You’re going to Colorado! Woo-hoo! If you’re wondering what to take to this gorgeous and incredibly diverse state, this list is for you. Here’s your Colorado packing list for summer!
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You get to go to COLORADO! 🙌 If you’re a first-timer, you’re going to have the time of your life. Colorado is an amazing destination, and one you’ll fall in love with.
As someone who has been lucky enough to go to travel to Colorado many, many times over the last 20 years, I’ve got all the insider info on exactly what needs to be included in a Colorado packing list in summer.
This guide won’t go over regular packing basics…like socks and a toothbrush. But it will go over the Colorado essentials you need to pack, including some things you haven’t even thought about!
What to Pack for Colorado in summer
Okay so the very first thing you’ll do is consider the activities on your summer Colorado vacation. Will you be hanging out in charming mountain towns? Or will you be exploring national parks or amazing Colorado hiking trails that will require different types of clothing and gear?
It’s important to have a really good idea about which activities you’re planning so you don’t overpack. And so you have everything you’ll actually need during your vacation.
Will you be driving Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park? You’ll need layers for the cold.
Are you planning to go kayaking on the Blue Mesa Reservoir You’ll probably want water shoes and a rash guard!
Colorado summer packing list
Let’s dive into the list!
Sunblock
The sun is powerful at higher elevations! Every trip to Colorado, I’m reminded of this. 🤣
The chemicals in traditional sunblock are damaging to the environment, ending up in our waterways. Here’s my favorite earth-friendly sunscreen that works really well. The key with mineral sunscreen is to use a little and rub it in well.
Remember to re-apply and keep your skin covered!
Sunglasses and hat (a handy item on this Colorado packing list)
Speaking of sun protection, keeping your eyes and face protected will help when you’re high in altitude and outside a lot during the summer in Colorado.
Wearing a hat will help to protect your face and scalp. This cute mountain hat was perfect for my last summer trip to CO! And don’t forget the sunglasses!
Bug spray
Of all the trips to Colorado I’ve taken over my lifetime (too many to count, honestly), the mosquitos have been hit or miss. The higher elevations don’t tend to have mosquitos very thick, but it also depends on where you are, the wildfire situation and elevation.
So, I’d recommend adding it to your Colorado summer packing list just in case. This is my favorite all-natural bug spray that actually works great!
Hiking shoes and socks
If you’re planning any hikes in Colorado during the summer,, hiking boots with traction are incredibly helpful! These are the hiking boots I wear on my favorite hiking trails in Colorado and I love them!
With steep inclines and declines and a variety of surfaces, I’d recommend ankle support too. These are the hiking boots I wear in Rocky Mountain National Park, Telluride, Steamboat Springs, Colorado Springs, etc.
Of course, be sure to pair them with hiking socks, too. On one of my very first solo hiking adventures, I learned the importance of good hiking socks with painful blisters – ouch! These are my favorite brand of hiking socks, and you can get them for different boots and seasons.
Trekking poles
These trekking poles will come in handy to help you distribute the work between your legs and arms. They also assist while climbing up a steep trail and help you balance as you navigate the downward path.
Because you’ll find a mix of concrete, rock, dirt (or mud) trails, I recommend versatile trekking poles with interchangeable tips. These are the trekking poles I hike with and they worked perfectly.
Hiking backpack (a favorite on this list of what to pack for Colorado in summer)
As someone who’s hiked with a proper backpack and without, I can tell you with 100% certainty that it’s easier with a pack that’s designed to be worn for hiking. This is my favorite hiking backpack, and the one I wear on hikes all over, from Colorado to the Canadian Rockies, Glacier National Park and so many more places.
You’ll want a proper backpack to help distribute the weight on your body. Choosing one with a rain guard is wise for mountain hiking, considering the weather changes frequently! The Osprey Sirrus 24 is the perfect addition to this list of what to pack for Colroado in summer!
Bear spray (optional)
Black bears are common in some areas of Colorado. I remember my first trip to Sylvan Lake, I was definitely creeped out about coming across a bear while hiking the trails that overlook the lake. While it’s rare to see a bear, it is possible! Each adult should have bear spray easily accessible just in case
And although you don’t want an encounter with a bear to turn dangerous, having bear spray handy will keep peace of mind. If you’re driving to Colorado, grab this bear spray. If you’re flying in, you’ll need to pick some up at a store (it can’t fly on airplanes) before heading to an area that may have bears (like Rocky Mountain National Park).
So depending on where you’re heading and if you’re camping or doing a lot of hiking, bear spay might be a good idea for you.
Water shoes and dry bag
Okay, so I previously mentioned kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, but wanted to give this activity more detail. There are so many amazing places to enjoy the water in Colorado! From Grand Lake to Lake Dillon, Lake Estes and Sylvan Lake State Park or the Twins Lakes Reservoir, it really seems like there’s endless opportunities!
Whether you’re renting a kayak or you have your own, water shoes and a dry bag are absolute essentials! Keep your items (like cell phone and snacks) dry with a dry bag, and easily get your kayak or SUP in the water with these comfy water shoes.
I’ve used both on Colorado lakes for years, and don’t think this list of what to pack for Colorado in summer is complete without these items!
