SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY 1:

After meeting the leaders and new friends in the Philadelphia International Airport, we depart for Denver. Once we’ve landed in Denver and have collected our gear, we drive approximately 90 minutes to the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. There we will unpack in our lodge and get some time to hang out and relax. We will tour the YMCA campus to familiarize the group with facility locations (cafeteria, main lodge, fitness gym, pool, general store, snack bar, etc). We will take a drive into the adjoining Rocky Mountain National Park in the late afternoon/early evening to give the group a glimpse of scenic beauty of where we will spend our days over the next week. Later that night, we discuss expectations, talk about and prepare for our upcoming trips, and get to know each other.

DAY 2:

Our adventure starts as we hike into the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park and become acclimated to the high altitude with short scenic hikes. The group will become acquainted with the varied mountain ecosystems and wildlife that we hope to encounter over the next few days. Elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, coyote, ravens, eagles and hawks abound in the Park.

DAY 3-5:

Prepare for three days soaking up the beauty of the Rockies on mountain day hikes. Alpine ridges, glaciated granite peaks, and quickly changing weather make every day different and exciting. Our elevation ranges from 8,400 to over 12,000 as we trek past lodge-pole and bristlecone pine and timberline-alpine tundra. Daily destinations will include Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, Alberta Falls, Lawn Lake, and more. We practice the Leave No Trace ethics to reduce impact on this pristine wilderness. We will learn of the affects that global climate change is having on alpine ecosystems and participate in a wildlife survey. One half-day will also include horseback riding within Rocky Mountain National Park. Evenings are spent on the YMCA campus and at least one trip into the town of Estes Park for its shops and restaurants will be planned.

DAYS 6-7:

We will start with our final hike in the Park. We will then take the time to clean all group and personal gear and equipment, enjoy a nice dinner and enjoy the faces of our new friends at the last meeting. We drive to the airport in the early evening, say goodbye to Colorado as we board our return flight in the late evening, arrive in Philadelphia in the early morning, and begin planning our next adventures with YESC for next summer!

Price Includes:

YESC CPR and First Aid certified leaders; roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia to Denver, ground transportation; all activities listed in the above itinerary; meals.

Price Doesn't Include:

Meals on air travel days, extra snacks and souvenirs.

This itinerary is a sample outline of the program highlights. It is not a precise description. Changes made before or during the trip will only be made in the interest of safety or a more successful trip. This diverse itinerary is our framework for a summer of exhilaration and adventure. Get your mind and body set. Activities are planned using years of experience with your highest expectations in mind.

We appreciate the importance of this decision and want you to be as informed as possible! Please phone 610-647-9622, x2404 or email brian.raicich@umly.org with questions, to receive references or to make a reservation.

We look forward to having you join us!