We can count on one hand the number of inn to inn hiking routes that currently exist in the US and one of them is in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Designing a new trail that connects reliable lodging is a challenge in any country but it’s especially difficult in America. It takes an intrepid spirit with a lot of imagination and determination, which is why we like to celebrate the trailblazers who have the audacity to dream it, design it and keep the route open.
Meet Colorado’s inn to inn hiking creator
Phebe Novic is the designer of the Walter Tishma Way, a 42 mile inn to inn hike that connects Estes Park to Allenspark. She and her husband David named this trail after a man from St. Louis, who hiked one of the peaks in this route at least 100 times. The Novics operate this route through their company Footpaths of the World, one of the companies we review and recommend here on our site.
Like us, Phebe and David have experienced the European style of inn to inn hiking and they are passionate about promoting this form of travel to Americans. We’ve been avid fans for years ever since we discovered their site, so it was an honor to have the chance to ask Phebe some questions.
When did you create the Walter Tishma Way?
Phebe: Around 2003
What prompted you to create the route?
How much work goes into creating and maintaining an inn to inn route?
What advice would you give to someone trying to develop a new inn to inn hike?
- Good trails
- Solid lodging that offers food and beverages and a warm welcome at the end of the day
- A strong sense of place
What do you like about inn to inn hiking?
Do you have a favorite inn to inn or walking holiday?
Walter Tishma Way
How to get there:
- Fly to Denver
- Take Estes Park Shuttle ($115/per person roundtrip) or drive
What to expect:
- 5 night trip includes lodging, breakfast, sack lunches, one dinner, daily luggage transfer, trekking poles, maps and route guide
- Cost is $1140 per person
- 8-10 miles per day at high elevation (8,800-10,300 ft) with elevation gains ranging 1,500-2,600 ft
- Shorter trips also available
- Lodging used on this route includes Blue Door Inn, Alpine Trail Ridge Inn and Allenspark Lodge
We LOVED Allenspark Lodge, it's a true Colorado experience! Cozy hangout, friendly owners and guests, delicious hearty breakfast...and bears. The owners told us not to leave any food in our car overnight because bears would attack it to get to the food. They weren't kidding, we saw bears roaming around the parking lot our first night!
Read our review of Footpaths of the World, a great choice for inn to inn hiking in Colorado.
