Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in America. With a vast network of hiking, camping, and wilderness getaways, Colorado has been one of the go-to locations for hikers and campers of all experience levels. And with four national parks located in Colorado, hikers and campers are sure to find a trailhead that suits their needs.
However, understanding what to bring to a hiking trip in Colorado in autumn can be somewhat challenging. Colorado’s climate can vary wildly, and weather challenges should be taken into consideration before heading out on your next hiking or camping trip.
Below, we will discuss what to bring on a hiking trip to Colorado and discuss the specific needs that should be taken into consideration when hiking in the autumn and fall months.
Average Weather in Colorado in Autumn
Perhaps one of the most important considerations to take into account before any hiking or camping trip is the weather. Weather considerations will help you better prepare and pack for your upcoming trip and will ensure that you are properly and fully ready for whatever mother nature throws your way.
For Colorado specifically, the weather can vary dependent on location and elevation. However, with temperatures ranging from the low 20’s to the high 60’s, packing an assortment of clothing that will protect you from both the colder and slightly warmer weather.
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Best Hiking Trails in Colorado
As mentioned above, Colorado has a plethora of amazing, beautiful, and scenic hiking and camping trails. However, deciding on which hike to visit on your trip can be a difficult choice. Below, we are going to review some of our favorite hiking trails in Colorado.
- Maroon Bells Hike
- Distance – 1-13 miles round trip
- Drive Time – 4-hours from Denver
- Difficulty – easy to moderate
Maroon Bells Hike is one of the most beautiful and scenic hikes in Colorado. It has become an increasingly popular hike, with over 300,000 visitors per year. From meadows of vibrant wildflowers to airy groves of Aspen trees, the Maroon Bells Hike promises to be an enjoyable and beautiful hike for any hiker.
- Hanging Lake Hike
- Distance – 2.4 miles round trip
- Drive Time – 2 hours and 45 minutes from Denver
- Difficulty – moderate
The Hanging Lake Hike is a short hike to two majestic waterfalls and one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Definitely worth the drive from Colorado, Hanging Lake is a popular hike for families, especially with older children. However, due to its popularity, it is recommended to arrive early for a parking spot and to begin the hike before the crowds arrive.
- Monarch Lake Loop Hike
- Distance – 4-miles
- Drive Time – 2 hours and 50 minutes from Denver
- Difficulty – easy
Another great hike for the whole family, the Monarch Lake Loop hike is not too difficult but still offers some hills and different terrains to keep things interesting. A perfect day hike, the Monarch Lake Loop will take you through shaded forests, across creeks and streams, and beside the shore of the majestic lake. Another popular lake destination, you will be sure to see kayakers and canoers on the lake.
What to Pack for a Hiking Trip in Colorado in the Autumn
As the weather in Colorado can fluctuate wildly, it is highly advisable to pack sufficient clothing and hiking gear to protect yourself from the elements. This not only includes differing types of outerwear and layered clothing, but also a sufficient camping tent and sleeping bag.
To begin with, it is highly recommended to ensure you are equipped to carry all the items you need to begin and complete your hike. This can only be done by having a sufficient hiking backpack. Your hiking backpack will house all your items and will ensure that you are able to carry all the necessary items needed for your hike.
We recommend going with a larger hiking backpack while hiking in Colorado during the autumn months. Not only will a larger hiking backpack help you to carry all necessary items, but it will also provide you with sufficient space to carry multiple change of clothes.
We highly recommend the TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack. With a rugged internal frame, this backpack can withstand whatever you throw at it. And with a padded back and shoulder straps, you will be comfortable throughout your entire hike. At 65-liters, this hiking backpack will provide you with ample space for all your hiking needs in Colorado and beyond.
A 3-Season Camping Tent
No hiking or camping trip is complete without a proper camping tent. And with severe weather fluctuations in Colorado during the autumn months, having a sturdy, warm camping tent will not only protect you from the elements, but will also keep you warm and dry during the night.
If you are planning on hiking in Colorado during the autumn months, then we recommend a 3-season camping tent. These tents will provide sufficient protection from the elements, including rain and temperatures in the low 20’s.
We’ve recommended before, and continue to recommend, the Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup. This tent can be assembled in under 60-seconds and has WeatherTec technology to ensure you stay dry during rainier nights. Similarly, the Coleman Cabin Tent has dark room technology which blocks out 90% of sunlight which comes into the tent, allowing you to sleep longer and more comfortably.
3-Season Sleeping Bag
Similarly, keeping warm while in the tent requires a sufficiently warmed sleeping bag. While there are a few different types of sleeping bags available on the market, from summer season, to winter, we recommend a 3-season one for Colorado autumns.
3-season sleeping bags are sufficient coverage for temperatures between 15-30 degrees. With autumn temperatures in Colorado reaching the low 20’s, a 3-season sleeping bag should be more than sufficient for your needs.
