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Frequently Asked
Questions
Inn-to-Inn
Hiking
1.) What is Inn-to-Inn hiking? Inn-to-inn
hiking is long-distance hiking from point A to point B with
stops each night along the way at various forms of lodging.
Traditionally, with inn-to-inn hiking, you hike with a
small backpack and your luggage is transferred to the next
night's lodging, so you can have your luxuries from home
without having to carry them on your back all day.
Inn-to-inn hiking is a popular sport in Europe, where there
are extensive trail long-distance trail systems. Inn-to-inn
hiking is a newer concept in the United States.
2.) How does Inn-to-Inn hiking differ from
backpacking? With backpacking, you sleep on the cold,
hard ground. With inn-to-inn hiking, you sleep in a warm,
soft bed in a charming B&B. With backpacking you toil with
a backpacking stove to heat up freeze-dried food. With
inn-to-inn hiking your meals are prepared for you, starting
with your delicious breakfast, gourmet sack lunch to hit
the trail with, and dinner and glass of wine at the end of
the day. With With backpacking, your sixty pounds of
luggage is carried on your back with each mile you hike.
With inn-to-inn hiking, your luggage is passed on by the
innkeeper to your next night's lodging.
3.) What are the trails like? Inn-to-inn
hiking trails, or Footpaths, use whatever is
available. Sometimes it's trails, sometimes roads,
sometimes country lanes, sometimes mountain passes.
Sometimes you have to cut through a meadow, other times
you're cutting through a neighborhood. A footpath takes you
the most beautiful, diverse route from one point to the
next.
4.) What is the lodging like? Lodging along
a Footpath is as diverse as the Footpath, itself. It can be
a real smorgasbord and that's part of the fun. Sometimes
you'll be in 5-star hotels, usually you'll be in small Bed
and Breakfasts (B&Bs). Occassionally you be in hostels.
Sometimes the accomadations are high end with the modern
amenities you could want. Other times the lodging is rustic
and historical and full of charm. Various lodging is what
makes a Footpath a unique adventure, and often makes the
trip as memorable as the hiking itself.
The Walter Tishma
Way
1.) Can we take our dogs on the Walter Tishma
Way (WTW)?
You cannot take a dog on the trails in Rocky Mountain
National Park, nor in most of the available lodging.
Eventually the route will continue through the Indian Peaks
Wilderness area to Nederland. That portion of the trail
allows dogs on a leash.
2.) What time of year is best for the WTW?
Early summer, late August, September, and early October are
best. Mid-summer is possible, but busy in Estes Park. This
is the Colorado Rockies, and you can expect snow in early
May and by mid-October. While certainly uncommon, light
snow in the summer is not unheard of here.
3.) What are the plans for the future of the
WTW?
We continue to work on the route, to expand it in both
directions. In the next couple of years, we hope for the
trail to go all the way to Nederland, Colorado, and it
might have the possibility of starting in Glen Haven,
Colorado. Some day we hope the have the trail routed all
the way to Central City and beyond.
4.) What if we want to travel on the WTW in an
organized group?
Whether you are traveling alone or in a group, we offer
guided trips. Please contact us for more information.
5.) What do I need to do to prepare for the
higher altitude?
Hike as much as you can where you live, wear your hiking
boots and carry some weight in a backpack. It's always a
good idea to build in an extra day or days at altitude at
the beginning of your trip to get acclimated. While on the
trail, drink at least two liters of water per day while
hiking. Take hydration drinks such as Cytomax and carry Gu.
Eat regularly and stay away from alcohol during the day.
Don't smoke.
6.) I'm not sure I can hike everyday. What
happens if I need a rest day?
On the WTW, you can always go ahead with the luggage if you
just don't think you can hike. You can also add a "rest
day" in the middle of your trip at an extra cost.
7.) How hard is the hiking on the WTW?
Most of the hiking is moderate to strenuous due to
elevation change and terrain. For some people, hiking over
Storm Pass and hiking 4 days in a row will be strenuous.
But there are no high mountains to climb and nothing over
12 miles. None of it is technical. As with all physical
activities, good fitness is key. If you question you
physical abilities, please consult with your physician. If
you have questions about the terrain and your experience
level, call us and we'll be happy to consult with you.
We've been matching people to appropriate hiking trips for
over 20 years - that makes us no spring chickens,
ourselves!
8.) On the WTW, what day of the week can we
start?
Just make sure you END your trip in Allenspark on any day
other than Monday or Tuesday. There are no other
constraints.
9.) If we're driving, can we leave our car in
Allenspark?
No. The lodges we use don't have space to store your car
for the week. But, more importantly, to really experience
Inn-to-Inn Hiking at it's best, you want to arrive in
Allenspark on foot, not in car. There is a sense of
accomplishment and an unfolding of your final destination
that you don't want to spoil. You don't want to see the
bride before the wedding or read the ending of the book
first.
10.) What are the lodges along the WTW like?
Most likely your trip will include a couple of B&Bs, an
old, rustic, historical lodge, a dude ranch, and possibly a
cabin or two. Please note: Old lodges do not have the
typical motel rooms with two large beds and a bathroom.
Many of the rooms have double beds and bathrooms may be
down the hall. When doing the WTW, you might stay at least
one or two nights in a place you would never have booked on
your own. Don't be surprised if these turn out to be your
favorites. We consider them to be local gems. After a long
day of hiking, you'll be so happy to get your boots off,
slip into pajamas, and sink into a bed, that you may not
even notice how fun and charming the lodging is.
