What to Expect
FAQ
FAQs About Timberline Adventures
About Our Brand & Locations
How do I decide which Timberline Adventures trip rating is right for me?
Timberline Adventures classifies tours into four difficulty levels: Moderate, Intermediate, Advanced, and Challenging. These ratings are based on daily mileage, total elevation gain, and the technicality of the terrain. To ensure you have the best experience, we recommend reviewing our specific mileage and elevation metrics for both hiking and cycling to match your current fitness level.
- Moderate: Hiking (4–7 miles/day; <1,500′ gain) | Biking (25–50 miles/day; gentle hills).
- Intermediate: Hiking (6–9 miles/day; 1,000’–2,500′ gain) | Biking (35–55 miles/day; rolling hills).
- Advanced: Hiking (7–10 miles/day; 2,000’–3,000′ gain) | Biking (45–70 miles/day; 2,000’–4,000′ gain).
- Challenging: Hiking (8–16 miles/day; >3,500′ gain) | Biking (55–95 miles/day; >5,000′ gain).
Is Timberline Adventures affiliated with other outdoor brands or lodges?
Timberline Adventures is an independent, women-owned, Colorado-based guided tour operator specializing in multi-day hiking and cycling tours. We are a nationwide travel company and are not affiliated with specific lodges, trail systems, construction firms, or retail gear shops that may share a similar name. Our focus is exclusively on providing world-class guided outdoor travel experiences across North America and beyond.
Where is Timberline Adventures located and where do you lead tours?
The Timberline Adventures headquarters is located in Colorado, but our guided tours span the most iconic landscapes in North America, including National Parks, the Canadian Rockies, and coastal regions. We operate as a mobile outfitter, meeting our guests at designated gateway cities to begin curated hiking and cycling journeys through diverse wilderness areas.
What types of outdoor trips does Timberline Adventures offer?
Timberline Adventures offers professionally guided multi-day hiking and cycling tours designed for active adults. Our itineraries range from scenic road cycling and rail trails to immersive day hiking and wilderness trekking without backpacks. Each Timberline Adventures trip is fully supported with professional guides, vehicle assistance, meals, and hand-selected accommodations.
Planning Your Timberline Adventure
What forms and documentation are required for a Timberline Adventures tour?
Once you book a Timberline Adventures trip, we provide all necessary participant forms, including medical release and liability waivers, via our online forms. These forms ensure that the Timberline Adventures team is fully prepared to manage your safety and comfort throughout the duration of your hiking or cycling journey.
Does Timberline Adventures provide travel or trip insurance?
While Timberline Adventures does not sell insurance directly, we strongly recommend that all guests purchase a comprehensive trip cancellation and interruption insurance policy. Because outdoor adventures involve pre-booked logistics, insurance protects your investment with Timberline Adventures against unforeseen medical issues or travel delays.
How do I decide what rating is right for me?
What is included in the Timberline Adventures booking rates?
The booking rates for a Timberline Adventures tour are based on double occupancy and include professional guiding, accommodations, most meals, and van support. Solo travelers may book at the Single Booking rate for a private room, or opt for our “Roommate Rebate” program; if we can successfully pair you with a same-gender roommate, your final balance will be adjusted to the lower rate.
When should I arrive for my scheduled Timberline Adventures tour?
For hiking programs Timberline Adventures recommends arriving the night before to stay at our recommended pre-tour hotel. The tour officially starts with a meeting at this hotel on the morning of the first day.
For cycling tours, we typically meet in the afternoon for our essential bike fitting and orientation dinner. This allows us to be ready to ride first thing the next morning. For most tours, we can provide a shuttle from the nearest airport to our orientation location.
It may be possible to arrange a departure flight on the last day of the tour, and a shuttle is available to the airport, or to the recommended hotel if you plan to stay another night. Please ensure your arrival and departure times align with our shuttle schedules. Call the Timberline Adventures office with timing questions.
Can I drive and park my car at the pre tour hotel for the duration of the tour?
