About this tour
When Sarah from our BugBitten team ran this private hiking and camping trip, we ditched the Denver hotel for two nights in the Colorado Rockies with a small group. The operator customises routes based on fitness, season, and what you want to see — higher alpine terrain in summer, lower-elevation loops when it's cooler. You'll hike the first day, camp nearby (close enough to the vehicle), then explore again the next morning. It's a proper backcountry experience without the self-sufficiency stress: all gear, food, and logistics are sorted.
Highlights
- Tailored trail selection avoids crowds, hits scenic lake basins
- All camping kit provided — tent, sleeping bag, headlamp, bear spray
- Hot BBQ dinner by fire (or pasta/burritos if restrictions apply)
- Private transport means no shuttle games or waiting for group vans
- Two breakfasts and lunches included; one lunch custom sandwich
- Flexible meal planning — decided on the road based on what you fancy
- Seasonal routing keeps you comfortable: high peaks summer, lower trails spring/fall
What to expect
Day one starts with a private pickup and drive into the Rockies. Sarah and the team brief you on the route, hand over trekking poles and bear spray, then head out for a moderate-to-challenging hike depending on fitness and season. Lunch is a made-to-order sandwich eaten on the trail with provided water. Once back at camp, they'll fire up the BBQ (or cook pasta if open flames aren't allowed) and you settle in with dinner and drinks. The campsite sits close to the vehicle, so there's no scrambling in darkness — headlamps and a headstart at dusk make it straightforward.
Morning two brings breakfast cooked at camp, then a second hike nearby — often shorter, often exploring a different vantage. By mid-afternoon you're packed up and heading back to Denver or your next stop. The whole rhythm feels low-stress because the operator handles water, meals, and bear protocols. Weather and fitness are the real variables: afternoon thunderstorms can roll in fast at elevation, and moderate fitness is a genuine baseline, not marketing fluff.
Good to know
This works brilliantly if you want mountain scenery without the logistics headache. Private groups mean no randos, routes flex around your abilities and what's safe that season, and the all-inclusive meals (including that custom sandwich) beat camping-food monotony. Service animals are welcome.
It's not suitable if you have spinal issues, are pregnant, or have cardiovascular concerns — the hiking and camp setup genuinely demand fitness. Two days isn't long enough for true remote wilderness, and you're camping "close to the vehicle" rather than deep backcountry. Afternoon rain and cold nights are real above 10,000 feet even in summer. Pack proper layers, waterproofs, and warm socks — bring your own. Group size isn't specified, but private usually means 2–8 people. Crowds thin out mid-week and outside peak summer.
Moderate fitness minimum. Bring layered clothing, rain jacket, and warm sleepwear. All camping gear and meals are included. Private transport, water, and bear spray provided. Peak season is June–September; spring and fall offer better weather stability at lower elevations.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.