Our 4-day tour in the Gunnison National Forest gets travelers off the paved road and into the Colorado backcountry for amazing views, fresh mountain air and we do all of the planning, cooking and clean-up! The tour will cover 550 total miles (140 miles on dirt roads), cross six mountain passes, and see iconic mountain towns like Crested Butte and Buena Vista. These tours are perfect for all experience levels, from novice to expert. Our team of guides will demonstrate camping best practices, give 4×4 driving tips, and care for and teach about the natural environment around us. We can't wait to have you join us on a trip. We love the small group format as it means we get to make new camping friends (10 maximum) from all over the world! It also means we are on these adventures as a team. To help us all have a successful tour, it is really important to make sure travelers arrive well rested, stay hydrated and clearly communicate with our guides.
- Enjoy dinner and an interactive performance with this two-in-one outing
- Compete for the top sleuth of the night prize, awarded each evening
- Indulge in a gourmet, 4-course meal (alcohol available to purchase)
- Participate in a murder mystery challenge, and try to identify the suspect
What To Expect
Day 1 – Denver to Marshall Pass
Denver
Start at TAC Headquarters and begin with a trip orientation and load-up. Grab a quick coffee and snack with the group. We will hit the road by 10 AM.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Buena Vista
Our staff will prepare a gourmet lunch while you relax with a stunning view of the Collegiate Mountains. Wildlife and wildflowers will be in full display.
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Gunnison National Forest
Each night, we will park the vehicles in secluded areas with prime views, quiet and the chance to see Colorado wildlife and the night sky. Campsite for night #1 will be in the Gunnison National Forest.
10 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Day 2 – Marshall Pass to McDonough Reservoir
McDonough Reservoir
Day #2 begins with fresh mountain air, coffee, tea or hot chocolate and stunning views. This day requires less time driving (only 60 miles) and more exploring. After breaking camp at 10:30 AM, a drive along dirt roads takes us past Marshall Pass towards a reservoir. We settle for lunch along the way and pick our camping site earlier in the day.
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
McDonough Reservoir
After setting up camp, a number of options will be available depending on weather and personal interests. These include picking fresh berries, fishing in the reservoir (requires a current CO fishing license), hiking or taking paddle boards out on the water for amazing views.
6 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Day 3 – McDonough Reservoir to Spring Creek
Gunnison River
Our staff prepares another gourmet lunch along the Gunnison River after the morning drive on a combination of dirt and paved roads. After fueling up, many will chose to lace up their hiking boots for an optional 1-hour scenic hike.
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Crested Butte
By 4:30 PM, we find a secluded area to park the vehicles at a camp area on Spring Creek. This area has groves of Aspen trees, the sounds of rushing water and wildlife. After a quick set up on camp, it is time for more outdoor exploration.
Options include hiking through the Aspen groves to multiple natural beaver ponds and fishing. When we arrive back at camp, it is time for a gourmet dinner under the stars and conversation with close friends.
12 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Day 4 – Spring Creek to Denver
Denver
Last day on the trail! Depart camp at 10 AM on a short drive to a lakeside lunch with more amazing mountain views. Finally, a lazy drive back through scenic highways and over mountain passes and arrive back in Denver around 4:00 PM.
One final optional hike at top of Cottonwood Pass (over 12,000 ft in elevation) and stunning views.
5 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Minimum age of participant 8
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Include
Prepared gourmet camp meals (including snacks)
Custom overland vehicle with rooftop tent for sleeping
Camping gear & bedding
Camp shower & restroom
Wilderness medicine kit
Dinner (3)
Breakfast (3)
Lunch (4)
Exclude
Gratuities
Max group – 2
