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Ultimate Year-Round Colorado Packing List
Updated: Oct 2
Packing is a vital part of planning for a trip. Having the right clothes and other essentials for your trip will help you stay comfortable and make the most of your exciting adventure!
As you’re preparing for your trip to Colorado, whether you’re going hiking in Estes Park or planning a ski trip to Winter Park, this ultimate packing list for Colorado will help you get ready for your trip.
From what to wear in Colorado in winter to summer essentials and hiking gear, you’ll find all the necessities in this Colorado packing list.
Table of Contents:
Printable Packing List for Colorado!
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What to Pack for Colorado
Year Round Essentials
Depending on the time of year you’re visiting Colorado, your packing list might vary some, but below are essentials I recommend packing no matter when you visit. Let’s go over what to wear in Colorado for those of you who plan to do some hiking, city exploring, and maybe some roadtripping.
Hiking Boots: Colorado offers endless hiking options, so remember to pack comfy hiking boots. Tennis shoes with decent traction are okay in the summer too.
Sun Shirt: Spending lots of time outdoors means you need to protect yourself from the sun. A sun shirt is light and breathable but provides endless SPF. This sun shirt with a hood is a great option.
Rain Jacket: Colorado can get random little bursts of rain. A rain jacket or compact umbrella will be useful.
Hiking Pants: I recommend adding a pair of hiking pants or athletic pants to your Colorado packing list. They’re best for outdoor activities but can double as city exploring pants.
Sunglasses: Colorado is know for its sunshine, so remember to bring sunglasses!
Sunscreen: You’ll likely spend lots of time outdoors in CO, so a bottle of sunscreen will be much needed. This is my favorite face sunscreen and my go-to travel size bottle of sunblock.
Socks: Don’t forget to bring socks for hiking! Your feet will be grateful no matter the season.
Reusable Water Bottle: Drinking plenty of water is important, especially as staying hydrated will help you avoid getting altitude sickness (and many places in Colorado are at a high altitude). I recommend this bottle.
Snacks: Whether for hiking, road trip snacking, or mid afternoon hunger-busting, snacks are a must when packing for Colorado. These are my go-to protein granola bars.
Day Bag: Carry all of your goodies in a small backpack. It’s the easiest way to keep all the essentials on you, especially when hiking.
Dry Bag: Along with hiking, Colorado boasts water based outdoor activities. Plan a kayaking trip or go rafting, but remember to put your precious belongings, like your phone and wallet, in a waterproof dry bag to keep them safe.
Dress Casual Outfits: If you plan on enjoying Colorado's restaurants or sipping on a craft beer after a long hike, make sure you pack a few non-hiking outfits. Jeans and a t-shirt are normally fine, or opt for a sweater if it's chilly.
What to Pack for Colorado in Summer
Summer in Colorado is sunny, generally warm, and so scenic you won’t want to leave. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, roadtripping, and wildlife viewing this time of year. Check out what to pack for Colorado in summer.
Hat: A baseball cap or sun hat will come in handy when visiting Colorado in summer. Remember to bring one on any hikes you do!
Sun Shirt: Summer months require plenty of sun protection; a sun shirt is just that!
Other Shirts: You can wear short sleeve shirts or tank tops comfortably in summer in Colorado, just make sure you apply sunscreen regularly.
Convertible Hiking Pants: When packing for Colorado in summer, I recommend hiking pants that double as shorts (these are a great pair with zip off legs).
Jeans/Non-Hiking Bottoms: For the times you're not participating in an outdoor activity in Colorado, pack your favorite pair of jeans, shorts, other pants.
Sneakers: Pack a pair of comfortable sneakers to wear when you're not hiking.
Water Shoes/Sandals: What's a packing list for Colorado without Chacos or Tevas? A pair of either brand sandals are perfect for water activities, hiking, and city exploring.
Socks: Just your reminder to not forget socks! You’ll need a long pair for your hiking boots.
