How to Prepare for an Epic Summer Hiking Trip in Colorado: Everything You Need to Know!

Colorado is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails for everyone, from beginners to seasoned mountaineers. Whether you’re exploring the Front Range, summiting a 14er, or meandering through lush foothills, preparing for a hiking trip in Colorado requires a bit of planning. With weather that can change in an instant and trails that range from easy to grueling, it’s important to head out fully prepared. Having grown up hiking in Colorado and leading out-of-town friends on some hiking and backpacking excursions, I’ve learned a thing or two about what works (and what doesn’t). Here’s everything you need to know to plan your summer hiking trip in Colorado.

Step 1: Choose Your Trail

The first step in planning your hiking trip is deciding where to go. This largely depends on where you’re staying and how far you’re willing to drive. If you’re based in Denver, the Front Range and Foothills offer plenty of nearby trails. If you’re staying in the mountains in towns like Aspen, Breckenridge, or Salida, you’ll have access to numerous 13ers and 14ers (peaks over 14,000 feet above sea level).

How to Pick the Right Trail:

Determine Your Comfort Level: Colorado has hikes for every skill level, from easy strolls to strenuous summit attempts. Look at factors like elevation gain, trail length, and terrain. For instance, a 5-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation gain is far less challenging than a 3-mile hike with 3,000 feet of elevation gain.
Check Trail Ratings: Hikes are often categorized as Easy, Moderate, Hard, or Strenuous. For first-time hikers or families, consider starting with easier or moderate trails.
Use Resources Like AllTrails: This app is great for finding trails and includes difficulty ratings, user reviews, and photos of the trail. However, don’t rely solely on these ratings—read reviews to get a better sense of what to expect.

Personal Tip: Don’t let labels intimidate you! For example, Grays and Torreys Peaks on AllTrails are rated as “Hard,” but they’re a popular choice for first-time 14er hikers and families with kids. If you’re up for a challenge, these peaks are a great place to start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Gear

Once you’ve chosen your hike, it’s time to prepare your gear. A well-packed backpack can make or break your experience on the trail.

Essentials to Bring:

Water: Hydration is key, especially at higher altitudes. I always bring my 3-liter water reservoir (hydration bladder). While I rarely drink it all, I’m always glad to have extra water.
Snacks: Pack lightweight, high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, fruit, or sandwiches. Remember, whatever you bring with you needs to come back down—leave no trace!
First Aid Kit: Accidents happen, and being prepared can make all the difference.

Clothing and Footwear:

Shoes: Closed-toe shoes with ankle support are essential for rocky terrain. Once, when I led a two-week backpacking trip through Colorado, my best friend insisted she’d be fine wearing open-toed Chacos. She hiked up 14ers, trudged through a swamp, and even got caught in some briars. By the end of the trip, her ankles were scraped up, but she swore she’d do it again in the same shoes. So, to each their own—but I’ll stick with my trusty hiking boots!
Layers: The weather in Colorado is unpredictable. Start with a base layer and add a hoodie, rain jacket, hat, gloves, and thick socks. Even in July, you might encounter snow at higher elevations. I’ve sledded down mountains in the middle of summer, so trust me—anything can happen!

I’ll never forget one July when I summited the 14er Mt. Sherman. We were met with an unexpected snowfield near the summit. After sliding around trying to get traction, my dad, dog, brother and I gave in to the conditions and ended up sledding down part of the mountain on our rain jackets. It was one of the most fun—and coldest—experiences I’ve had in the mountains. I have as fond of memories of that moment as I do the views from the top. Always be prepared for surprises like that, even in the middle of summer!

Looking to climb a 14er?

What even is a 14er? Check out this article about some of Colorado’s most beginner-friendly 14ers for hiking.

Step 3: Set a Date

Timing your hike is crucial, especially if you’re heading into the mountains.

When to Go:

For 13ers and 14ers, plan your hike between mid-July and late August. By this time, most of the snow has melted, and the trails are more accessible.
If you’re hiking at lower altitudes, the season is a bit more flexible.

Check the Weather:

Colorado is known for its afternoon thunderstorms, especially in the summer. If you’re planning to summit a peak, aim to arrive at the trailhead early in the morning and be back below the treeline by noon to avoid storms.

Step 4: Plan for Safety

Tell Someone Your Plans:

Before you head out, let someone know where you’re going, the trail name, and your estimated return time. Cell service is spotty in the mountains, so you can’t always rely on calling for help.

Prepare for Wildlife:

Colorado is home to mountain goats, elk, and other wildlife. Mountain goats can be curious, so don’t leave your gear unattended, and elk are best observed from a safe distance. Respect their space to avoid dangerous encounters.

Step 5: Stay Flexible

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things don’t go as planned. On one hike, my friends and I arrived at the trailhead late and ended up getting caught in a sudden rainstorm. We had to turn back, but because we had flexible plans, we returned the next day and had an incredible time.

Being able to adapt your itinerary is key to enjoying your hiking trip. Always have a backup plan and a positive attitude.

Step 6: Tips for the Trail

Start Early: Morning hikes offer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and a better chance of avoiding afternoon storms.
Respect the Environment: Stay on marked trails to preserve the ecosystem and avoid getting lost.
Pace Yourself: Altitude can be challenging, even for experienced hikers. Take breaks, drink water, and listen to your body.

Conclusion

A summer hiking trip in Colorado is an adventure like no other. With a bit of preparation and the right mindset, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors. Whether you’re summiting your first 14er or exploring the foothills, Colorado’s trails have something for everyone. So lace up your boots, pack your bag, and get ready to experience the beauty of the Centennial State.

Have a favorite Colorado hike or tip to share? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!