Introduction

Welcome to Unravel’s Experiences of a Lifetime! Want to experience the Rocky Mountains of Colorado as they were intended? Join us to explore this grand mountain range, camp in nature, take in sunsets, hike scenic trails, and really get off the beaten path of Colorado, and have fun make memories with the whole family! All this and more as Unravel Travel takes you off the beaten path in the Colorado Rockies with their small group, participatory camping trip Colorado Family Camping!

Trip Style

You can expect a small group of 2-4 families with some included activities and meals, but also time to explore or relax on your own. We practice Leave No Trace camping at established sites with basic to no facilities. These trips are about variety: the places, the people,  and the activities we participate in. It is your adventure and we are here to take the fuss out of it!

Trip Map

Sample map itinerary

Itinerary

The routes, activities and places visited described in these Trip Notes are intentions and are meant as a rough guide only. Camping trips may vary depending on many factors, but will be finalized upon booking. Outstanding circumstances may still require itinerary changes to be made up to trip start and during the trip. 

Day 1 – Arrive Denver

Welcome to Colorado and the Mile High City! Everyone arrives at different times today, so take the time to relax, get acclimated to the altitude, or set out on an adventure. There will be a group meeting in the early afternoon and then an opportunity to get your first taste of Colorado! Depending on trip date and availability we will either beat the heat at a waterslide park or take in a Rockies baseball game at Coors Field. All this gives the opportunity to have an authentic Colorado experience and will give you some time to get used to the altitude before we head up into the mountains! Hotels are at your discretion so that you may choose what suits you best. We recommend something downtown and can be of further assistance upon your request. We’ll be around all day today if you have any questions.

Days 2-5 – Backcountry camping

On the morning of Day 2 we’ll meet early and do a gear check to make sure that everyone has suitable clothing and gear for our adventure in the mountains. From there we will proceed with a short drive followed by our first opportunity to do a hike- a short and not too strenuous walk. In addition to providing spectacular views, this will provide us the opportunity to stretch our legs and truly feel what its like to hike at altitude.

After grandiose views from Mt. Evans we’ll have a nice picnic lunch and continue on to our campsite in the heart of the Rockies in central Colorado. This is participatory camping, so we’ll all work and learn together to build camp- pitch tents, prepare meals, assemble ‘smores, and ‘rough’ it in one of the most beautiful parts of the U.S.

Once we reach our destination we will all work together to set up camp. This is both a rewarding and enabling experience and can be quite fun. We camp at a simple location with few amenities. There will be toilets and basic showers. Campers will sleep in water-proof tents for 2-4 people and families. We will cook meals over camp-stoves (everyone is welcome to help), and will have campfires where permissible.

Our itinerary over the following days will vary due to conditions, but our leaders work hard to ensure you have the best experience possible. Our days will be filled with hikes and nature walks, as well as a fully day rafting trip. Our leader will share fun camp activities and crafts with children to make this an entertaining and learning experience.

Day 5 – Back to Denver

All good things must come to an end, but after all these adventures most people are happy to return to civilization and often have a new-found appreciation for all the luxuries of everyday life.

This is real camping, not some hokey faux-luxury tour package tour. We will need to break camp at the end of our trip and your help is needed. You said you wanted to camp right?! Well breaking down camp is part of it, and we’ll all need to work together to pack the tents and the kitchen. Fortunately that is where it ends for you; our leaders will do all the real dirty work later.

We’ll arrive back to Denver in the early afternoon and we will drop you off at the hotel of your choice or we can take you directly to the airport.

Whether you’re avid campers that want a no-fuss vacation, or a first-time campers looking for a new experience, we’re sure you’ll leave with a heap of stories, memories, pictures and new friends!

Itinerary Disclaimer

This itinerary may be updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers’ comments and our own research. As such, the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to the final copy of the Trip Notes that will be released to you shortly before your trip commences. For the latest updated trip notes please visit our website: www.unravel-travel.com

Culture Shock Rating

If you are an avid outdoors-person and have done your share of leave-no-trace camping and hiking, then you will know what to expect. If these activities are new to you, you should know that we will be traveling to remote areas of Colorado. Food will be tasty and healthy, and dietary needs will be taken into account when booking, but selection and variety may not be what you can expect while in civilization. Sanitation is also quite different than you may be familiar with.

Physical Rating

These trips are physical by nature- we will be active on a daily basis and sleeping on basic camping mattresses each night.

Everyone’s perception of being in shape is different. Be realistic about yours and give us a call to discuss the details before you book!

Included Activities

This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

• 3 nights camping with camping gear
• Meals (3B, 4L, 3D)
• Private transportation between Denver and the mountains and within the mountains
• Rockies game or waterslide park admission in Denver
• Daily activities
• 24/7 services of experienced group leader and guides

Not Included

• Airfare to/from Denver, airport transfers
• Hotel accommodation in Denver on Days 1 or 5
• Sleeping bag (rentals available)
• Extra sleeping mattress (rentals available)
• Clothes and personal gear for camping
• Individual Travel Insurance
• Gratuities for trip leader and guides

Spending Money

Everyone travels different, splurges and is frugal in different ways; therefore spending money requirements can vary greatly. Consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks and dining, shopping, optional activities and tipping. As a reference, besides a few dollars for optional snacks/drinks/souvenirs, money will not be needed while camping. In Denver on Days 1 & 5 meals are not included.

