There’s nothing quite like a day off in Colorado. No school, no work. Just a wide-open schedule. You can practically hear the Rocky Mountains calling your name.
How will you spend your precious mountain day?
Between Colorado’s natural beauty and a few human-made adventures, the options are endless. You could go for a hike at Argentine North Fork trail and then relax with a drink at 6Th Alley Bar & Grill near Arapahoe Basin. Or, you could test your fitness at the Woodward Wrecktangle (a Ninja obstacle challenge in Copper Mountain). Maybe you want to try mountain biking at Winter Park? No matter what you decide, there are a few essentials you will need to pack before you embark on your day in the mountains.
1. Sunscreen – You’ve probably heard that Colorado boasts 300 days of sun. Between all the sunny days and the thin atmosphere in high elevations, it’s easy to get a nasty sun burn. Throw a small bottle of sunscreen in your bag. You will be glad you did!
2. Sunglasses– See above and don’t spend the day squinting!
3. Water Bottle – If you’ve lived in Colorado for some time, this is a no-brainer. Your body burns through water much more quickly at higher altitudes. Be prepared and fill up your favorite water bottle before you take or maybe go buy a gallon of water per person to ensure you don’t run out.
4. Layers – The weather in the mountains can change quickly. One minute, you’ll be comfortable in a t-shirt and the next, you might be wishing you had something warmer. Bring a sweatshirt and rain jacket for those afternoon storms, just in case.
5. Comfortable shoes– You don’t necessarily need a pair of hiking boots (although they are a good investment if you plan to hit the trails throughout the summer) but be sure you have a pair of shoes that are sturdy and comfortable. We recommend shoes/boots with ankle support.
6. A Change of Shoes – An often over-looked essential for a day spent on the trails. Throw your muddy, trail-worn shoes in the trunk and grab your extra pair for your next activities and the ride home. The driver of your car will thank you.
7. Your ID – You can’t get a celebratory drink without it! And you know you will want to relax on the patio after a long day of activity.
If your plan is just to stick with doing a short hike and check out some attractions in the Mountains, this list should get you through your day.
Stay tuned to the Colorado Ski Country USA Blog for more tips and inspiration this summertime in Colorado.
There’s nothing quite like a day off in Colorado. No school, no work. Just a wide-open schedule. You can practically hear the Rocky Mountains calling your name.
~Katie