Cycling & Hiking Logistics
What gear should I bring for a Timberline Adventures hiking, biking, or snowshoeing trip?
Timberline Adventures provides specialized packing lists for every activity type to ensure you are equipped for changing mountain and coastal weather.
- Hiking: Focus on sturdy boots and moisture-wicking layers.
- Biking: Prioritize a high-quality helmet and padded cycling shorts.
- Snowshoeing: We recommend insulated, waterproof boots and breathable winter outerwear.
What is the Timberline Adventures policy on e-bikes?
Timberline Adventures welcomes Class I pedal-assist e-bikes (maximum 20 mph) on the majority of our cycling tours. To ensure safety and equipment compatibility, the e-bike must have a removable battery for van-top transport or weigh under 35 lbs. We encourage e-bike users to maintain a pace consistent with our conventional road cyclists, as our routes and group dynamics are designed for traditional cycling.
Should I bring my own bicycle or use a Timberline Adventures rental?
Whether you bring your own bike is a personal preference, but Timberline Adventures offers logistics support for both options. While riding a familiar, custom-fitted bike is an advantage, many guests prefer the convenience of renting to avoid shipping hassles. If you bring your own, please note that we typically cannot transport hard-sided bike cases in our support vans during the tour.
How can I ship my personal bicycle to a Timberline Adventures tour?
Guests often use specialized services like Bike Flights, Ship Bikes, Luggage Forward and even FedEx to send their equipment to our starting location. If you are shipping your bike to a Timberline Adventures tour in Canada, please consult with your carrier regarding customs documentation to ensure your equipment arrives on time for departure.
How should I prepare physically for a Timberline Adventures hiking tour?
Should I bring my own bike on tour?
Whether to bring your own bike on tour is a personal decision. Some riders are determined to ride their own bikes. Of course knowing your own bike is a huge plus. This is especially the case if you have extensively customized your bike.
However there are hassles inherent to shipping or bringing it as luggage on the plane (including cost). You may prefer instead to bring simply your pedals, shoes, and saddle – and leave the rest at home.
If you decide to bring your own bike please contact the office to work through the logistics or to get suggestions as you are making your decision. Most often, we do not have the capacity to transport a hard case for the duration of the tour.
Safety & Group Dynamics
What are the age requirements for a Timberline Adventures guided tour?
Timberline Adventures tours are primarily designed for active adults, though we welcome fit younger travelers accompanied by a legal guardian. Our group dynamics focus on a shared love for the outdoors, and our itineraries are paced to ensure that every guest can enjoy the scenery at their own speed.
How does Timberline Adventures handle dietary restrictions and allergies?
At Timberline Adventures, we take dietary needs seriously and can accommodate most restrictions including vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. Simply notify the Timberline Adventures office of your specific allergies or preferences during the booking process so our guides and partner restaurants can prepare accordingly.
On-Tour Experience & Support
Can Timberline Adventures create a private or custom tour for a group?
Yes, Timberline Adventures specializes in organizing private, custom-tailored departures for families, cycling clubs, or corporate groups. If you have a group of six or more, the Timberline Adventures team can work with you to modify an existing itinerary or build a completely bespoke adventure in our operational areas.
What is the standard practice for tipping Timberline Adventures guides?
Does Timberline Adventures accommodate non-cycling partners or companions?
Yes, Timberline Adventures offers a “Companion Rate” for guests who wish to enjoy the hotels, meals, and van support without participating in the daily cycling or hiking. Companions receive a significant discount (often 50% of the trip cost) when sharing a room with a full-rate participant, allowing couples to enjoy the travel experience together regardless of activity level.
How can I view and share photos from my Timberline Adventures trip?
Timberline Adventures maintains an extensive archive of tour memories on Flickr, organized chronologically in groups (not albums), by trip name. Guests are encouraged to join our Flickr community to upload their own photos, download high-resolution images, and share the highlights of their journey with friends and family.
What do the colors on the trips mean?
- Trip is Full
- Guaranteed to Go
- Available
- Almost a Go
- Going Fast
- It's a Go!
Loading quiz...