Similar to the camping tent, we recommend the Coleman Dunnock Cold Weather Adult Sleeping Bag. With a roll control edge, packing and unpacking this sleeping bag can be done in an instant. And with a comfort cuff, you’ll be provided with added plush material to give you a soft, relaxing, comfortable sleep.
A Quilt or Portable Blanket
While not exactly necessary, for many of us, sleeping in the great outdoors can bring frequent bouts of cold chills. If you’re one such person, we’d highly recommend bringing along a quilt or small portable blanket with you. The added warmth provided by a quilt or small, portable blanket will keep you comfortable through the night and can also be used while sitting around the campfire.
Sleeping Bag Padded Mat
For added comfort, many hikers prefer to bring along a padded mat which is placed beneath their sleeping bag. These padded mats not only bring additional comfort, but also provide some coverage between yourself and the cold, hard ground beneath you.
Personally, we’ve used the Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad with Pillow. Soft, comfortable, and easily portable, this camping pad also comes with an attached pillow for added comfort and neck support.
First Aid Kit
First aid kits are absolutely necessary while camping or hiking. While we hope that you will never need to use one, it is better to be safe and prepared in-case of emergency. There are a plethora of options for first aid kits available on the market or you can opt to build your own and save on cost.
Food and Water
Hiking is a strenuous, full-body exercise. And to keep your body in tip-top shape, you will need to plan for appropriate food and water. Depending on hike length and overall time spent on a hike, you should plan for food, snacks, and water. We recommend checking out our review on no-cook hiking foods to remove the need to prep and cook each meal.
Sun Protection
Although you will be hiking and camping in the autumn in Colorado, you still need to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunscreen is an essential item needed for any outdoor activity and will keep your skin safe. Just be sure to reapply as needed!
Hiking Poles
We’ve previously discussed the importance of hiking poles and continue to espouse their use. Hiking poles not only help to provide additional support and stability but can be used to gauge stream depth and assist with clearing a particularly steep incline. In addition, hiking poles can help to reduce leg and muscle fatigue by dividing stress from the hike throughout your entire body.
Layers, Upon Layers, Upon Layers
If there’s one truth about Colorado, it’s that the weather can fluctuate quickly and rapidly. As-such, it is absolutely important to bring plenty of layers of clothing with you on your hike. In the fall months, you should include undershirts, compression shirts, and long-sleeve cotton or wool shirts.
Rain and Fleece Jacket
Similarly, Colorado autumns can bring frequent bouts of rain. Be sure to pack a rain jacket to keep yourself warm and dry. Rain jackets will also help you to avoid hypothermia and will keep you cozy as the rain falls around you.
We wear, and recommend, the Columbia Men’s Watertight Jacket. A perfect jacket to protect you from the elements and with lightweight, waterproof, and breathable design, Columbia’s Watertight Jacket is a perfect piece for both hiking and casual use in the rain.
However, when it is not raining, but slightly chilly out, we recommend wearing a fleece or outercoat during your hike. These coats will help to keep you warm, without adding too much layering, which could make you overheat while you complete the hike.
For a practical, economical hiking coat, we recommend and use the Tommy Hilfiger Packable Down Puffer Jacket. Made with 100% down feather padding, this jacket will lock in warmth and heat with ease. Stylish and lightweight, this is a great coat for hiking.
Hiking Pants
Similarly, when hiking in Colorado during the autumn months, packing hiking pants which have fleece lining will help to keep your feet warm and comfortable. These pants, however, shouldn’t be constricting nor should they be too insulated, as the weather likely won’t fall too below freezing to warrant their need.
Wool Hiking Socks
An oft forgotten item , yet one of the most necessary ones, are wool hiking socks. We recommend wool socks as they are warmer than cotton socks. In addition, wool socks are often softer than cotton socks, while providing moisture wicking and odor eliminating properties.
We personally use the Carhartt Cold Weather Wool Blend Crew Socks. With a blend of wool, acrylic, polyester, and spandex, these socks have proven to be comfortable enough without sweating or drying out our feet.
Hiking Boots
Last, but certainly not least, are hiking boots. Hiking boots are absolutely necessary, particularly in colder conditions and more treacherous hiking conditions. In addition, a good pair of hiking boots will provide you with added stability, durability, and support. Lastly, hiking boots clean-up easily and some even provide additional warmth features.
We really like the Timberland Anti-Fatigue Hiking Boots. Utilizing waterproof technology, the entire boot is sealed off from water leakage, keeping your feet warm and dry. And with anti-fatigue technology built into the midsole, you’ll have excellent geometric cone support for standing, walking, and hiking.
Conclusion
Hiking the Colorado trails can be an exciting, exhilarating, adrenaline-rushing experience. However, it is best to prepare beforehand. Hiking these trails, specifically in the autumn months, can get chilly, and packing the proper attire, clothing, and accessories will not only help you to have a more enjoyable time, but will also keep you warm, dry, and safe.