Colorado packing list summer: more on your checklist
There’s so much to consider when packing for a trip to Colorado. Let’s keep going with this checklist. Up next, something you’ll definitely need…
Layers, layers, layers
Is it cold in Colorado in the summer? Sometimes, yes! It can also be really hot, too!
Depending on which part of the state you’re traveling to and what time of day, the weather can vary from below freezing – like at the Alpine Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park – or over 100 degrees, like while visiting the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction.
So layers are critical if you’re wondering what to wear in Colorado during summer. I definitely recommend layers for all kinds of weather! Here are some Colorado favorites…
What to wear in Colorado
- Rain jacket – a must as rain showers are common in the mountains in Colorado.
- Hiking pants – for all your mountain adventures!
- Lightweight wool shirts – these aren’t your grandma’s wool sweaters! Dressing in sweat-free wool will help whether it’s cool or warm. Wool is kind of like a special kind of magic, if you ask me!
- Floral dress – for leisurely afternoon shopping in one of the best small towns in Colorado or while attending an event or concert.
- Swimming suit – if you’re heading to a fun spot like Glenwood Springs! Don’t forget a cute swim cover!
- Rash guard – for kayaking or paddle boarding. Especially helps with a life jacket and reduces sunburns, too.
Cute walking shoes for small towns
Speaking of what to wear in Colorado, some cute, comfy walking shoes are a must! Whether you’re planning to hang out in a charming mountain town like Idaho Springs or Estes Park, a casual shoe is perfect to pair with leggings or even a floral dress.
My favorite casual shoe are these waterproof Vessi shoes – versatile and simply perfect!
Reusable shopping bags
Speaking of shopping, the state of Colorado no longer allows single use plastic shopping bags – which is great for the environment!
So pack a few reusable shopping bags for your summer trip to Colorado.
Reusable water bottle (a must-have on this Colorado summer packing list)
And while we’re on the topic of reducing waste, opt for bringing some reusable water bottles on your vacation.
Whether you’re experiencing an epic Colorado road trip, visiting some of the state’s great national parks or spending a few days kayaking your favorite lakes, bringing reusable water bottles and refilling them at hotels or restaurants is an affordable and eco-friendly solution during your trip.
This is my favorite brand of reusable water bottles. I’ve taken them on many road trips throughout Colorado, plus other phenomenal destinations like Lagos Portugal, Monteverde Costa Rica, the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand and so many more.
Cooler for road trip
Perfect for traveling, this cooler folds down and pops up when you need to keep food and beverages cold. Whether you’re driving to Colorado from a neighboring state or flying in, this cooler is a convenient option for food and drink storage during your vacation.
Make sure to include a travel cooler if you’er wondering what to pack for Colorado in summer!
Snacks, snacks, snacks (a favorite on this Colorado packing list summer)
Who doesn’t love a good snack while on vacation? Whether you’re road tripping, hiking or you’re traveling with kids, plenty of snacks are helpful when you’re considering what to put on your Colorado packing list summer.
Healthy snacks, like fresh fruits and veggies or trail mix and beef jerky are all favorites that will keep energy up and help manage hanger pains.
Packing cubes
These seriously save so much space in your suitcase – it’s like packing magic! Use packing cubes to condense your clothes into smaller, organized luggage!
A large set of packing cubes is essential for traveling to Colorado. My family uses ours every time we travel, and it’s nice to have a variety of sizes for adults and kids.
Note: I’ve had many brands of packing cubes over the years, but the Well Traveled packing cubes are my absolute favorite! I love that there are several sizes in a set, but also that they’re adjustable, making it super convenient to fit any suitcase size. It also leaves room for souvenirs while traveling. 😉
Satellite communicator
Driving through the mountains and more remote parts of Colorado, you’ll run into a lot of the state that’s not within cell phone range. This satellite communicator allows for 2-way communication in the case of an emergency. Use it on a hiking trail, in a national park or road where there’s no cell phone service.
Every time I’ve traveled to Colorado in the last 10 years, I’ve had a device with me that’s more liable than the SOS service of a cell phone. Perfect for peace of mind and communication with loved ones when a cell phone won’t do it.
Gopro/drone (optional)
Take beautiful photos and videos during your vacation! With a GoPro camera, you can take amazing action shots from a car window, while hiking or sightseeing. It’s perfect for smooth videos, but also allows you to save your phone battery.
And if you want to level up your photography (literally), a mini travel drone may just be right for you. Make sure you’re following proper drone etiquette and learn the laws and how to fly safely before attempting this in Colorado (or elsewhere!)
Related: 16 Epic Colorado Drone Photos You’ll Love
👉Interested in drone photography? Learn how to take amazing drone photos and videos!
What to pack for Colorado in summer – free checklist to download
Okay are you ready to start packing for your Colorado vacation? Just customize this list based on your activities, the weather and your length of vacation.
Here’s your free checklist that includes everything on this guide plus more of the essential items you’ll need for travel.
And remember not to overpack! Enjoy colorful Colorado this summer!
Other Colorado content you might like:
Perfect Colorado Road Trip Itinerary: 22 Stops You Need to See
15 Charming Colorado Mountain Towns You’ll Absolutely Love
Summer in Breckenridge: 30 Amazing Things to Do
26 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Dillon CO You’ll Absolutely Love
16 Epic Colorado Drone Photos That Will Make You Want to Pack a Bag
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