ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
RMNP Alpine Camp
July/August
2- Days
Intermediate
From $679
Upcoming TripS
Aug 7- Aug 8, 2027
EXPLORE OUR F+T ADVENTURE NETWORK
| OVERVIEW |
The weekend begins covering gear, packing systems, and trip expectations. From there, we’ll hike from Glacier Gorge, along The Loch and Andrews Creek to the Sky Pond basin. Day one is all about experiential learning: from bivy setup and movement efficiency to technical skills and decision-making in the field, every lesson is grounded in your experience and growth.
Learning is only part of the experience, because we’ll also have the chance to take a refreshing dip in an alpine lake, keep an eye out for wildlife moving through the meadows, and share in kitchen and dinner creation.
Join the femme SMG team for an immersive alpine rock climbing weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park—where hands-on learning, shared adventure, and mountain magic come together.
| GALLERY |
| ITINERARY AND PREP |
Pre-Trip call
Guides and guests will connect with a video call to discuss gear selection for the weekend, meet each other, talk objectives for the trip, and answer any lingering questions.
DAY 1
The team meets at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Estes Park, CO. We start the day by discussing the gear needs for an overnight alpine rock climb in RMNP, followed by a conversation and demonstration of how to pack an overnight bag.
When packed and ready, our group heads to our intended trailhead and hikes out to our cam. We will set up camp in one of the numerous bivy sites within our climbing zone area around dusk and enjoy time in the cirque.
We start to focus on the uses of alpine gear and their techniques with demonstrations and practicals around camp. Dinner starts around 6 pm and we pack up for the next day’s climb.
DAY 2
Early morning wake-up and breakfast, followed by some multi pitch alpine rock climbing on different routes, based on group goals. We will deploy some skills and techniques learned on Day 1. Potential route objectives are vary depending on the valley we climb in. Climbs have been Sharkstooth (5.6), Zowie (5.9), Petit Grepon (5.8) Spearhead (5.6) and Keyhole Ridge (5.6).
Summit, descend, and enjoy some time in the afternoon to soak up the sun, pack up camp, and hike back to the trailhead.
|Download Our Trip Packet|
Technical Experience
Guests should be seasoned multi-pitch climbers with some experience using traditional climbing gear.
Fitness
Excellent physical fitness is required. Climbers must be able to hike and climb for many hours while carrying a pack. Training for Advanced Alpine Climbing is a great fitness program to develop a strong alpine climbing base. 50% intensity is a good marker of alpine fitness for this route.
Altitude
No prior experience at altitude is required.
YOUR GUIDE TEAM
CONSIDERATIONS FOR CAMS IN THE ALPINE
| WHATS INCLUDED |
- Evening dinner meal and morning breakfast
- Group cooking equipment, including water purification
- Bivy bags for sleeping and group climbing equipment
- Small compressible multi-pitch backpack
- Climbing helmet and or harness
- F+T Adventure goodie bag
- Certified guides
- National Park Pass, must have on your person
- Sleeping bag or pad
- Personal hiking gear such as backpacks and poles
- Snacks for camp and on route
- Transportation to the venue
- Tips for guides
TAKING IN THE VIEWS FROM CAMP
HIKING IN GLACIER GORGE
| PRICING DETAILS |
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
RMNP Alpine Camp
July/August
2- Days
Intermediate
$679 Per Guest
Upcoming TripS
Aug 7- Aug 8, 2027
| QUESTIONS |
F+T Alpine camp.
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Smile focuses on small groups and ratios that meet the professional standards of mountain guiding. This expedition has a 3:1 ratio
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We require Rescue Insurance on all of our international expeditions. Rescue insurance will help cover costs in the event that you need to be rescued off the mountain (Ex: Helicopter/medical evacuation). Travel Insurance (which we strongly recommend) can cover issues that would cause you to cancel your trip in advance, like illness. We do recommend Global Rescue who does offer a Comprehensive Travel Protection option to your required Rescue (Evacuation) Insurance.
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Yes! The Climbing & Mountaineering School is an entry-level program designed to teach you all the skills you need to begin your mountain climbing career. While you do need excellent general fitness, no climbing experience is necessary.
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Yes, we provide the following gear at no charge for our climbing schools. Helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, and carabiners/ cord. Please note- this equipment is available on a first come, first served basis, so please make your reservations early!
We do not provide mountaineering boots as they are too personal for fit, and should be well worn prior to the trip to prevent blisters and other common injuries from improper shoe fits.
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Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy.
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In Peru, we establish a base camp up while in the mountains, giving us excellent access to the high peaks. We will also spend a night in a lodge between both of our peak attempts.
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Aside from the technical gear that we are often able to provide on Introductory Courses (harness, helmet, ice ax, crampons), we strongly recommend bringing everything on the Equipment List. These kits have been dialed and tested by our guides for over 20 years; while you may not end up using everything you bring, weather variability in the mountains demands that we’re ready to dress for any and all conditions! -
Please email
climb@smilemountainguides.com for more information.