Nestled in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, Denver offers a unique blend of natural wonders and outdoor adventures. The Glacier Hike and Geothermal Cave Pools tour promises an unforgettable day of exploration, where hikers can experience the stunning panoramic views of St. Mary’s Glacier and rejuvenate in the soothing waters of natural hot springs. With expert guides and a small group size, this tour caters to adventure-seekers looking to enjoy the beauty of Colorado’s landscape. But the true highlight of this excursion lies in the unexpected discoveries that await those who embark on this journey.
Key Points
- This 8-hour tour from Denver includes a guided hike to St. Mary’s Glacier, a swim in geothermal hot springs, and lunch at a Colorado institution.
- The tour offers an intimate experience with a small group size of 8 participants and live English-language guides.
- Scenic highlights include panoramic mountain lake views, a backdrop of St. Mary’s Glacier for the hot springs, and Rocky Mountain vistas during transportation.
- The tour provides essential equipment, water, and light snacks, as well as admission to the geothermal hot springs and lunch.
- The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments due to uneven terrain, and participants should bring recommended items like swimsuits and comfortable hiking shoes.
Tour Overview
The Denver: Glacier Hike and Geothermal Cave Pools tour offers an 8-hour adventure from Denver, priced at $199.00 per person with a limited group size of 8 participants.
The tour includes live English-language guides, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and transportation from the meeting point at Ink! Coffee Cadence in downtown Denver.
Participants can expect to travel to Idaho Springs, take a 2.5-hour guided hike to St. Marys Glacier, swim in geothermal hot springs, and enjoy lunch at an 1880-established mountain pizza restaurant.
The tour also includes general photography, equipment, and snacks, ensuring a comprehensive and hassle-free outdoor experience in the Rocky Mountains.
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Highlights of the Itinerary
Kicking off the excursion, the tour transports participants from Denver to the historic town of Idaho Springs, where they’ll stop for a 15-minute photographic opportunity.
Next, the group embarks on a 2.5-hour guided hike through the Rocky Mountains to the stunning St. Mary’s Glacier. Here, they’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the mountain lake.
After the hike, the tour takes a refreshing turn as guests get to enjoy a rejuvenating 1-hour swim in the geothermal hot springs.
To cap off the day, the group indulges in a 1.5-hour lunch at the iconic Beau Jos Mountain Pizza, a Colorado institution since 1880, before a final 15-minute break in Clear Creek County prior to returning to Denver.
Hiking Experience and Scenic Views
Participants typically hike a 1.5-mile trail with options for swimming or sledding, depending on the seasonal conditions.
The trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of a mountain lake nestled in the Rocky Mountains near the historic gold-mining town of Idaho Springs.
The hike takes approximately 2.5 hours and showcases the natural beauty of the region. Along the way, hikers can stop for photos and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
The destination, St. Mary’s Glacier, provides a stunning backdrop for the geothermal hot springs where participants can relax and soak up the scenic surroundings.
This unique combination of outdoor activities and stunning vistas makes for an unforgettable Denver adventure.
Included in the Tour
For the Denver: Glacier Hike and Geothermal Cave Pools tour, a range of inclusions accompanies the experience to enhance the overall value and convenience for participants. Transportation to and from Denver, along with all necessary parking fees, is provided as part of the tour package. Plus, general tour photographs are included, capturing the highlights of the day’s activities. Beyond logistics, the tour also covers essential equipment, water, and a light snack at the mountaintop, as well as admission to the geothermal hot springs and a delicious lunch at Beau Jos Mountain Pizza.
Included in the Tour |
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Transportation |
Parking Fees |
Tour Photos |
Equipment, Water, Snacks |
What to Bring and Accessibility
Guests should bring a swimsuit, towel, and comfortable hiking shoes for the tour, as they’ll be immersed in the geothermal hot springs during the experience.
Plus, a reusable water bottle is recommended to stay hydrated throughout the day’s activities.
However, pets, luggage, or large bags aren’t allowed on the tour.
The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as the hike to the St. Marys Glacier and the uneven terrain of the hot springs may pose challenges.
Regardless of the weather, the tour will operate rain or shine, so guests should dress appropriately for the conditions.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 from 37 reviews, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure in the Colorado Rockies.
Customer Ratings and Reviews
Customers have praised the tour for its exceptional guide quality and seamless transportation, awarding it an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 37 reviews.
Here’s what some of them had to say:
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‘Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made the hike both informative and enjoyable.’
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‘The hot springs were a perfect way to relax after the challenging but rewarding glacier hike.’
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‘The small group size allowed for a personalized experience and plenty of one-on-one time with the guide.’
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‘The entire day was well-organized, and the transportation to and from Denver was a huge convenience.’
Transportation and Meeting Point
The tour departs from Ink! Coffee Cadence, located at 1920 17th St in Denver, CO 02202.
From there, participants are transported in a Jeep or SUV for the 1-hour drive to Idaho Springs. The transportation is included in the tour price, and the guides ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. Along the way, guests can enjoy the scenic views of the Rocky Mountains and prepare for the upcoming hike and activities.
Once in Idaho Springs, the group has a 15-minute photo stop before continuing on to the trailhead for the guided glacier hike. The transportation throughout the day is efficient and allows participants to fully enjoy the tour’s experiences.
Cancellation Policy and Pricing
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing participants to receive a full refund if their plans change.
The price for this 8-hour experience starts at $199 per person, which covers the transportation, guided activities, and all necessary equipment.
The pricing for the Denver: Glacier Hike and Geothermal Cave Pools tour includes:
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All-day transportation to and from Denver
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Admission fees for the geothermal hot springs
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A hearty lunch at the historic Beau Jos Mountain Pizza
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Gratuities for the knowledgeable tour guide
With flexible cancellation and transparent pricing, this tour provides an accessible and hassle-free way to explore the natural wonders around Denver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Tour’s Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices?
The tour focuses on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. It provides transportation by Jeep/SUV, uses reusable water bottles, and includes admission to the geothermal hot springs, which are natural and renewable resources. The tour operates rain or shine, minimizing environmental impact.
Are There Any Age or Fitness Level Requirements for Participants?
This tour doesn’t have any age or fitness level requirements. However, the 1.5-mile hike to the glacier may be challenging for those with mobility issues. The tour operator recommends participants be moderately fit and able to hike on uneven terrain.
Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?
The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies with advance notice. Guests should inform the tour provider of any special dietary needs when booking the tour so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place for the Tour?
The tour has implemented COVID-19 safety protocols, including mask requirements, capacity limits, and sanitization procedures. Guests are expected to follow all local and state health guidelines during the experience.
What Is the Typical Group Size and What Is the Guest to Guide Ratio?
The typical group size is limited to 8 participants, resulting in a favorable guest-to-guide ratio for a more personalized experience. This allows for close interaction with the guide and better oversight during the tour activities.
Recap
This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Denver’s natural wonders.
Guests will hike to St. Mary’s Glacier, take a refreshing dip in geothermal hot springs, and enjoy a local pizza lunch, all while surrounded by stunning mountain views.
With a small group and expert guides, this adventure is perfect for those seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience near Denver.
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