Kirks Mountain Adventures

About

On East Elkhorn, in the same building as Kirks Flyshop and a few steps from Funky Moose, this outfitter books guided trips into Rocky Mountain National Park and sells the gear to go with them. Day hikes, backpacking, Longs Peak climbs, snowshoe outings, fly fishing and llama treks all start from here.

The llamas are the part people remember. Guides tailor routes to a group's pace, often to alpine lakes and away from the crowds that fill the popular trailheads in summer, and they handle the Park's timed-entry system, which takes one chore off the list. Trips go rain, snow or shine, and a day hike can be booked on a day's notice.

The shop counter is worth knowing even without a trip on the calendar. Staff are helpful with trail questions, and microspikes rent here, useful once the trails turn icy. Brand-name outdoor gear fills the rest of the store, and the fly shop next door covers the fishing side.