Guided Hiking Program

GUIDED HIKES AT YMCA OF THE ROCKIES

Did you know that YMCA of the Rockies-Estes Park Center offers free guided hikes to all guests and members? In addition to the on-property hiking trails that guests can explore on their own, during the summer season, our expert Hikemasters lead hikes of varying difficulty to many different locations in the area. From strolling around the Y grounds to climbing peaks and trekking around beautiful alpine lakes, there are hikes available for everyone. Each week’s hikes are listed in the Activity Guide which can be found here.

For questions about our guided hikes or to register, please call 970-586-3341 x1311 or visit us in the Boone Family Mountain Center.

Start off on your own adventure, view a detailed YMCA trail map.

PLANNING YOUR HIKE

Do you see a difficult hike on our schedule that you really want to do? Through careful planning, you can qualify to sign-up for our hardest hikes, even Longs Peak. The YMCA hiking program has a H-A difficulty rating system.

• H- G are the easiest and consists of 1-5 mile nature walks.
• F level hikes are great for children under the age of 12.
• E level hikes are the most challenging hikes you can do without ever hiking with us before.
• D and C hikes are very challenging and often take you to remote off trial destinations that you may not visit without a guide.
• A and B hikes are the hardest and includes Longs Peak. In order to qualify for a Longs Peak hike, you must complete the prerequisite on one of our hikemaster- led hikes.

THINGS TO KNOW

WHAT TO BRING

• Water – one liter for every 5 miles
• Food & snacks
• Rain gear
• Hiking boots or sturdy footwear
• Layers of clothing
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Park pass or money for fees, if needed

TRANSPORTATION

Many of our guided hikes don’t require transportation off Y grounds, but those that do require participants to drive themselves. Every vehicle needs to have a Rocky Mountain National Park entrance pass. But by hiking with a guide, you do not need a timed entry permit.

FEES

There are entrance fees for entering Rocky Mountain National Park. There are several fee options available. Non-members who do not stay at the YMCA in a cabin or lodge room may participate in a Y-hike by purchasing a $29 per person day pass at the Boone Family Mountain Center the night before the hike.

CHILDREN

Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent. Kids who like hiking can accomplish surprising feats [six-year-olds have climbed Longs Peak!] but most kindergartners would find an F hike like Mills Lake or The Loch a challenging enough day. We welcome kids on Y-hikes and encourage them to grow up into great hikers and even Hikemasters! Most Hikemasters fondly recall their hiking experiences from when they were young. Due to safety concerns, children face greater restrictions and require our extra attention. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

HIKING CLUB

Join YMCA of the Rockies Hiking Club! We keep track of the mileage you cover on Y-hikes and give you recognition for your hard work. It only costs $15 to become a member. With each milestone you hit, you will receive a patch documenting your accomplishment. Checkpoints include:

• 100 Mile
• 250 Mile
• 500 Mile
• 750 Mile
• 1,000 Mile
• 1,500 Mile
• 2,000 Mile

Register and log your hikes at the Boone Family Mountain Center after each Y-hike you complete. Hikemasters will sign off on your miles sheet and we’ll take care of the rest! Call for more information, 970-586-3341 ext. 1311.