Rocky Mountain Fly Fishing & Peak Bagging Adventure - 5 Days
Catch fish in the wilds of Rocky Mountain National Park while bagging a couple of iconic peaks
This is the ultimate in overnight adventures, where guests head into Rocky Mountain National Park on a loop style hike and set up three different camps to fish several locations and bag a couple of 3657m (12,000 ft) peaks on the way. So whether you enjoy fishing small streams and high mountain lakes or hiking to the top of some majestic mountain tops this trip will offer it all. The five-day adventure will encompass approximately 42km (26 mi) of hiking (round trip) and is rated difficult / very difficult. This four night overnight is all inclusive (certified and licensed guide, overnight gear, most food*, and fly fishing equipment).
Start/Finish: Estes Park, Colorado
Experience: No fly fishing experience required, our professional guides can teach
Equipment: All equipment is provided, you can bring your own
Accommodation: Hotel in Estes Park for the night before and after the trip can be booked by us on request
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: North Inlet Trailhead
After gear check out (6:00 am) and general packing (can be done day before depending on group) we head up to North Inlet Trailhead and begin the six mile trek back to overnight site number one. On the way we will pass by Cascade Falls where we will stop for some photos and a snack. Once at base camp one we will fish North Inlet Creek for Colorado River cutthroat trout. We cap off the day by having a freshly cooked dinner and hot chocolate.
On day two we wake up to a freshly cooked breakfast followed by a 1.5 mile hike to the Lake Nanita cutoff. We drop our overnight packs and hike the rest of the way (approx. 3.5 miles) back to Lake Nanita, which is known for large aggressive Colorado River cutthroat tout. After a few hours of fishing and lunch we head back down to our packs and continue the hike to base camp number two. We cap off the day by having a freshly cooked dinner and hot chocolate.
Day 3: Peak Bagging + Tonahutu Creek
On our third morning we have a hot bagel breakfast and begin the peak bagging part of the hike. Heading up above tree line on a 8.9 mile cross tundra hike to summit two different mountains (Flattop and Hallets Peak) on our way down to meet with the Tonahutu Creek Trail. Once below tree line we pitch our third and final base camp where we can fish Tonahutu Creek for wild brook and Colorado River cutthroat trout. We cap off the day with a hot dinner and hot chocolate.
On day four we wake up to a freshly cooked breakfast followed by a 2.5 mile hike back in to Haynach Lakes Valley. This picturesque valley is like something out of a movie, with fields of wildflowers and towering mountains. The valley is home to two different lakes, one of which holds 18+ inch cutthroat trout.
After lunch and fishing for the day we hike back down to base camp for another freshly cooked dinner followed by fishing (if desired).
Day 5: Hike out - Green Mountain Trailhead
On our final morning we have a hot breakfast and begin packing up for the final 6 mile hike out. At just over 4 miles out we stop by Tonahutu Meadows to fish for rising brook trout and have a light lunch. After lunch and fishing we hike the final 1.8 miles back to Green Mountain trailhead and return back home. Trip usually arrives back in Estes Park around 5:00 pm.
Guest must be able to carry a 35lbs+ pack (it will be containing):
- Overnight gear (sleeping bag, tent, pad)
- Extra clothing items
- Fishing rod (*possibly waders and boots depending on location)
- Personal food items
- Enough water to hike in to base camp site (guide will have water filter for entire trip)
- Help carrying group food items (possibly including bear canisters)
- Guides provide breakfast and dinner with a light lunch – on trips more than three nights some meals will be dehydrated pre-packaged food items.
- Guests should bring snacks and other food items (as desired)
- A fishing license is required (can obtain this at trip departure)
- Porter is available to help pack in gear (for a fee) – contact for details
Additional Trip Info
- Certified and licensed guide
- Meals
- Camping Gear
- Fly fishing equipment
- Park Permits
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