What to Pack for Rocky Mountain National Park

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Wondering what to pack for Rocky Mountain National Park?

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most scenic, awe-inspiring parks in the United States. It’s a paradise for hikers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike—and if you’re planning a trip to this incredible area, then you need to pack smartly!

We lived in Denver for three years and visited Rocky Mountain National Park a lot… and during every season. So, we know what we’re talking about when it comes to creating a RMNP packing list.

Knowing what and how to pack can be the difference between a successful and enjoyable adventure and an uncomfortable experience. That’s why it’s important to have all the right items on hand.

From clothing and food to maps, first aid supplies and other hiking essentials, here’s what to pack for Rocky Mountain National Park.

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Rocky Mountain National Park Packing Essentials

Hiking Boots

Exploring the Rocky Mountain National Park is an extraordinary experience. To get the most out of your time spent in the park, it is important to be properly equipped for wherever your journey takes you. Hiking boots are a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.

Hiking boots provide increased stability, protection, comfort, and traction on unpredictable terrain. Their elevated ankle support and durable construction make them ideal for traversing rough terrains like hills, rocks, creeks, mud, and snow.

Plus, they are designed to keep water out while allowing feet to breathe. This is essential while exploring the park’s diverse trails, where you may encounter wet or muddy areas.

Hiking boots are an excellent investment if you plan on doing much hiking in the Rockies or other outdoor environments. They will not only allow you to safely explore more of what nature has to offer but also keep your feet comfortable and supported as you traverse all kinds of challenging terrain.

To be honest, you don’t even have to spend a whole lot on hiking boots. We got ours from the local outlets near us, at Castle Rock. There’s a North Face here where you can often buy essentials like hiking boots at a lower price!

🥾 Here are the hiking boots that we use and love! 🥾

Layers of clothing

You should bring layers of clothing – even in summer months, temperatures can swing from hot during the day to cold at night. If you’re planning a trip during winter months, this advice is especially important: temperatures can drop below freezing, and windy weather is common.

By bringing multiple layers, you’ll be able to adjust your outfit as needed throughout the day to stay comfortable, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.

We bring layers of clothing by wearing shorts under our hiking pants and often have a long sleeve over a base layer with a sweatshirt and/or jacket on top. We also always bring gloves and a winter hat or ear warmers, depending on the time of year.

Make sure to ultimately dress for comfort and wear breathable clothing. Cotton usually isn’t the best choice.

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Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses

Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are must-haves, even in cooler weather. The sun’s rays can still be strong and damaging even in cooler climates, so packing these items will help make sure you don’t get burned or suffer from UV damage.

Because the terrain is so rugged and varied, a good hat and sunglasses offer protection from any unexpected wind gusts or dust storms that may occur, so better to be safe than sorry!

Our favorite type of sunscreen for hiking adventures (and just visiting parks in general) is sport-style or dry-touch. This way, it stays on even when you sweat. Try to avoid the type that comes in cans, and instead, bring the lotion type.

Rain jacket (plus a backpack rain cover)

A rain jacket is essential when visiting this majestic national park because the weather can be wildly unpredictable. It’s not uncommon for there to be bright sunshine one moment, followed by a sudden downpour the next!

So if you don’t want to get stuck in a soaking wet situation, make sure to bring along a good rainjacket. Plus, a rain jacket isn’t just for rainy days. They can be great for those sunny but cool days at higher altitudes too!

Your best bet is to purchase one of the packable rain jackets that you can put directly in your backpack for easy storage. As a bonus, try to find a backpack that has a backpack rain cover!

Water bottle or a water bladder in your backpack

Bringing a water bottle or water bladder on a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is essential! With the hikes and trails that the park has to offer, you’ll need plenty of hydration throughout.

Whether it’s an insulated steel bottle for keeping your drinks cold or a collapsible bladder for bringing more than enough water with you, these are key items to bring on your hike. Having your own personal source of hydration will make things much easier and less stressful.

💦 We love and use the Hydroflask 32 oz! 💦

Flashlight or handheld lantern

Bringing a flashlight on a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is the best way to make sure you are prepared for anything that comes your way. Not only can a flashlight help you see in the dark, but it can be an important safety tool if you get lost or stranded.

A flashlight can let you signal for help if necessary and give you some peace of mind while exploring the park at night. Even if you’re camping with friends, having a reliable source of light is always helpful as it could come in handy in emergency situations.