Important Notes

The minimum age for these trips is 6 years old. Activities will be altered as much as possible to suit the age groups of the children involved.

These are interactive family trips, not babysitting excursions. Your leader is an experience enabler, not a nanny. Families should have at least 1 parent or guardian per 2 children.

There will be 1 leader for every 12 travelers to make sure your trip runs smoothly. Your leader will be on call 24/7, yet there is a good amount of free time to be on your own.

This trip has a maximum of approximately 12 travelers and a minimum of 4 travelers to run. Travelers are expected to help in camp chores as part of the authentic camping experience and will share tents in double occupancy.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travelers per group, minimum 4 travelers.

Accommodation

Simple tent camping (3 nts), Hotel (1 nt, not included)

Meals

Meals from Day 2 Lunch (once we head up into the mountains) through Day 5 Lunch, until we return to Denver are included. Expect simple, healthy camping food. We will accommodate for dietary needs if advised in advance.

Transport

Passenger van, by foot, and by raft.

Group Leader

A Group Leader will accompany you on all parts of the itinerary and all included activities. Your Group Leader is there to assist you in making your travel experience the best it can be and is available 24/7 during the trip. Our leaders are chosen for their leadership skills and experience in the region, have a passion for the places they travel and its people and are trained and certified in basic first aid. While not traditional tour guides, they are there to share their experiences with you; we strive to have Group Leaders that take the hassle out of your trip and become the friend you travel with.

Joining & Finishing Points

Each group will initially meet at a centrally located point in downtown Denver. Unravel vans will pick up travelers at their centrally located hotels Day 2 in the morning to head up to the mountains.

The trip ends upon return to Denver. Your Unravel leader will gladly deliver you to the airport or a centrally located hotel.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, nor should you, but things happen. You will be given contact details for your Group Leader, the starting point hotel and Unravel’s emergency contact in the case that there are any complications  with your arrival. Please notify your leader if there is a change to your itinerary and we will do our best to accommodate that.

If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the joining instructions in the Trip Notes. We will do our best to rectify the situation though we cannot be held responsible for circumstances outside of our control.

Emergency Contact

24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER Tel: +1 303-619-0910 There will be a number provided to call for a 24 hour manned mobile in case of genuine emergency.

Emergency Funds

Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control necessitate a change to our planned route.

Visas

Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Citizens of certain nations require visas to enter the US. Please contact you’re nearest embassy to find out your visa requirements.

Laundry

Laundry services will not be available during this trip, though your hotel may provide drying cleaning services. You may have the opportunity to hand-wash articles of clothing while in the mountains. If you plan to do so, please be sure to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

What to Take

Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible, and a backpack (3,000 cubic inch minimum) is rcommended as you will be expected to handle all your own gear.

Checklist

The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.

• 1 set of comfortable traveling clothes
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 sun hat
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 1 warm sweater/fleece (expect cold temperatures at altitude at night!)
• 1 waterproof jacket with hood
• 1 pair of comfortable walking hiking boots
• 1 pair of sandals, sneakers or flip-flops
• 1 towel (travel or camping sized)
• Underwear and socks
• Swimwear
• Toiletries
• Pocket knife or multi-tool
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Camera, batteries, charger, & memory card
• Sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees F
• Sleeping mattress
• Travel alarm clock
• Sunglasses
• Writing materials & notebook/diary
• Moistened tissues
• Hand sanitizer
• Assorted sized plastic bags – protects clothing and equipment
• Band aids  & sterile dressings/gauze
• Aspirin and/or Acetaminophen
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Insect repellent & Insect bite cream
• Lip balm
• Sun tan lotion (SPF 15 or more)
• After sun cream
• Prescription medicines
• Extra prescription glasses

Issues On Your Trip

While we always endeavor to provide the best possible experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognize that there may be times when your group leader may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction – if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.

Please be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.

Health

All Unravel travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If in the opinion of our group leader or company representative any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Unravel reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.

We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please make sure you discuss it with your doctor and be aware of the way altitude may exacerbate your condition.

Safety

Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Unravel itinerary, and Unravel makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

We also recommend that you check before departure that your travel insurance is valid for travel in these regions.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

When traveling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.

If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in country.

Please go to www.insuremytrip.com or www.worldnomads.com for links to various travel insurance providers.

Your Fellow Travelers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of traveling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group – patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well – this takes just a little effort on your part.

Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior to departure.

Age restrictions apply to this trip: minimum age 6, maximum age 70

Responsible Travel

We believe strongly in positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects.

A Couple of Rules

While our trips are very flexible and accepting to local customs, there are a few things that will not be tolerated on Unravel trips due to their legality, how they may put other travelers or Unravel staff at risk, or are fundamentally against our responsible travel code. Any traveler possessing or using illegal drugs, participating in prostitution or engaging in acts of violence will be immediately removed from the trip. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group for making these offenses, and refunds to the trip will not be granted.