Light Jacket: Even in summer, the mountains can get chilly. A light down jacket or fleece pullover is perfect for summer in Colorado.
Rain Jacket: The rainiest months in Colorado happen to fall in summer, so pack a rain jacket or umbrella if you're visiting this time of year.
Read Next: 8 Best Stops From Dallas to Denver
Fall Colorado Packing List
Many places in Colorado start to get chilly as soon as fall comes around. Pack lots of layers of you're visiting in the fall, and remember to bring a warm coat as well as gloves, a beanie, and a scarf.
The weather can drop quite rapidly in Colorado, mornings and evenings will likely be cold. Wearing layers allows you to adjust to the changing temperatures throughout the day especially if you're hiking and camping.
Down Jacket: A down jacket will keep you warm on those chilly fall mornings.
Gloves: It can get cold in the fall, so a pair of lightweight gloves will come in handy.
Warm Socks: Pack regular socks as well as some thicker winter socks.
Thermals: Packing a pair of thermals when traveling to Colorado in the fall is a good idea.
Fleece Pullover: These are a must when layering for cold weather. I always bring a fun patterned fleece pullover to layer under a coat or wear with just an undershirt.
Shirts: It’s best to pack a variety of shirts to layer in the fall. Bring a few long sleeve shirts and a couple of short sleeve shirts or a tank top.
Sneakers: You can also hike in trail runners or sneakers with great grip, but I also recommend packing a pair of comfortable sneakers for dining out, etc.
Long Pants: If you’re hiking, I recommend long hiking pants or athletic leggings. You may want to wear a pair of thermal pants under your hiking pants.
Scarf: While it might not get cold enough to need a scarf in the fall, they don't take up much room so I recommend packing one just in case.
Beanie: Remember to pack a beanie for chilly days.
Casual Outfits: Pack a pair of jeans and a sweater or two for restaurant and brewery visits. Colorado is famous for hiking, but you might not hike every day you're here.
Packing List for Colorado in Winter
If you’re planning to visit in the cold months, you should know what to wear in Colorado in winter so you can stay warm and safe. Having the right clothing to wear in cold weather makes it so much more enjoyable.
Take it from me, a previous Chicago native, ski instructor, and winter lover. Here is the ultimate Colorado winter packing list! You can click on the pink links to shop my recommended gear.
Winter Coat: Colorado in winter gets very cold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. First of all, pack a very warm winter coat, one that reaches mid-thigh or lower is best and warmest.
Light Down Jacket: It’s a good idea to have a down jacket that’s not as heavy as a winter coat. These are great for hiking, wearing on sunny winter days, or for layering.
Gloves: I recommend packing a couple of pairs, a pair of lightweight gloves and a pair of waterproof gloves.
Ski Socks: While you might not necessarily be skiing, ski socks will still provide you the warmth you’ll want when exploring Colorado in winter. They’re designed for cold after all!
Thermals: Packing a pair of thermals when traveling somewhere snowy is a game changer. Just layer them under your normal clothes and you’ll stay so much warmer.
Fleece Pullover: These are a must when layering for cold weather. I always bring a fun patterned fleece pullover to layer under a coat or wear with just an undershirt.
Shirts: It’s best to pack a variety of shirts to layer. Bring a few long sleeve shirts and a couple of short sleeve shirts or a tank top.
Sweaters: Pack a sweater or two for either layering or wearing as a nicer top to restaurants, etc.
Ankle Boots: Pack a more stylish pair of ankle boots (these are my favorite ankle boots) that aren't as clunky as hiking boots to wear out in Denver, Estes Park, etc.
Long Pants: If you’re hiking, I recommend long hiking pants or athletic leggings. You may want to wear a pair of thermal pants under your hiking pants.
Balaclava or Scarf: A balaclava will keep the wind off your face and neck, and a scarf will help you stay warmer on very cold days in Colorado.
Beanie or Earmuffs: Don’t let your ears freeze, remember to pack a beanie or earmuffs.