Plus, flashlights are relatively lightweight and small – making them easy to carry without being bulky. Don’t forget to pack one on your next trip!

This is a great hiking flashlight!

Snacks and food

It’s important to come prepared with snacks and food. Bring along snacks like pretzels and granola bars that can help satisfy hunger without weighing down your bag too much. For lunch, opt for a sandwich and some fruit (apples are ideal), or grab a pre-made trail mix from the store.

If you forget to bring food, stop in Estes Park before heading into Rocky Mountain or go to one of the visitors centers near the park entrances.

We love Clif Bars for hiking!

Hiking poles and/or spikes for your shoes

Hiking poles and spikes for your boots are essential when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. While most trails in the park don’t require them, the elevation and terrain can be unpredictable. Hiking poles will help you keep your balance on uneven or slippery surfaces, while boot spikes provide extra traction on slick rocks and ice.

The area is also known for its frequent thunderstorms, which can turn a trail into a mud pit in no time. Hiking poles and spikes can also be lifesavers here – being able to navigate around safely helps avoid any close calls with potentially dangerous lightning strikes.

Durable backpack

Pack for the journey ahead with a durable backpack! With the right bag, you can carry all the items necessary for your hike in one convenient place – like an extra layer of clothing and a first aid kit! Plus, a bag with lightweight material will help minimize how much weight you’re carrying on your trek.

At the end of the day, bringing along the right bag can make or break your journey through Rocky Mountain National Park. So pick out a durable option that won’t let you down on your adventure!

Our go-to packs are the 30L bags from Eddie Bauer, but there are options available at so many hiking stores like REI, Columbia, and more.

If a backpack isn’t your thing, a durable crossbody could also be an amazing option to hold any necessities during your hike.

🎒 This is our go-to hiking backpack that we use and love! 🎒

Portable charger

The great thing about being in Rocky Mountain National Park is the breathtaking views and scenery you can enjoy while out on a hike. But all that time spent exploring, whether it be a short or long day trip, can quickly drain your phone battery.

That’s why it’s important to have a portable phone charger with you so you don’t miss out on capturing those amazing moments! Just plug in and keep going! Plus, the extra weight is worth the peace of mind knowing that if you need something you can always reach out for help.

As a bonus, consider getting a charger that can recharge via solar energy.

This portable charger is perfect for hiking!

First aid kit

Even if you’re an experienced hiker, the unexpected can happen, and it’s important to be prepared. Bringing a first aid kit on your trip will give you peace of mind and make sure you’re ready for any situation that arises.

A first aid kit can help with everything from treating small cuts and scrapes to something more serious like a sprain or dislocation. Even if you aren’t expecting any major injuries, having a first aid kit on hand is a great way to ensure that minor issues don’t become bigger problems during your time in the park.

🩹 This is a great first aid kit for your backpack!

Compass/GPS

Bringing a compass and GPS on a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is essential for staying safe, especially if you plan to explore remote areas. A compass will help you orient yourself if you ever get lost or disoriented, and a GPS device can provide up-to-date information about your location.

Even if you’re an experienced hiker, having these tools can be invaluable in the event of an emergency. Plus, they’re small enough that they won’t take up too much space in your bag! No matter where your adventure takes you, having a compass and GPS will give you peace of mind throughout the journey.

When wondering what to pack for Rocky Mountain National Park, this is an essential.

This GPS is perfect for hiking!

Binoculars

Bringing binoculars on a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park will bring your exploration of the park to a whole new level. With binoculars, you can get a closer view of the amazing wildlife that call this park home.

Whether it’s birds soaring in the sky, or elk peacefully grazing in the meadows, binoculars let you experience these incredible creatures up close and personal. Plus, you’ll be able to identify various species from far away with ease. Not only is this enjoyable, but it’s also educational too!

These binoculars are great for hiking!

Final Thoughts: Packing for Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park has so much to offer for adventurers of any age or skill level. From the scenic trails, to the family-friendly activities, and its abundance of wildlife, there’s something for everyone.

So when you go, make sure you’re prepared! Pack the proper clothing and gear for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing or skiing and bring along some snacks and drinks for energy during your explorations. Most importantly, remember to have fun – that’s what it’s all about!

Now you know what to pack for Rocky Mountain National Park!