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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes inn-to-inn hiking different from a typical hike in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Long-distance routes are made up of many different trails and right-of-ways, even country lanes and tarmac roads, anything that will take the walker through the most interesting and scenic landscapes from one destination to another. Lodging is whatever is available.
2. Can we take our dogs on the Walter Tishma Way (WTW)?
You cannot take a dog on the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Eventually the route will continue through the Indian Peaks Wilderness area to Nederland. That portion of the trail allows dogs on a leash.
3. 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.
4. What are the plans for the future of the WTW?
We hope to be able to hike all the way to Nederland on the WTW in two years and eventually as far as Central City.
5. 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.
6. What do I need to do to prepare for the altitude.?
Hike as much as you can where you live, wear your hiking boots and carry some weight. It's always a good idea to build in an extra day or days at the beginning to get acclimated. While on the trail, drink at least 2 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.
7. 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.
8. How hard is the hiking on the WTW?
Most of the hiking is moderate to more difficult 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. If you have any questions, give me (Phebe) a call and let me know what kind of shape you're in and what you've done. I'm fifty-three years old and I've been matching people with hiking trips for 20 years.
9. On the WTW, when can we start?
Just make sure you END your trip in Allenspark on any day other than Monday or Tuesday.
10. If we're driving, can we leave our car in Allenspark?
No, for two reasons. There is very limited space in the front of the Allenspark Lodge or at Crystal Springs. The other, and to me the most important reason, is that to really experience Inn-to-Inn Hiking at it's best, you want to arrive in Allenspark on foot. 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.
11. What are the lodges like?
Long-distance routes, like the ones in Europe, use whatever kind of lodging is available along the way. It can be a real smorgasbord and that's part of the fun. Most likely your trip will include a couple of B&Bs in the Estes Park area, the old historical Baldpate Inn, Aspen Lodge, a dude ranch, and the Allenspark Lodge, another old, but wonderful B&B, or Crystal Springs Cabins. Old lodges do not have the typical motel rooms with two large beds and bathroom. Many of the rooms have double beds and bathrooms can be down the hall. You will probably 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.
12. What about our evening meals?
Breakfast and pack lunches are included in the self-guided package. Evening meals are not, with the exception of your last night in Allenspark. During the week you'll be eating at the lodge you're staying at or someplace nearby. 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 have a special Footpaths menu which includes five entrees. The bill will be given to you to sign at the end. It's then given to us. Gratuity is not included, so please tip from this. You'll be given another bill to pay for any additional beverages or food items not included in your package.
13. What about transportation at the end?
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 and where to pick you up in Allenspark. If your car has been parked at the Visitors 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.
What about massages?
Your massage will be booked either at the Baldpate Inn or Aspen Lodge. The time will be in your final 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 about 30 minutes each.
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