in the mood for a conquest? Wildland Trekking has beginner hikes, family hikes for younger children and also offers Llama tours that assist in carrying your supplies while you get-to-know a llama for a few days (omg).
Our first day required 6.5 miles of hiking to arrive at the first camp site. As we inclined up the mountain, the views became gorgeous but the temperatures began to drop. Corey was prepared with necessities needed to keep us warm and happy, he really thought of everything! With night fall came increased winds, snowfall and chilling weather. What I valued most was our tour guides ability to improvise and share techniques such as; adding boiling hot water to our water bottles to place in our sleeping bag to feel warm. Whereas many people may not prefer to camp in the snow, the experience is what we were after. With Wildland Trekking, they make any last minute change, a positive experience.
Unfortunately, due to a snowstorm passing through, it was in our safest interest to turn around and head back the next morning. Corey explained risks of personal belongings getting wet, freezing temperatures and trails being closed due to snowfall or falling trees. Even then, this incredible company improvised and immediately figured out challenging but gorgeous day tours for the duration of the trip. No matter what occurred, the Wildland Trekking team was one step ahead and ready.
Everyone has some desire for adventure. In a world consisting of schedules, nine-to-five jobs and fear of getting sick, I challenge you to get outside and reconnect with nature… but do it safely. Wildland Trekking offers exactly what you’ve dreamed of doing, it’s up to you to take the plunge. What 2020 has shown me most is that tomorrow may be more restricted and the possibilities are not always available. There is no such thing as, “I can do it later”.
Live for today and see the world with Wildland Trekking, the most trusted tour company on Earth.
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