11.) What about our evening meals?
Breakfast and pack lunches are included in the self-guided
package. Evening meals are not included, with the exception
of your last night in Allenspark. During the week you'll be
eating at the lodge you're staying at or at a restaurant
within walking distance. On your last night we have a real
treat. The Fawn Brook
Inn is a "diamond" that sits in a massive lodge
structure in Allenspark and is a five-star establishment.
You will order from a special Footpaths menu, and have a
two-hour fine dining experience that you will never forget.
12.) What about transportation at the end of the
trip?
If you're coming by shuttle from the airport and not
renting a car, be sure and make arrangements with the Estes Park
Shuttle. They will need to know where to deliver you in
Estes Park upon arrival, and where to pick you up in
Allenspark upon departure. If your car has been parked at
the Estes Park Visitor's Center, you'll need to make
arrangments with Peak to Peak Taxi
to return you to your car. All this information is on the
Booking page of this site.
13.) What about massages?
Your massage will be booked for night three or four of your
trip. You'll be notified of the exact day and time in your
final information packet. If there are several people
traveling together, we ask that one room is chosen to do
all the massages to expediate time and effort. Massages are
approximately 30 minutes each.
Rocky Mountain
Snowshoeing
1.) What kind of special equipment is required
for snowshoeing? Snowshoeing requires snowshoes and
hiking poles, in addition to warm clothes and good snow or
hiking boots. (If you don't have boots, we can rent a pair
of overshoes to you.) Gear rental is included in the price
of your snowshoeing trip.
2.) Can I do this? Absolutely. We always
say, "If you can walk, you can snowshoe!" Snowshoeing
doesn't require any technical skill - it's just walking! It
requires a little more exertion than just walking,
but requires less exertion than walking in sand.
Snowshoeing is a great sport for all ages.
3.) What kind of clothes should I wear? You
will want to dress warm, as if you were going skiing or
sledding. You will also want to dress in layers. You will
be quite warm when you're moving, and quite cold when you
stop for lunch, so you'll want to dress accordingly. Sturdy
hiking boots or warm snow boots are recommended. Gaiters
are nice for keeping the snow out of the tops of your
boots, but they aren't necessary. Gloves or mittens are a
must, and so is a winter cap or earband. A parka or coat
will be worn part, if not all, of the time. Waterproof
pants will keep you much drier, lighter, and more
comfortable than jeans will.
4.) What should I pack in my backpack?
You'll want to bring at least two liters of water,
sunscreen, and some snacks. Extra luxuries that will make
you comfortable, but are not necessary, include hand
warmers, a balaclava, and sunglasses,
5.) What are the qualifications of the
guides? Our guides have years of snowshoeing
experience, especially in Rocky Mountain National Park,
where you will be going. All guides are first aid and CPR
certified by the American Red Cross, and are insured. Our
guides have extensive knowledge of the area, and can take
you on the safest hike that matches your ability level. We
have guides out on the trail every day in the winter, and
have the most up-to-date trail condition information. Ask
to see some testimonials about our top-notch guides! We'd
love to share it with you!
6.) What's included with the guided
snowshoeing? A private guide, snowshoe rentals, hiking
pole rentals, overshoes rentals, backpack rental, hot cocoa
and sack lunch.
7.) Can you guys handle large groups?
Absolutely! We love large groups, and have numerous guides
to tackle the task. If requested, we can divide the group
up by ability level, giving each group different goals and
accomplishments. Large groups do need to bring their own
lunch, but we still provide the cocoa. Large groups need to
have a central contact who is the "group leader",
responsible for coordinating with us and arranging payment.
Rocky Mountain Hiking
Day Trips
1.) What clothes should I wear? Hiking in
the Rockies in the summer can be as hot as 90 degrees
Fahrenheit, or it can be snowing up in the high country.
Dressing in layers is essential. There is also a good
chance for rain most late afternoons, so waterproof and
breathable raingear is highly recommended. A hat to keep
the sun off, and a sturdy pair of hiking boots will give
you a great trip. Click here for
more details about recommended hiking clothing.
2.) What should I pack in my backpack? The
safety items recommended for all hikers include headlamp or
flashlight (even if the plan is to hike in the day),
compass, map, knife, first aid kit, and space blanket. Also
plan on bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, at least
two liters of water. And don't forget that camera!
3.) What does the hiking day trip include?
Guided day hikes include private guide, backpack rental,
and sack lunch.
4.) What are the qualifications of my guide?
Our guides have years of hiking experience, especially in
Rocky Mountain National Park, where you will be going. All
guides are first aid and CPR certified by the American Red
Cross, and are insured. Our guides have extensive knowledge
of the area, and can take you on the safest hike that
matches your ability level. We have guides out on the trail
almost every day in the summer, and have the most
up-to-date trail condition information. Ask to see some
testimonials about our top-notch guides! We'd love to share
it with you!
5.) Can you guys handle large groups?
Absolutely! We love large groups, and have numerous guides
available to tackle the task. If requested, we can divide
the group up by ability level, giving each group different
goals and accomplishments. Large groups do need to bring
their own lunch. Large groups need to have a central
contact who is the "group leader", responsible for
coordinating with us and arranging payment.
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