Microspikes/Crampons: If you’re planning to hike in winter in Colorado, 1) make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into and 2) pack everything you need to stay safe in icy, snowy conditions. Crampons/microspikes grip onto your shoes to provide extra traction in icy conditions.
If you plan to hike in the winter in Colorado, make sure you wear layers as your body will heat up as you hike more. You want to have multiple layers on so you can take one off as necessary. Start with a t-shirt or long sleeve shirt, add a fleece pullover, then a puffer jacket, and a winter coat if needed.
Read Next: 5 Top Coffee Shops in Estes Park, CO
Spring Colorado Packing List
Similar to fall, spring in Colorado can be quite chilly. You might find tons of snow in mountain towns, or you can find very muddy hiking trails from all the melting snow. A waterproof pair of hiking boots is a must for spring exploring in Colorado.
I have visited Colorado multiple times in the spring, and while it was great hiking weather, it could still get windy and cold. Gloves and a beanie will be your good friends, and long pants are essential.
Down Jacket: A down jacket will keep you warm on those chilly mornings.
Gloves: A pair of lightweight gloves will come in handy for hiking, etc.
Warm Socks: Pack regular socks as well as some thicker hiking socks.
Thermals: Pack a pair of thermals when traveling to Colorado in spring; they double as cozy pajamas.
Fleece Pullover: These are a must when layering for cold weather hiking. I always bring a fun patterned fleece pullover to layer under a coat or wear with just an undershirt.
Shirts: Bring a variety of shirts to layer, a long sleeve shirt or two, a couple of short sleeve shirts, and a tank top.
Sneakers: You can also hike in trail runners or sneakers with great grip, but I also recommend packing a pair of comfortable sneakers for city exploring, etc.
Long Pants: If you’re hiking, I recommend long hiking pants or athletic leggings. You may want to wear a pair of thermal pants under your hiking pants.
Scarf: While it might not get cold enough to need a scarf, it possibly could so I always bring one.
Beanie: Remember to pack a beanie for chilly days.
Casual Outfits: Pack a pair of jeans and a sweater or two for non-adventure days.
Packing Tips for Colorado
Packing winter clothes can be tough as they’re so bulky. Try to wear your winter coat and bulkiest shoes to save room in your bag. You can always take your coat off and carry it.
Remember to wear layers, especially when hiking. You’ll get warmer as you hike longer, and layers will allow you to easily adjust to temperature changes.
Here are some random things I found super helpful during my own road trip in Colorado. Please note that I did camp half the time, so some of the following items are better suited for camping. But I’m sharing since I found them useful, and you might too!
Reusable Sandwich Bag: These are a game changer for hiking and road tripping. My favorite meal when on the go is a sandwich, easy to make and filling. Throw a sandwich (or other snack) into a reusable sandwich bag to bring hiking, etc.
Camp Shoes: If you don’t have a pair already, you should get some camp shoes. Perfect for cozy nights by the campfire or early morning coffee runs in town, they work for everything.
Camera: I don’t travel without my camera. If you’re one who also loves capturing memories this way, this is your reminder to pack a camera. (Try a disposable camera for a fun keepsake!)
Hydration Packets: Throw some hydration powder packs into your backpack; they’re especially useful when hiking or spending lots of time outside.
Caffeinated Snack Bars: A recent discovery of mine are these caffeine granola bars. They’re small, tasty, and give you a little extra energy when needed.
Packing List for Colorado Summary
Now you know what to pack for Colorado in summer along with the ultimate Colorado winter packing list, these essentials will help make your trip the best possible.
Remember to wear layers on cold days, drink plenty of water, and take lots of photos of your epic Colorado adventures! If you’re looking for inspiration, I highly recommend planning a visit to Estes Park (with a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park) and Fraser/Winter Park, Colorado.
Share this ultimate packing list for Colorado with your travel group so everyone can prepare for the trip. Happy travels! Join me on instagram to see more US travel tips and inspiration.
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