What to Know Before You Go Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

Here are important pieces of information to help you prepare for your trip. Some of these topics link to external articles or videos that do a terrific job of explaining what you need to know.

How to Pack for Your Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

Many people come to Rocky Mountain National Park without really thinking about what to pack or what they might need in an emergency. Here are some of the essentials to always have with you.

What to Wear When Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

(External Link) When hiking in the mountains, clothing matters. It’s not just a matter of fashion, but of comfort and safety. One glance at a hiker and it is pretty obvious if they know what they are doing out there...

How to Stay Safe on Your Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

When visiting the mountains there are some things to keep in mind to ensure that you have a safe and wonderful trip. Here are a few of the key things to remember as you hit the trails.

Hiking in Burn Areas in Rocky Mountain National Park

Following the wildfires of 2020, a number of trails in Rocky Mountain National Park now head through areas that were severely impacted by wildfire. Learn what to expect and how to stay safe.

Reading a Topographical Map

(External Link) The hiking guide uses topographical maps to help you visualize the terrain you will be visiting. They can be a bit confusing if you aren’t used to them, but this helpful video will make it clear...

Using a Compass

(External Link) It may sound old-fashioned to use a compass, but it can save your life when the batteries die on your phone or watch. Taking a couple of minutes to know how to use it, is a good use of your time...

Using Hiking Poles

(External Link) When I first began hiking I thought poles were for old people with balance issues. After a few hundred miles in my 30s I began to develop knee pain. Hiking with poles is a game-changer...

Buying a Water Filter or Purifier

(External Link) When your water bottle runs empty and you are far from civilization, it helps to have a trust-worthy water filter to refill. Here’s a rundown on some of your options for buying a water filter...

Climbing Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park

(External Link) If you are hoping to climb the tallest peak in the park, spend some time educating yourself on the following National Park pages to really get a sense of what it involves.

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