Rocky Mountain Travel The following tips are to help beginner hikers and newcomers to Colorado have a safe and enjoyable hike. Most hikes are uneventful opportunities to take in the beauty of wildflowers, waterfall, and mountains. My hope is that that following these tips, plus a little common sense, will help keep you safe as you enjoy the unmatched beauty of Colorado.
1. Be Prepared for Any Kind of Weather
The bluebird skies are what Colorado is known for. But if you have any experience hiking here, you quickly learn that those blue skies can become summer thunderstorms and lightening on the turn of a dime. And once the 1pm mark comes, lightening comes too. In the summer afternoon at altitude, clouds come together and form storms which can bring dangerous lightening if you find yourself above tree line.
2. Bring Plenty of Water
If you are traveling to Colorado from the east coast, our altitude can take your breathe away, literally! With less available oxygen, physical exertion is harder. You may find yourself more tired that usual. You may find yourself more out of breathe. This is because of the altitude. Combine that with our dry air and intense sun (you are a mile closer to the sun), and you are going to need a lot more water! Be sure to bring a 2L Camelbak with you per person…. not to share.
3. Dress in Layers
Depending on the time of year you are coming to Colorado, we can have 40 degree swings in temperatures from morning to mid-afternoon. Let’s say it’s July and you are staying in Boulder. You decide to travel to Estes Park to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Well, it can be 90 degrees in Boulder when you leave, 75 degrees in Estes, and 45 degrees and 30 mph winds by the time you get to the Alpine Visitors Center at 12,000 feet. So, layering is the way to make sure you are comfortable and protected for anything. And what do we mean by layers, preferably some type of micro wool base layer, your shirt (tech shirts that wick sweat are the best), a fleece and keep a jacket and hat in your pack. You may not need them, but there’s a good chance.
4. Pack the Essentials
Being prepared for your hike is crucial. In addition to water, some things that are good to have on every hike include snacks and a first aid kit. It’s wise to bring a map, compass, or a GPS device, even if the trail is well-marked. Other essential items include a headlamp, a multi-tool, a whistle, insect repellent, and a lightweight emergency shelter. I’m also a big fan to carrying a lightweight down jacket or at least vest—even in the summer. I’ve read too many stories of people getting hypothermia when a down would have kept their core warm for long enough to be found.
5. Stay on the Trail
This is one of my top tips for two reasons. Firstly, all of the forest that you will be hiking is managed by either the National Park Service, The U.S. Forest Service or a local, jurisdictional Parks and Wildlife. They invest enormous amounts of time and resources to build and maintain the extensive trail systems we have here in Colorado. They are referred to as designated trails. This is to preserve the flora and fauna surrounding the area and to give space to the wildlife that shares the forests with you. Secondly, these trails also provide a level of safety so you do not get lost. I grew up in New Jersey and I remember learning that you can not walk more than one mile without running into a road. Well, not in Colorado. But every year someone dies from exposure who wanders off trail. It’s an easily avoidable tragedy. So please respect our forest, our wildlife, and yourself and stay on trail!
6. Hike with Friends
I must admit, I love the solitude of hiking alone. I can head out when I want, no one to schedule around, and I can stay out on my schedule. And since I have been hiking Colorado for more than 30 years, I have the gear and experience to do that. But I must admit, I limit solo hiking to trails that I know, days that the weather looks dependable, and on trails that are more known. I save the adventurous, unknown trails for days with my SO or friends. So, if you are a beginner to hiking in Colorado, I recommend safety in numbers. And if you are traveling alone, you can hire a guide from one of the many great outfitters in each town or you can check out group hikes from the Colorado Mountain Club or on Meetup.
7. Leave the Wildlife Alone.
There are beautiful animals that you may come across while on your hike. Some, such as mountain lions, I hope you don’t! But elk and moose, they can be dangerous. They are not your average white tailed deer. In fact, moose are the most dangerous mammals in North America.